A new national amateur choral competition, UK Choir of the Year, has been announced, with applications set to open in June 2026.

The competition aims to celebrate excellence, diversity, and community in UK choral singing, welcoming choirs of all styles and sizes from across the country. The inaugural final will take place on 10 April 2027 at Milton Court, part of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

The judging panel for the first competition includes:

• Karen Gibson, conductor of The Kingdom Choir, who performed at the 2018 Royal Wedding
• Alice Fearn, known for roles in Wicked and Come From Away
• Will Todd, composer of Mass in Blue
• Dan Ludford-Thomas

Founded by Lucy Mitchell, the competition is a not-for-profit initiative designed to give amateur choirs greater national recognition.

Lucy says, “So many choirs are doing extraordinary work but rarely get the chance to be heard nationally. This competition exists to celebrate the standard,diversity, and community behind choral singing across the UK.”

To launch the competition, a fundraising concert will be held at Cadogan Hall on 18 May 2026. Performers include The Adam Street Singers, Citi London Choir, and Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir, with guest appearances from Dr Ranj Singh and Choir with No Name.

Proceeds from the concert will support competition development, access bursaries, and the work of Choir with No Name, which runs choirs for people affected by homelessness.

Sponsors

• Headline Sponsor: Printed Music Licensing Ltd
• Gold Sponsor: Choir & Organ magazine
• Silver Sponsors: ABRSM, Dorico, and EarMaster

Key Dates

• Fundraising concert: 18 May 2026 — Cadogan Hall, London
• Applications open: End of June 2026
• Competition final: 10 April 2027 — Milton Court, Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Full details here https://www.ukchoiroftheyear.org/

[source: press release]