Launch of UK Choir of the Year with applications open from 25 June

A new national competition is aiming to celebrate choral excellence. UK Choir of the Year is inviting amateur choirs in all genres from across the UK to compete with a final at Milton Court on 10 April 2026.

Founded by BAFTA judge and sound editor Lucy Mitchell, UK Choir of the Year aims to celebrate the breadth and quality of amateur choral singing across the UK. From 25 June, choirs are invited to apply. Following a preliminary video audition round, 18 selected finalists in three categories will perform live at Milton Court for the final.

The judges are composer Will Todd, conductor and vocal specialist Dan Ludford-Thomas, conductor and gospel specialist Karen Gibson and West End performer Alice Fearn.

Founder Lucy Mitchell commented, "There are thousands of amateur singers across the UK achieving remarkable things every week. We created UK Choir of the Year to celebrate that talent and provide choirs with a national platform on which to share their work." 

Jon Webber rehearsing for the UK Choir of the Year launch concert at Cadogan Hall

Full details from the UK Choir of the Year website.