Trust Music is delighted to bring you the 2026 Bolton Choirs Festival in conjunction with our partners, Bolton Music Service.

Bolton Choirs Festival Saturday 14th March 2026
Celebrating the richness of choral singing in our area.
Choirs of all kinds have been invited to take part in this non competitive festival.
Choirs will have a 12 minute slot, followed by positive feedback and suggestions from choral leader / adjudicator Imelda Shirley from Sing for Pleasure
A workshop/performance by a guest choir to finish will complete a perfect day

What’s included?

• Choir’s festival performances
• Expert feedback for each choir
• Workshop & concert given by Manchester Vocal Ensemble
• The cost is only £10 per person for the whole package
• For those Choirs confirmed as taking part, all Choir Members will need to book online by Monday 16th February (see below)
• Festival Venue: The Victoria Hall, 37 Knowsley St, Bolton BL1 2AS

Information for choirs

• All the choirs performing will have reserved seating together in the auditorium, where they will sit before and after their performance.
• Each choir will have a 12 minute slot (maximum) and will perform to the other choirs. There will be a piano available and you will need to provide your own accompanist. Each choir will have a short rehearsal slot before their performance, in a separate room.
• Friendly constructive feedback will be given at the end of each session.
• A workshop and short concert by Manchester Vocal Ensemble will end the festival.

Programme for the day

10:15pm                   Doors open for participants
11.00—12.45pm       Festival Session 1 (including feedback)
12.45—1.45pm         Lunch (singers can bring a packed lunch)
2.00—3.30pm           Festival session 2 (including feedback)
3.30—3.45pm           Short break
4:00pm—4.45pm      Workshop/ performance by Manchester Vocal Ensemble 

How does our choir register?

We expect that the festival will book up quickly and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
To book, your choir leader should email carolyn.baxendale@btinternet.com with the following information:
The name of your choir and choir representative
Contact phone number and email address
Number of expected singers who will perform at the festival
We will then confirm with you if you have secured a place in the festival.

What should each choir member do?

Once your choir place has been confirmed then each member should book their ticket online by 16th February.
CHOIR MEMBERS please book your place here
Please make sure that you choose the participant ticket which shows the name of your choir.

The cost of the festival is £10 (tea/coffee will be available to purchase during the break)

AUDIENCE TICKETS

Audience tickets will be available nearer the time. A link will be added to our website when these tickets are available.
Tickets will be only be on sale via our online box office
All proceeds will go to our Gift of Music Campaign which aims to remove barriers to music education for young people.
Our goal is to ensure that all young musicians can continue their musical journey, regardless of their ability to pay.

If you require more information, then please contact us by email ask@trustmusic.org.uk or phone 07939220319