Hull International Choir Competition
Hull, Great Britain
30 April - 04 May 2027
As Yorkshire's only city on the water, Hull brings together historic architecture, creative energy, and a deeply rooted British singing tradition. Music and culture are part of everyday life here, and in 2027 the city once again opens its stage to choirs from around the world.
After the inspiring editions in 2023 and 2025, Hull invites international choirs to become part of this unique musical tradition. Anyone who sings here immediately feels how strongly the city and its audiences value choral music — an environment that motivates and uplifts.
The competition offers categories from Musica Sacra to Pop, Jazz & Gospel, welcoming ensembles of every type and size. Evaluation Performances provide valuable feedback from internationally respected choral professionals, turning participation into more than a performance, but into an opportunity for artistic growth.
Hull's longstanding choral heritage, its commitment to inclusion and participation, and its vibrant local music scene create a setting that makes this event truly special. Those who sing in Hull become part of a city that lives and loves music!
Choir Contact Ireland can help you plan an unforgettable choral trip for your choir. We take care of the planning, logistical arrangements, dealing with the ground operators and organisers, from start to finish, allowing you to focus on what matters most — the singing.
Contact us today at reservations@choircontactireland.ie to begin planning your choir's unforgettable experience in Hull, England!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation
Competitive | Mixed Choirs, Choirs of Equal Voices, Children‘s & Youth Choirs and Sacred Choral Music a cappella, Pop, Jazz and Gospel
Non-Competitive | Evaluation Performances | Individual Coachings | Friendship Concerts
Competition Categories
Category A – Difficulty Level I
A1 – Mixed Choirs
A2 – Choirs of Equal Voices
Category B – Difficulty Level II
B1 – Mixed Choirs
B2 – Choirs of Equal Voices
Category G – Children's and Youth Choirs
G1 – Children's Choirs
G2 – Youth Choirs
Category S – Sacred Choral Music a cappella
Category P – Pop, Jazz, Gospel
Evaluation Performance
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.
Whats Included in Your Festival Experience in Hull with CCI
- Festival Registration and participation management
- Accommodation in a 3* or 4* Hotel in Hull
- Daily Breakfast (other meals can be arranged as requested!)
- Flight sourcing and booking
- Return Airport transfers (with guide assistance on arrival)
- On-ground coordination
- Public transport guidance or optional private coach arrangements
- Dedicated CCI Tour Manager
- Ongoing tour support throughout your booking
We take care of the logistics — so you can focus on performance
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 Hull
Sample Tour Itinerary - Hull 2027!
Day 1 - Arrival & Festival Opening
Arrive in Hull and meet your local representative.
Transfer to your centrally located hotel and check in.
Attend scheduled stage rehearsals, evaluation performances or individual coaching sessions — a wonderful opportunity to refine your programme and receive artistic guidance before competition begins.
Enjoy time to explore Hull’s historic Old Town.
In the evening, all choirs gather for the Official Opening Event, marking the beginning of this inspiring international choral celebration in Yorkshire’s only waterfront city.
Evening at leisure.
Breakfast at hotel.
Participate in scheduled:
-
Stage rehearsals
-
Evaluation Performances (with immediate artistic feedback)
-
Individual Coaching sessions
-
Competition Performances
Friendship Concerts take place across Hull and surrounding venues, offering opportunities to perform for local audiences and connect with international choirs.
Non-performing time may be spent exploring:
-
Hull Minster
-
The Museum Quarter
-
Humber Street cultural district
-
The Marina and waterfront
Evening at leisure.
Breakfast at hotel.
Competitions continue across all categories.
Participate in additional Friendship Concerts throughout the city.
Free time for sightseeing or optional excursion to nearby Beverley or along the Humber Estuary.
Evening at leisure.
Breakfast at hotel.
Final rehearsals, evaluation sessions and remaining competition performances.
The excitement builds toward the Awards Ceremony & Closing Event, where choirs celebrate their achievements and become part of Hull’s proud musical tradition.
Evening at leisure.
Breakfast at hotel.
Free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping.
Hotel check-out and departure from Hull.
Return home with unforgettable memories, new international friendships and the pride of performing in one of Britain’s most musically passionate cities!
DEADLINE
Early Bird deadline: September 28, 2026
Registration deadline: December 07, 2026
FLIGHTS
Once you enquire with CCI you will be assigned your own dedicated festival planner, who will 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. CCI recommends that all travellers take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
A personalised quotation costs nothing, so contact us today on 01 888 7830
or email us at reservations@choircontactireland.ie
Let CCI take care of the logistics —while your choir creates unforgettable memories in Hull.