Last call for entries to Lancashire's Choir of the Year 2022 competition
Singing groups have until 31 July to be in with a chance of gracing the stage of the Charter Theatre as they compete to be crowned Lancashire's Choir of the Year.
Lancashire County Council's new competition aims to encourage a wide range of choirs from communities, workplaces and schools to come together to showcase their love of singing.
People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part, with the inaugural competition open to people from Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen.
The upper limit on choir members has been removed so larger choirs of 40+ can enter.
Schools can also enter choirs featuring pupils aged 12 and above. Non-school based choirs can include people of all ages.
To enter, choirs simply need to record their performances and send us the video. The last date for entries is Sunday 31 July.
A panel made up of experienced singers and musicians will judge the videos and decide who will go to the live final at Charter Theatre in Preston on 24 November 2022.
The six finalists will all perform live on the night in the theatre, which is based within the iconic Guild Hall complex.
The panel will then announce the overall winner, as well as category winners and a 'People's Choice' award, with the winners being awarded a range of prizes.
County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, is now urging Lancashire's diverse array of musical talent to enter the competition before the 31 July deadline.
Cllr Buckley said: "Lancashire's Choir of the Year 2022 is an opportunity for us to celebrate some of the talented musical ensembles we have that bring joy to many, week in, week out.
"Singing is a great way of bringing people together from all walks of life, and we want to show the diverse array of singing groups based here in Lancashire.
"We've also removed the upper limit so that large choirs of more than 40 people can enter, and I am excited to see the finalists perform live at the Charter Theatre.
"If you are based in Lancashire, Blackpool or Blackburn with Darwen, we'd love to hear from you."
Cllr Buckley made a final call for entries while providing an update to elected members today (Thursday 14 July) at a meeting of the full council in County Hall.
These calls have been echoed by Tim Rogers, head of music service for Lancashire County Council, who is calling for singing groups of all shapes and sizes to apply.
He said: "Thank you to everyone who have already entered the competition. We've had lots of great entries so far but there's still time to get yours in.
"It doesn't matter what kind of music you perform, whether you're the new kids on the block an experienced musical ensemble – we want to hear from you."
Anyone interested in entering should visit the Lancashire Choir of the Year 2022 website.