A Staffordshire choir has been crowned Midlands Choir of the Year 2026 after impressing judges with a spellbinding performance at the competition final held in Lichfield Cathedral.

Friday Voices, based in Anslow near Burton upon Trent, took the top honour during the prestigious final, which formed part of this year's Lichfield Festival. The choir performed a programme spanning five centuries of choral music, from the 16th to the 21st century, culminating in an atmospheric rendition of Double, Double Toil and Trouble by Jaakko Mäntyjärvi, enhanced by dramatic green lighting.

The victory marks a significant achievement for the group, whose members include singers who have performed together for more than 30 years.

Marcus Pashley, Music Director of Friday Voices, said: "We thoroughly enjoyed our day at the Midlands Choir of the Year Final in Lichfield Cathedral. It was flawlessly organised with a wonderfully supportive atmosphere among all the highly talented groups taking part, with whom it was an honour to perform alongside.

"Some members of Friday Voices have been singing together for over 30 years and to take the Midlands Choir of the Year crown was beyond our wildest dreams when we entered the competition. It will considerably raise our profile going forward and we look forward to working hard to continue to be worthy of this honour."

As winners, Friday Voices received the Midlands Choir of the Year trophy and a £1,000 cash prize, presented by principal sponsor Rayburn Tours. Staffordshire Show Choir also celebrated success on the night, taking home the £500 Audience Award.

The competition attracted amateur adult choirs and singing groups from across the Midlands, showcasing a broad range of musical styles including barbershop, musical theatre and classical choral music.

The Midlands Choir of the Year final took place on 12 July during the 13-day Lichfield Festival, which ran from 7 to 19 July. Festival organisers reported ticket sales of more than 8,000, with overall attendance estimated to have exceeded 10,000 once free events and community workshops were included.

Damian Thantrey, Director of Lichfield Festival, said: "Once again, the Midlands Choir of the Year Final was an extraordinary celebration of the depth and vast talents of choirs and singers in the region. We heard six incredible performances, and the commitment, musicianship and sheer love of performing together made the whole evening an absolute joy.

"Any of the six groups would have been worthy winners – I'm glad that I did not have the incredibly difficult job of choosing our champions."