Singalong-a-London: the musical we can all join in

Thousands of singers will take part in 10 days of events at venues ranging from the Tate boat to libraries and the No73 and No38 bus routes.

David and Carrie Grant from BBC's Fame Academy will give a bluffer's guide to the most vocally challenged at the Dana Centre at the Science Museum.

Gareth Malone from another TV series, The Choir, will lead renditions of songs about the capital at the Museum of London.There will also be singing tours of the National Gallery, with performances of appropriate songs in front of paintings, such as Madonna's Like A Virgin in front of Raphael's Madonna.

Soul singer Omar will give free lessons at the Jazz Café.

Members of the English National Opera chorus will offer one-to-one lessons using songs from their forthcoming production of Broadway musical Kismet and hope to help everyone find their voice.

John Berry, the ENO's artistic director, said: "This open day is for people who have never visited the Coliseum before. We hope it will be a little taster that will inspire them to take their singing further or spark an interest in opera and musical theatre.

"They won't be cracking high Cs after 20 minutes, though if they are we will snap them up." Sing London is the brainchild of Colette Hiller, an American actress who became a BBC producer and researcher. She said Londoners used to sing together in schools, churches and pubs, providing a sense of identity and community.

She added: "Today, singing has become the preserve of professionals and wannabes, as if you have to be good to even try. The idea behind Sing London is simple - singing belongs to everyone." Culture minister David Lammy said: "Singing has a particular power to uplift and enthuse people."

Sing London begins on 29 June with a late-night party for 5,000 at the Victoria and Albert Museum and concludes on 8 July with a mass singalong on the South Bank.