Lichfield Festival announces Midlands Choir of the Year finalists

The search for the Midlands Choir of the Year 2026 is one step closer with the announcement of six finalists who will compete for the title at the historic Lichfield Cathedral as part of Lichfield Festival on Sunday 12 July.

The finalists are Cantare (Derby), Friday Voices (Anslow, Burton-on-Trent), Inspire Choir (Lichfield), RWT Singers (Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Staff Choir, Wolverhampton), Six Town Sound (Stoke-on-Trent), Staffordshire Show Choir (Staffordshire). 

From the initial entries, 11 choirs were invited to Lichfield for the semi-final on Sunday 10 May where they performed before the jury at The Hub at St Mary’s, Lichfield. 

The judging panel were treated to repertoire ranging from Joni Mitchell and Radiohead to Eric Whitacre and Randy Newman, plus arrangements of folk songs and contemporary classical choral repertoire and a good smattering of music theatre hits from Wicked and Hamilton amongst others.

There are two female-voice groups and four mixed-voice groups in the final, covering barbershop, music theatre and 'traditional' choral music. 

As well as a trophy, the winners receive a cash prize of £1,000 and an invitation to sing at the following year’s Lichfield Festival.  

An additional £500 prize is awarded by the audience to the choir of their choice.  Midlands Choir of the Year Competition is supported by Principal Sponsor, Rayburn Tours.

2024 Midlands Choir of the Year and current champions, MaleVox, will also give a special guest performance at the final. 

Organiser and festival director Damian Thantrey said: “Each time we hear our choirs live, we're blown away by their commitment and the incredibly high level of their musicality and stagecraft. 

"On Sunday, we were treated to 11 incredible performances and selecting a final six was the most difficult it has been, given the technical accomplishment, emotional intensity and sheer joy each group brought to the stage.”

Midlands Choir of the Year Final is at Lichfield Cathedral on Sunday 12 July, 7.30pm as part of Lichfield Festival. 

Lichfield Festival runs from 7-19 July - find out more information about tickets.