Amateur choirs and singing groups from across the region are being encouraged to apply to take part in the Midlands Choir of the Year competition before the 1 March deadline.

The final takes place in the historic Lichfield Cathedral in July during this year’s Lichfield Festival, which organises the event.

The competition is free to enter and is open to adult amateur groups, large or small, from across the Midlands region, singing any style of music. As well as a trophy, the winners receive a cash prize of £1000 and an invitation to sing at the following year’s Lichfield Festival.

Organiser and Festival Director Damian Thantrey said, ”The Midlands Choir of the Year has fast
become one of the most-loved of all Lichfield Festival events, celebrating the extraordinary level of amateur
music-making across the region. Ahead of this summer, we are thrilled to announce that we are going into
partnership with award-winning Midlands based business Rayburn Tours, specialists in organising music trips for youth and adult groups, as well as international secondary school trips, as the competition’s principal sponsor. We look forward to working together as we share a combined vision to increase participation and opportunities for choirs. The competition is both a wonderful showcase and experience for all those who take part, and there’s still plenty of time to enter!”

Reflecting on their experience, winners of the inaugural Midlands Choir of the Year in 2022, Cor Bach said, ”To state that the impact this had upon Cor Bach’s singing fortunes has been profound is an understatement! The prize money from MCOTY was, of course lovely, but the doors that opened to us following our success have been extraordinary.” These have included opening for Russell ‘The Voice’ Watson on three occasions, performing their own sold out concert at Lichfield Festival, working with professional company Claybody Theatre, and recording a new jingle for BBC Radio Stoke’s Breakfast presenter.

Applications for Midlands Choir of the Year close on 1 March 2026. Details and application form
from mcoty.org