UK Choir Festival
"One of the most awe-inspiring choral festivals of the world"

Experience the Choral Harmony

UK Choir Festival

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of choral music at the UK Choir Festival.
Discover the joy of singing with talented choirs from around the world.

UK Choir Festival - Learn, Develop, Perform
UK Choir Festival
5000+

Singers attended

Singers of all ages and abilities have joined us at the festival.
Everyone is welcome!

250+

 Choirs attended

We have welcomed choirs from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Iceland, India and the United States.

30+

Festival Events

We have hosted events across the UK including St Albans, Manchester, Chichester, Exmouth and York.

Discover the Festival Experience

Community Choirs ~ Gospel Choirs ~ Youth & School Choirs ~ Glee Clubs ~ Choral Societies ~ Chamber Choirs ~ Barbershop Choirs and more

Launched in 2016, The UK Choir Festival has been hailed by American Express Essentials as “One of the most ‘Awe-Inspiring Choral Festivals of the World’. We have welcomed over 5000 attendees since its conception from over 200 choirs. The festival aims to support, train and bring choirs together in a great setting where they can learn, develop and thrive.

The festival is designed for choirs of all abilities, ages and style, no matter whether you are a local community choir, a cappella choir, school or university choir, gospel choir, choral society or barbershop choir. If you sing….. you’re welcome!

Choirs love being part of this exciting and dynamic festival, where learning and making great music is at its heart. Choirs of all sizes attend from as small as a quartet to those with 100+ members, and individuals can also attend without their choirs if they choose do so.

The UK Choir Festival is produced to give choirs the opportunity to be taught by some of the best workshop leaders in the UK, in a supportive, informative, collaborative, non-competitive and inspiring conference-style setting. It involves practical and method teaching, and everyone is involved as we work on vocal technique, performance, stage craft, blend and balance, language, and work on new styles and genres of singing.

Attendees watch and take part in a series of workshops led by our experts who then come together for a joint session in the afternoon. There’s lots of singing, lots of great music-making and a lot of fun to be had – attendees come away feeling uplifted, excited and ready to work on the what they have learned.

The festival is non-competitive, but very much ‘hands-on’ for everyone to watch and learn from each other. At the end of each day, choirs get the opportunity to perform (if they choose to) in front of each other and the panel of workshop leaders who give each choir written constructive critique to help them leave with confidence, ambition and improved skills.

From Pop and Gospel to Classical, Vocal Technique and Performance,
there is something for everyone at the UK Choir Festival

Inspirational

In conference style, everyone gets to learn together from our amazing line-up of workshop leaders as they teach and inspire in their specialism

Non-Competitive

Perform as part of your choir on stage in your own showcase,lifting the roof and demonstrating everything you’ve learnt!

Fun

Together you will work on a number of joint pieces, led by our team of workshop leaders as they bring everyone together to sing expertly en masse

UK Choir Festival

What is the UK Choir Festival ?

👇 See for yourself 👇
UK Choir Festival

The Joint Session

The festival includes The Joint Session where our amazing workshop leaders come together for a 75min session to work on a single piece. This collaborative session brings together the talent and expertise of all our workshop leaders of the day in an engaging and hugely interactive session for everyone to enjoy.
UK Choir Festival

Platinum Sessions

Platinum Sessions have always played a big part in the festival with invaluable 1-2-1 feedback and Q & A with our workshop leaders.  Don’t miss the opportunity at the end of the festival day to have your own private session (2x 20mins or 1x 40mins) filled with  invaluable advice from our exceptional team of experts.

Our Workshop Leaders

The UK Choir Festival works with the very best workshop leaders and educators in the UK

Emily Dickens

Stephanie
Oyerinde

Karen Gibson

Suzzie Vango

Mat Wright

Ula Weber

Russell Scott

Volney Morgan

Steve Cook

Seb Farrall

Richard Eteson

Stuart Overington

Rachel Mason

Pete Churchill

Nicholas Cleobury

Matthew Roughley

Neil Ferriss

Joanna Tomlinson

James Davey

Mark Delisser

Katie Thomas

Dominic Ellis-Peckham

Ken Burton

Joanna L'Estrange

Greg Beardsell

Jamie Wright

Fola Phillip

Craig Lees

Charles MacDougall

Ben Sawyer

Daniel Thomas

Audrey Matthis

Ben Parry

Carla Jane

Ayo Oyerinde

Bazil Meade

Dan Ludford-Thomas

Howard Francis

UK Choir Festival

Experience Unforgettable Events

Events across the UK and beyond

Berlin 2025

UK Choir Festival
Sat 10th - Sun 11th May 2025

Join us for an EXCLUSIVE EVENT
at the world famous Berlin Philharmonie

Book Now
TICKETS JUST £99
Mat WrightEmily DickensCraig LeesVolney Morgan

St Albans 2025

UK Choir Festival
Sat 18th - Sun 19th Oct 2025

Join us for our flagship WEEKEND event
at the stunning St Albans High School for Girls

Craig LeesStuart OveringtonJoanna TomlinsonCarla JaneSeb FarrallAudrey MattisUK Choir FestivalUK Choir Festival

Manchester 2026

UK Choir Festival
Sat 28th Feb 2026

We are back in Manchester in 2026
at the fantastic Manchester High School for Girls

UK Choir FestivalUK Choir FestivalUK Choir FestivalUK Choir Festival

Easy Booking Options

Hold tickets for 14 days whilst you finalise numbers and collect ticket monies from choir members.

To give choir directors time to finalise ticket numbers and collect in monies, we offer the option to hold your tickets for 14 days.
This simply holds off the seats in our system in case of selling out to ensure you get your tickets, they are not actually reserved for you,
so once you are ready to book, simply click the link to book your tickets and your hold will be released automatically.
HOLD YOUR TICKETS FOR 14 DAYS BEFORE PURCHASE

Ready to Book ?


Simply Click the BOOK NOW button under the event you wish to book
Information:
General Admission tickets are for guests only and those not attending with their choir.  General admission tickets are seated individuallyReservations are only available to choirs booking a minimum of 8 tickets and not for those purchasing General Admission tickets*
A 3.5% booking fee is applied to all bookings at the time of purchase. All prices are inclusive of VAT.
Platinum tickets are on a first come first served basis and are not guaranteed by a reservation.
Bookings are non-refundable, non-transferrable and non-exchangeable unless the event is cancelled.
Terms and conditions apply.

Festival Schedule

Explore our exciting festival schedule filled with workshops and performances designed for all choirs.

Scroll to select a tab below to view the day's schedule

9:00 am
UK Choir Festival
Registration
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
9:30 am
Festival Welcome
Russell Scott
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
9:45 am
Morning Warm-Up
Warm Up
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
10:00 am
Emily Dickens
Workshop: Pitch Perfect
Workshop
Emily Dickens
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
Explore the world of Vocal Jazz and A Cappella singing with leading choral director and soprano Emily Dickens as you discover healthy, free and fun singing. Learn the techniques to master your own unique instrument before testing it out in our a cappella ensemble as we discover the key to connected ensemble singing, beautiful blend and the secrets to perfect choral balance. Expect choreography, songs you won’t forget and to dance away singing!
11:00 am
Morning Break
Time at Leisure
11:30 am
Mat Wright
Workshop: Perform with Artistry
Workshop
Mat Wright
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
Great choirs sing with flawless and seemingly effortless technical skills. Great intonation, rhythmic accuracy and phrasing, resonance, balance, dynamic sensitivity and tone quality underpin great performances. But what is it that elevates performances so that they move audiences and performers and produce extraordinary emotive moments that transcend technical precision? Exceptional choirs are able to communicate a story with integrity and are able to convey a deep emotional connection through their performance. Audiences watch performances to be moved by what they see and hear, and the relationship between performers and audience members is crucial and is often misunderstood. Audiences love to see performers emotionally invested and perform with a genuine and authentic connection. They will always forgive a wrong note but they will never forgive a lack of energy, passion and commitment! During this workshop we will explore how we can elevate performances and make them compelling for audiences.
12:30 pm
Lunch Break & Rehearsals
Time at Leisure
1:30 pm
Craig Lees
Workshop: Pop & Rock
Workshop
Craig Lees
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
Singing rock and pop repertoire with your choir is now more popular than ever. But how do you ensure your performances truly stand out? In this exciting workshop we'll explore the secrets to crafting dynamic, authentic, and stylistically aware performances that both your choir and audiences will love. Together we will dive into the tools and techniques needed for singing, performing, and arranging Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) with your choir and we'll create a fun and engaging musical arrangement that you can take back to your choir and enjoy singing.
2:30 pm
Volney Morgan
Workshop: The Gospel Session
Workshop
Volney Morgan
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
Dive into the uplifting world of gospel music! Whether you're a shower singer or just curious, this class welcomes all with open arms. Gospel music isn't just about singing; it's about feeling the rhythm, embracing the spirit, and connecting with a community that shares your passion. In this immersive class, you'll learn vocal technique, harmonies, and the soul of gospel music. The ever energetic Volney Morgan will guide you through beautiful melodies and powerful lyrics that will resonate with your heart and soul. Experience the joy of singing in a group, where every voice matters, and feel the energy that only gospel music can bring. Join us and let the music move you. Feel the beat, find your voice, and become part of a community that celebrates togetherness and the transformative power of music. Let's make a joyful noise together!
3:30 pm
Afternoon Break
Time at Leisure
4:00 pm
UK Choir Festival
Joint Workshop
Workshop
All Workshop Leaders
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
This final workshop of the day is a collaboration by all the workshop leaders working on the joint pieces to be performed at the main concert, whilst giving everyone the opportunity to take part. Putting together all the learnings of the day, this session is aimed at consolidating whilst giving choirs the opportunity to work with all 4 workshop leaders at the same time.
6:00 pm
Dinner Break
Time at Leisure
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
8:00 pm
UK Choir Festival
Evening Concert
Performance
St Mattäus Church, Berlin
A wonderful opportunity to perform a 15min set of repertoire of your choice in the beautiful St. Matthäus Church. This concert will be open to the general public.
10:00 pm
Close
9:00 am
Festival Welcome
Russell Scott
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
9:15 am
Morning Warm-Up
Warm Up
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
9:30 am
UK Choir Festival
Joint Workshop
Workshop
All Workshop Leaders
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
The second joint workshop focuses on working more on the joint pieces to be performed at the main concert.
10:30 am
Morning Break
Time at Leisure
11:00 am
UK Choir Festival
Joint Workshop
Workshop
All Workshop Leaders
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
The final joint workshop focuses on polishing up the joint pieces to be performed at the main concert.
12:00 pm
UK Choir Festival
Choir Performance Workshops
Workshop
All Workshop Leaders
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
Each choir will get the opportunity of working and performing on their concert repertoire in a 'masterclass' format with our esteemed panel of workshop leaders
1:00 pm
Lunch Break & Rehearsals
Time at Leisure
2:30 pm
UK Choir Festival
Choir Performance Workshops
Workshop
All Workshop Leaders
Simon Bolivar Hall, Berlin Library Complex
Each choir will get the opportunity of working and performing on their concert repertoire in a 'masterclass' format with our esteemed panel of workshop leaders
4:30 pm
Afternoon Break
Time at Leisure
5:00 pm
UK Choir Festival
Concert Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Berlin Philharmonie Chamber Hall
Transfer to the Berlin Philharmonie Chamber Hall for Technical Rehearsals in preparation for the evening concert which will be open to the general public.
7:00 pm
Pre-Concert Break
Time at Leisure
8:00 pm
UK Choir Festival
Festival Concert
Performance
Berlin Philharmonie Chamber Hall
The culmination of a fantastic weekend concludes at the world famous Berlin Philharmonie where each choir will perform a 20min set. In the second half of the concert, the joint pieces will also be performed. This concert will be open to the general public and listed on the Berlin Philharmonie programme of events.
10:00 pm
Close
St Albans Schedule Coming Soon
St Albans Schedule Coming Soon

Tickets

Great Options... Great Value

GOLD

FOR CHOIRS AND THEIR CHOIR DIRECTORS
£39.50
per person, per day
Unreserved Seating
Access to all Workshops
Complimentary Festival Programme
Complimentary Refreshments
Opportunity to Perform
Performance Feedback

PLATINUM

FOR CHOIRS AND THEIR CHOIR DIRECTORS
£45
per person, per day
Priority Seating
Access to all Workshops
Complimentary Festival Programme
Complimentary Refreshments
Opportunity to Perform
Performance Feedback
1-2-1 Session with Workshop Leaders

GENERAL ADMISSION

FOR THOSE  NOT ATTENDING WITH A CHOIR
£49.50
per person, per day
Unreserved Seating
Access to all Workshops
Complimentary Festival Programme
Complimentary Refreshments
Prices above are for UK Events only. For international events please visit the event ticket page

FAQs

Discover answers to common questions here.
For anything else please contact us below.

Tickets

Choir leaders should book their attendees in a group booking selecting the correct ticket type.  Additional tickets can be purchased at any time up to the event,  a code will be sent post-purchase to use when adding extra attendees.  Choir leaders should purchase the same ticket type as their choir, unless attending on their own without their choir in which case they need a General Admission ticket.  Attendees who are attending without their choir should purchase a General Admission ticket. GOLD and PLATINUM tickets have a minimum order of 8 tickets.

Music

Unless otherwise stated, there is nothing to learn or prepare for the festival.  All music taught will be done by either rote or with lyrics/music printed in our complimentary festival programme which is given to all attendees upon arrival.  We do not use an OHP to ensure maximum engagement at all our events.

Performing

Choirs have the option of performing.  We encourage all choirs to perform, and whilst it is not mandatory, choirs get a fantastic experience from doing so, as almost all choirs perform.  Choirs are welcome to perform a cappella, with acoustic instruments (a grand piano is available for use) or backing track.  Pianists who are playing for choirs but not attending the full day will not need a ticket (unless arriving before the performance session), but we must be notified in advance of their attendance.  Shortly before the festival choir leaders will be requested to submit details of their performance. Performances are non-competitive, but are constructively critiqued by our workshop leaders in written form (this is not X-Factor!).  Notes are handed directly to choir leaders at the end of the event.

Platinum Sessions

We offer a limited number of Platinum Sessions where choirs can benefit from a 40min 1-2-1 session (or 2x 20min sessions) with our workshop leaders, to work on the notes from their performance, ask questions, and get direct support and guidance from our experts.

Photography & Filming

Unless otherwise advised, attendees are welcome to take photographs and videos (without the use of flash) during the festival including choir performances.

Accommodation & Travel

The festival is non-residential but we are able to help with any accommodation or travel requirements. For UK and International ACCOMMODATION ONLY requirements please contact our travel partner, Room4Groups. For international tour package enquiries (including flights) please Complete your Enquiry here for more information.

Refreshments

We provide complimentary tea and coffee at all UK events.  Attendees are welcome to bring food and drink with them for snacks/lunch.  There are several places to grab food and drink in the local area.A full service cafe serving breakfast/lunch and snacks is available at our Manchester venue.

Parking

There is good parking at all our venues along with access for coaches and buses.  Full details are provided in the information packs available shortly before the event.

Disabled Access

All venues are disabled-friendly and have accessibility for all attendees.  We ask choir leaders to notify us within good time of any disabled access requirements so we can accommodate them and ensure a great experience for everyone.  Whilst we cannot guarantee seating or special requests, we will do everything possible to accommodate.  Disabled parking is also available but subject to capacity.