The York Community Choir Festival is marking a major milestone this spring – as the festival celebrates 10 years of bringing community choirs together.
The popular festival will return to the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from Sunday 1 to Saturday 7 March 2026, and it’s set to be the largest in its history with 47 choirs performing across nine concerts during a week-long celebration of choral music.
Audiences can look forward to a diverse programme showcasing the variety of York’s vibrant community choir scene, with performances ranging from classical and contemporary to world, pop, and musical theatre-inspired repertoires.
Founded a decade ago to give local choirs a platform to perform, the York Community Choir Festival has grown year on year into a much-loved fixture in the city’s cultural calendar. The 2026 festival reflects that growth, both in scale and ambition, while staying true to its original aim: celebrating the joy of singing together.
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre will once again host the festival, providing a professional stage and welcoming space for singers and audiences alike. Over seven days, hundreds of singers will take part, creating an atmosphere of collaboration, celebration, and shared musical passion.
Dan Shrimpton, chair of trustees for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, said, “The York Community Choir Festival has become a cherished part of our city’s cultural life, and it’s a pleasure to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year.
“For a decade, the festival has brought people together through the joy of singing, showcasing the talent, diversity and generosity of York’s choral community.
“We are proud to host an event that embodies our values of inclusion, creativity and community spirit, and we look forward to many more years of voices raised together.”
To find out more and to book your tickets, visit the Joseph Rowntree Theatre website here.
