Finalists announced for Lancashire Choir of the Year 2023

Hundreds of choirs from across Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen were once again invited to enter the competition, which was launched last year. Groups recorded their performances and sent in a video. A panel of experienced musicians carefully watched and listened to the entries and after much deliberation, have drawn up a final shortlist.

The six choirs to make the list are:

Blackburn People's Choir

The Capricorn Singers

Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic Dramatic Society - Show Choir (CPCAODS – Show Choir)

Nelson Civic Ladies' Choir

Valley Aloud Community Choir

Whitworth Community Choir

They will all perform live at a special celebration event at Lancaster University's Great Hall on Wednesday 29 November, 2023.

The judging panel on the night will consist of Saphena Aziz (Director of Inclusion at Curious Minds); Jane Irwin (professional soloist); Matthew Thomas (Musical Director of last year's winners, Rossendale Male Voice Choir); and County Councillor Phillippa Williamson (leader of Lancashire County Council). The event will be compered once more by vocalist Tim Uffindell. The winning choir and runners-up will be announced on the night, culminating with the crowning of the Lancashire Choir of Year 2023.

The public will get to have their say in the 'People's Choice' award, with voting opening soon. Last year, this award was scooped by the Lancaster Royal Grammar School Choir.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "Last year, we launched this competition as a way to celebrate the abundance of singing talent that we have in choirs across Lancashire. 

"Once again, the high quality of every performance gave our experienced judging panel a very tricky job in trying to whittle these stunning entries down to six, which was no mean feat!  These exceptional singers will now perform at the live celebration event at Lancaster University's Great Hall. 

"I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who entered this year's competition.  Unfortunately, not every choir could make the final shortlist but there was a very high standard this year and if you were unsuccessful, I'd strongly encourage you to reapply next time." 

For more information about the competition, including biographies of the six finalists, visit the Lancashire Choir of the Year 2023 website: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/choir-of-the-year/