Lancashire Choir of the Year 2022 graphic

Lancashire Choir of the Year 2022 enters next phase as shortlisting begins

The search to find the county's finest choral talent has entered its next phase, with the shortlisting for Lancashire Choir of the Year 2022 now underway.

People of all ages and abilities were encouraged to take part in this year's inaugural competition, which was open to people from Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen.

Now the deadline for entries has passed, an experienced panel of musicians will judge the videos and decide who will go to the live final.

The six choirs who make the shortlist will all perform live at a special celebration event to be held at the Charter Theatre in Preston on 24 November 2022.

The judging panel will announce the overall winner on the night, as well as a number of category winners, with a range of prizes to be won.

Members of the public will also get to cast their vote in the 'People's Choice' award, which will be announced on the night. Public voting will open in October.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, has thanked all the choirs who took the time to enter the competition.

Cllr Buckley said: "This competition sets the stage for us to celebrate the many choirs, vocal ensembles and operatic societies we have in Lancashire.

"We've been amazed by the response, and our judges now face the difficult task of whittling down all of the entries to a shortlist of six. The public will also get to vote for their personal favourite in the People's Choice award.

"I just want to take this opportunity to thank all of the choirs who entered and have supported this year's competition.

"Given the fantastic response, we're confident we will be able to continue to shine a light on the musical talent in Lancashire once the last notes have been sung on this year's competition."

For more information about the competition, visit the Lancashire Choir of the Year 2022 website.