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Festival Mass Workshops

The main part of the festival day encompasses the joyful and uplifting experience of singing as a mass choir with up to 500 voices, learning a selection of songs together in four part harmony. Each part is taught aurally, by one of four experienced and dynamic teachers. The songs are built up in short sections, coming together with great ease - resulting in an instant choir! Singers are given word sheets, but there is no sight reading or written music.

Workshop Songs

The songs taught at the festival come from a wide range of traditions and cultures across the world. Over the years we have sung gospel, folk, songs from Africa, the Americas, Australasia, the Pacific, the Balkans, Europe and some pop arrangements. We have also premiered some original songs. All in a cappella four part harmony and occasionally with movement!

Set in the heart of Stratford upon Avon, the venue is a few minutes walk from the town centre, the river Avon and theatres. Facilities include the large and airy Levi Fox hall, a refreshments area, rehearsal spaces, a courtyard and a lovely grassy area where lunch can be eaten (weather permitting).

Parking

There is parking for around 80 cars at the Festival Venue.

Disabled places must be booked in advance.

Refreshments (included in ticket price)

A variety of teas and coffee and biscuits are available on arrival and during each break.

Disabled Facilities

The site is well set up for all abilities, and with advance notice we can accommodate most requirements.

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Applications

All applications to attend the festival must be made through choir leaders or administrators. Information about the application procedure will be emailed to all choirs on the mailing list in September. Completed forms must be received by Saturday 17th November. They will be processed on 18th November and places allocated. We will aim to let choirs know the outcome of their application on Monday 19th November. Unfortunately, due to the ever growing popularity of the festival, we are unable to guarantee a place to all choirs that apply. If you do not receive the email or if you are not on the mailing list please contact admin@communitychoirsfestival.co.uk.

Afternoon Concert

Every choir has the option to perform one song (or two songs if more than one choir is performing together) in the afternoon concert with an audience made up of the other choirs and a few guests. Choirs could not hope for a more receptive and friendly audience, and being sung to by more than 20 different community choirs is totally stunning! All performances must be a cappella (unaccompanied). Concert-only ‘tickets’ (£5) are available for family and friends and are booked through the choir leader.

Busking

There are busking opportunities around the site during the lunchtime break.

The Festival originally brought together Natural Voice choirs from the Midlands for a one day event. It proved to be so popular that we decided to hold a second identical day. We now welcome a rich variety of choirs and singing groups from across the UK.

Our Criteria

We welcome any choir or singing group that:

• sings a cappella  

Choirs wishing to perform in the afternoon concert

must be prepared to sing unaccompanied

• has no auditions
• offers a supportive learning environment
• teaches largely by ear
• is open access