22 Dec 2010

Flash-mob's Hallelujah Chorus too much for mall

4:45 pm on 22 December 2010

A spontaneous musical concert at a California shopping mall ended with the entire complex being evacuated after 5000 people turned up to sing.

The Roseville Galleria mall near Sacramento is reported to have started shaking because of the volume of people inside.

Fire and safety officials struggled not to spoil the festive mood as they evacuated the mall. One said: "You can keep singing, but please walk".

Thousands had gathered at the food court to take part in a group rendition of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" as part of a flash-mob concert - when groups of people - often strangers - conspire on social networking websites to turn up at the same place at the same time and start singing.

In this case, as they burst into song, there were reports that the floor began to move and creak, and witnesses reported hearing popping sounds.

No one was hurt and the structure was declared safe.

The assembled singers, organised by the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra, continued their impromptu concert outside.