International Choir Competition Blackpool, UK

Dates: 10 September - 14 September 2026 | Blackpool, Great Britain

Experience the harmony of voices and the charm of a vibrant seaside destination: The first-ever International Choir Competition Blackpool invites choirs from around the world to showcase their talent and creativity in one of England's most popular seaside towns. Come and join an unforgettable celebration of music and culture!

The world-famous Blackpool Winter Gardens will open its doors for the event, featuring the elegant Empress Ballroom. The Winter Gardens are celebrated for their exceptional acoustics and timeless beauty, offering choirs the perfect stage to create unforgettable musical moments.

With competition in diverse categories, choirs of all ages and styles can find their spotlight. Beyond competing, participants can enrich their experience through workshops or Evaluation Performances led by international choral experts.

While music takes center stage, Blackpool offers endless attractions to explore. Stroll along the famous promenade, soak up the sun on the sandy beaches, or marvel at the panoramic views from Blackpool Tower.

Are you ready to sing and shine in 2026? Join us for an event that promises inspiration, education, and entertainment at every turn!

Choir Contact Ireland can help you plan an unforgettable choral trip for your choir.  We take care of the planning and logistical arrangements, dealing with the ground operators and organisers, allowing you to focus on the singing. Contact us today for more information and sing with your choir in Blackpool!

 

 

PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES

Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation

Competition | Adult Choirs, Mixed Choirs, Choirs of Equal Voices, Children‘s and Youth Choirs, Pop, Jazz, Gospel and Folklore

Evaluation Performances | Individual Coachings | Friendship Concerts 

Competition Categories

Category A – Adult Choirs

A1 – Mixed Choirs

A2 –  Choirs of Equal Voices

 

Category G – Children's and Youth Choirs

G1 – Children's Choirs

G2 – Youth Choirss

 

Category P – Pop, Jazz, Gospel

 

Category F – Folklore

Evaluation Performances

For non-competing choirs

- Three pieces of the choir's choice

- Performed before a panel of qualified international jurors who provide immediate positive artistic and pedagogical advice for improvement

- Certificates of participation will be awarded, as well as evaluation ratings and recommendation letters for future competitions upon request

 

Number of singers: unlimited
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Accompaniment: possible
Duration: 45 minutes

 

For competing choirs

- Presentation of the competition program the day before competitions begin

- Performed before a panel of qualified international jurors who provide immediate positive artistic and pedagogical advice for improvement

- The evaluation does not involve preliminary decisions regarding the competition result

 

Number of singers: according to category rules
Singing time: according to category rules
Accompaniment: according to category rules
Duration: 45 minutes

Individual Coaching

-One piece of the choir’s choice

- With an international choral expert for stimulating artistic ideas and interpretive guidance

- For an effective rehearsal, choirs must prepare one piece in advance

Number of singers: unlimited
Singing time: 45 minutes rehearsal session
Accompaniment: possible

Frienship Concerts

Participating choirs may register to perform together with other international choirs. Choirs must prepare approximately 15 minutes of their own music pre-approved by the artistic committee. The concert should be preferably a cappella or with own instruments. Piano or digital piano can be provided upon request.

Please be aware that several friendship concerts are planned open air. In the event that weather conditions do not allow this, some concerts may be cancelled due to the weather. The organizers will try to manage alternatives but choirs do not have any legal claim to this.

Choirs can also take part in friendship concerts only.

Tour Manager

A CCI Tour Manager will be assigned to you for the duration of your booking, to assist in the pre-departure preparations and to assist with any issues during your stay. The tour manager does not travel with the group.

Transportation While in Blackpool

Choirs usually make their way around the city with the local guide via public transport. However, we can arrange coach transportation for your group as required.
 

 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1

  • Arrival
  • Stage Rehearsals
  • Evaluation Performances and Individual Coachings
  • Opening Concert
  • Concerts & performances in Blackpool and surrounding area
  • Sightseeing and excursions*
Day 2
  • Stage Rehearsals
  • Evaluation Performances and Individual Coachings
  • Competitions
  • Concerts & performances in Blackpool and surrounding area
  • Sightseeing and excursions*
Day 3
  • Stage Rehearsals
  • Evaluation Performances and Individual Coachings
  • Competitions
  • Concerts & performances in Blackpool and surrounding area
  • Sightseeing and excursions*
Day 4
  • Stage Rehearsals
  • Evaluation Performances and Individual Coachings
  • Competitions
  • Awards Ceremony
  • Closing Event
  • Concerts & performances in Blackpool and surrounding area
  • Sightseeing & excursions*
Day 5
  • Sightseeing and excursions*
  • Departure

DEADLINE

Early Bird deadline: February 02, 2026

Registration deadline: April 13, 2026

FLIGHTS

Once you enquire with CCI you will be given your own dedicated festival planner, and this planner will also assist you with the booking of flights for your group. Choir Contact experienced travel consultants are able to advise you on the most appropriate flight options and will advise best fares at time of booking. We use the most up-to-date modern technology for searching best fares including low cost carriers, allowing us to book you the best flights at the best fares for a fully co-ordinated service. We use both low-cost internet fares and our long-standing relationships with other carries to ensure that we can secure the best travel option for your choir. We will advise you on luggage allowance and all details relating to your flight booking. Travel Insurance CCI recommend that all travellers take out travel insurance at the time of booking.

 

A quotation costs nothing, so contact us today on 01 888 7830

 or email us at reservations@choircontactireland.ie