Three talented choirs from Lancaster have been chosen as finalists for the popular Lancashire Choir of the Year 2025 singing competition.
The fourth annual contest, which encourages a wide range of choirs from communities, workplaces and schools to come together to showcase their talents, is open to chorists from across Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen. Singing groups record their best performance on video, in a bid to reach the finals.
Lancaster Millennium Choir, Lancaster Musical Theatre Choir and the St John's Hospice Choir will go through to a live final at Lancaster University on November 25, to coincide with celebrations around Lancashire Day.
They join other finalists Basics Vocalize Choir (Burnley), Blackpool Male Voice Choir, and Capricorn Singers (Based in Cleveleys, near Blackpool).
On the night, the judging panel will announce the overall winner, as well as runner-up prizes and the People's Choice Award.
Lancaster Millennium Choir
Lancaster Millennium Choir is a bold and imaginative community choir of around 55 singers, based in Lancaster. Founded in 2000 by the late Andy Whitfield, the choir has become known for adventurous performances of new works alongside more traditional repertoire.
Recent highlights include a sell-out performance of Whitfield's Frankenstein in July, which showcased their trademark mix of creativity, drama, and musical flair. Now under the direction of Dominic Downs, a young prize-winning pianist, composer, and conductor, the choir continues to push boundaries with innovative repertoire and dynamic performances. Lancaster Millennium Choir offers audiences an inspiring and unforgettable celebration of music, imagination, and community spirit.
Lancaster Musical Theatre Choir
Lancaster Musical Theatre Choir is an inclusive community founded to support mental health and create a safe, welcoming space for all. Open to everyone, regardless of experience, they focus on connection, creativity, and the pure joy of singing together.
Through their shared love of musical theatre, they’ve built a supportive environment where members feel safe enough to express themselves, grow in confidence, and truly feel part of something special.
St John's Hospice Choir
Founded in 2013 by the Hospice’s own Finance Officer Joanna Jeffreys, the Choir began as a well-being initiative and has grown into a vibrant community of over 60 singers.
The choir’s dedication to rehearsals and attention to detail are evident in every performance. They have grown in confidence and ability over the years. Members consistently report a strong sense of happiness and welfare from singing together.
The choir has raised an incredible £73,630.57 for patient care at St John’s Hospice in Lancaster. Their contribution is a testament to the power of music, community, and compassion.
The Red Rosettes Show Choir were crowned the overall winners of Choir of the Year 2024 and were presented with the trophy by the council's Vice-Chairman, Councillor Alf Clempson.
They were awarded a professional recording session, and the runners-up and People's Choice choirs were offered a professional vocal workshop.
Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills said: "This popular singing competition was created to discover special choirs from across the county who demonstrate how singing can bring joy, and foster community spirit.
"We are looking for something unique, with the six talented finalists bringing together a diverse mix of ages, experience, enthusiasm and skill.
"You can go online now and see what our finalists have to offer, ahead of the highly anticipated live final in November, when we will showcase the best choirs that Lancashire has to offer.’’
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