Spellbinding performances at the final of the 2023 Choir of the Year contest

Dressed smartly for the occasion in co-ordinating outfits, all of the choirs gave dazzling performances when they took to the stage at the atmospheric Great Hall, nestled in the heart of Lancaster University's campus. Each of the six finalists performed two show-stopping numbers back-to-back, live on the night.

Compere Tim Uffindell stirred the enthusiastic crowd of singers, VIP guests, judges, friends and family members into a frenzy, with every seat taken at the venue. He opened with a lively opening performance of 'I'll Be Waiting' and his introduction of each of this year's judges and talented finalists brought the first cheers of the night from the excited audience.

The all-female Capricorn Singers gave a spellbinding, lingering and atmospheric performance of 'Glow' with a very memorable touch, at the end, when they illustrated the lyrics further when they each held up a small candle in their outstretched hands. In a complete change of pace, with a more jaunty feel, they gave an energetic performance of 'Thank You For the Music.'

Valley Aloud Community Choir, a mix of male and female singers, began with a softly-sung but rousing rendition of 'The Rose' followed by an unforgettable performance of  'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' which featured quirky, fun interactions between the choir members and their musical director! They even tricked the audience into thinking they had completed the song, only for them to return to finish off with a rising scale, which sped up to a dramatic finish!

A much smaller choir, but no less talented or energetic, the Whitworth Community Choir gave a feisty and interactive performance of 'America' which showed off how well they were able to play off each other's strengths. Their version of 'Carrickfergus' saw them deftly demonstrate a different side to their talents, as this was much slower, more delicate and featured higher, lingering notes, with beautifully overlapping sections.

The mixed-gender Blackburn People's Choir gave an effortless Acapella performance of 'Why We Sing' which perfectly showcased the varied range of vocal talents that they have, with three members performing solos at the front of the stage for a strong finish. For their rendition of 'I Say A Little Prayer' the audience were treated to an amusing 'warm up' before the fast-paced choir gave a very cohesive, well-rehearsed performance with another surprise ending.

The Nelson Civic Ladies' Choir gave a lilting, cheerful performance of 'The Nightingale' which they had rehearsed to perfection, with not a note out of place, with the ladies' voices overlapping in such a way that they almost reminded the listener of real birdsong. 'The Snow' meanwhile, had a slower, more melancholy tone which felt very timeless and also allowed the pianist's complimentary performance to shine. They exited the stage to the loudest clapping of the night and a few cheers as well!

Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic Dramatic Society (CPCAODS) Show Choir rounded off the night's performances with an inspiring, enthusiastic, version of 'Stand By Me' which showed off the scope of this mixed-gender, mixed-ages choir. They continued to energetically show this variety in 'Over the Rainbow' which was more soulful and emotional, without losing any of its upbeat tone.

The judging panel consisted of Matthew Thomas, musical director of last year's winners, the Rossendale Male Voice Choir; Jane Irwin, professional soloist; Saphena Aziz, director of inclusion at Curious Minds; and County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council.

Following the fantastic performances, a short film, 'Lancashire: County of Song' was played, followed by a video performance from last year's winners, the Rossendale Male Voice Choir, and music by the House Band while the judges built the suspense with a short break while they chose each of the various category winners.

The People's Choice award was voted for by the public ahead of the event, with the winner, The Capricorn Singers revealed on the night, to rapturous applause.

The Third Place Runner-up was Blackburn People's Choir, with the Second Place Runner-up The Capricorn Singers and after much anticipation, Nelson Civic Ladies' Choir was named the Winner in an explosive round of applause, yelling and cheering.

They were awarded a professional recording session, and the runners-up and People's Choice choirs were offered a professional vocal workshop.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, and the instigator of the competition said: "It was wonderful being in the audience for the 2023 Choir of the Year contest. For the second year running, it was so hard to guess who would be crowned the winner as every single performance was so expressive and full of talent and energy, giving the judges a difficult decision to make.

"Congratulations to the Nelson Civic Ladies' Choir, whose performance was inspiring and unforgettable.

"My compliments to everyone who took part and especially the finalists, who showed us what an unstoppable force of talent we have in Lancashire. I am already excited to see what next year will bring."

For details of all the winners see https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/choir-of-the-year/winners/