The finalists
The wait to find the Lancashire Choir of the Year 2024 is almost over, as we can now reveal who has made it into the final six.
Choirs made up of people of all ages were encouraged to take part in this year's competition, which was open to singing groups from Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen.
To enter, choirs were asked to record their performances and send in a video.
The six choirs to make the list are detailed below and you'll be able to have your say on your favourite in the 'People's Choice' award, with voting opening in October. Keep an eye on our socials for further announcements and good luck to all choirs!
Barton Road Community Choir
Barton Road Community Choir has been singing and bringing limitless joy to audiences for the last decade. Unscientific studies show that attending a Barton Road Choir rehearsal releases 3.7 gazillion endorphins into your body. Our repertoire ranges from the popular to the traditional to the downright bizarre and is constrained only by the unfortunate fact that our Musical Director can only play 4 chords on her guitar.
The mutually supportive act of singing together is powerful and has helped us through good times and bad times. It’s probably true that we’re a choir that punches above our weight - we possess an infectious energy and a cheerful belief that we can achieve absolutely anything!
The Basics Vocalize Choir
The Basics Vocalize Choir sees young people from ages 13 - 19 work collectively as one voice. Representing the voice of their generation, Vocalize voices the exciting new talents of the future by putting their own spin on classic songs or expressing their shared love for musical theatre and music of today.
Vocalize are proud to perform for local events with Pendleside Hospice and host their own cabaret evenings in venues such as Crow Wood, Burnley and Padiham Town Hall.
The Capricorn Singers
Cleveleys-based The Capricorn singers, led by our Musical Director Chrissie Mason and accompanied by the very talented Ian Whalley, is a three-part Ladies Choir. We perform a varied repertoire, covering everything from classic favourites to lesser-known pieces - including pop and rock, musical theatre, film soundtracks and easy-listening.
This year we have been celebrating four spectacular decades of entertaining audiences, raising thousands of pounds for charities, and, most importantly, having fun! We are proud to be the 2023 Lancashire Choir of the Year runners-up, and the winner of The People’s Choice Award.
The Red Rosettes Show Choir
The Red Rosettes Show Choir sing in four part harmony a-cappella, traditionally known as Barbershop. Singing with only our voices with no accompaniment provides moments of magic when chords lock and ring.
Each part connects with and supports the other and the same can be said for the friendships that are made from singing together. We rehearse in Leyland but our members come from across Lancashire. With our youngest member of 14 to our oldest in their 80’s we have an intergenerational choir consisting of mums, daughters, granddaughters, aunties, sisters and friends all sharing a love of singing.
The Rossendale Festival Choir
The Rossendale Festival Choir was established some 40 years ago, when members of the Rossendale Male Voice and Rossendale Ladies’ choirs joined forces to support their local music festival. Over the years, they have teamed up to sing in competitions across the region, with some notable successes, often singing unique pieces by Ernest Tomlinson, a former MD and renowned arranger.
More recent times have seen the choir performing at their local Christmas concerts, in conjunction with the men’s and ladies’ choirs, adding to a fabulous atmosphere, and helping support a range of regional charities. Members may enjoy their other singing exploits, but they love coming together in this mixed choir, which adds a different dimension to their efforts.
The Song Rooms Choir
Based in Chorley, The Song Rooms Choir is a mixed voice community group performing contemporary and light classic songs in beautiful harmony. Led by LIPA graduate and choir leader of over 20 years, Anna Healey, the choir was established in 2008 and performs regularly throughout the year in support of local charities
It is a fun, inclusive and high energy group reviewed by its members as “heart-warming”, “rewarding” and “an amazing experience” to be part of. New members are always welcome.