Applications Open: 25 June 2026 - Applications will be open 6 weeks.

Finals: Milton Court - Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London, 10 April 2027

Categories: Community · Classical · Contemporary

Access: Bursaries available to help with application, travel or accommodation

How it works

• June: Choirs apply via a 6-minute video submission, online application form and £30 application fee

• Dec: 18 category finalists are selected and receive feedback from the preliminary judging panel

• Category finalists confirm place in live finals with £150 competition fee

• April 10: Daytime category finals across three sessions. Each choir performs a 10-minute programme

• The three category winners proceed to the Evening Grand Final

• Evening Grand Final includes guest performers, a professional host, and repeat performances from the three category winners

• One choir will be named UK Choir of the Year

All 18 finalists receive:

Expert feedback from the judging panel, professional photos and a video of their performance

Category Winners receive:

• Category title - eg UK Classical Choir of the Year

• Trophy to keep

• A year's subscription to Ear Master (music training software)

• Extra photos and video of their Grand Final performance

Overall Winner receives:

• Title of UK Choir of the Year

• One trophy to keep and one to return the following competition year

• £350 Cash prize

How the Competition Works