VOICES from across Northern Ireland and beyond will fill Bangor later this month as the town hosts one of its longest-running musical celebrations.
The 33rd Bangor International Choral Festival will take place from April 23-25 at St Comgall’s Parish Centre, bringing together school, youth and adult choirs for three days of competition and performances.
The festival was officially launched by Mayor Gillian McCollum recenlty alongside sponsors from Signature Schools and Guillemot Café and Wine Bar, as well as festival chairwoman Margaret McDowell.
Primary school choirs will take to the stage on Thursday from 10am, followed by special schools on Friday from 11am. Youth and adult choirs will perform on Saturday from 10.45am, culminating in the Gala Evening at 7pm where competitors will battle it out for the prestigious Open Choral Award.
Entry to the Thursday competitions costs £3, Saturday competitions £5, and the Saturday Gala Evening £6.
Friday evening will feature a complimentary concert at 7.30pm, showcasing a number of participating choirs including Bangor Ladies Choir, Miskelly Chorale and Rathmore Primary School. While admission is free, donations towards the Festival Fund are welcome.
This year’s adjudicator will be Marcus Pashley, who is well known to the festival and brings many years of experience. On Saturday he will be joined by Lucy Hollins, though organisers say their task will not be easy given the high standard of entries.
The festival also prides itself on being fully inclusive, and once again features an entry from the choir at Hydebank College. The group will be adjudicated remotely before the festival begins, with organisers highlighting the positive impact music can have on health and wellbeing.
Festival organisers say they hope the community will come out to support the event and enjoy performances from singers of all ages during what promises to be another memorable celebration of choral music.
Further information is available at www.bangorchoral. com.
