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Class Groups for 2026
Junior Vocal Adult Vocal ( Solos and Duets) Junior Choral Adult Choral Woodwind Composition Brass Strings Acoustic and Electric Guitar Classical Guitar and Plucked Strings Percussion Piano Mixed Ensembles JazzAdult Choral
For 2026, there is a change to the classes of entry for the Adult choirs. Instead of multiple classes in different musical styles you are invited to bring a 15 minute mixed programme that showcases your choir’s style. There are two main adjudicated classes of entry: “Community Choirs” and “Competition Choirs”. These may not be the ideal description of your Choir, but you are asked to join the class that is the best fit:
COMMUNITY CHOIRS will typically be those whose focus is local, give charity and occasional public performances and generally don’t audition for participation.
COMPETITION CHOIRS will typically be those who are available for private hire, and/or take part in BABS or similar competitions and/or have an audition process.
We will maintain a Performance Platform class (slightly shorter in duration) for those who are not used to public performances, or do not wish to be adjudicated.
Those entering the Performance Paltform and Community Choirs will form the first half of the Sunday afternoon Festival. Adjudication will be given after all choirs have sung. Then, after an interval, the Competition Choirs will sing, with their adjudication concluding the afternoon.
Priority will be given to Performance Platform and Community Choirs to practice in the hall on the risers before the first half begins. All choirs singing in the first half are requested to be in the hall to watch, encourage and celebrate each other’s performances. Any seating in the hall for the first half not taken up by the choirs and their supporters will be available to the Competition Choirs to watch, though there may not be enough seating for everyone.
The Cafe will remain open throughout the afternoon, though during performance time it will have to be a quiet cafe!
During the interval the Competition Choirs are requested to assemble in the hall, and this will be the opportunity to review the risers and seating before the second half begins. Any seating in the main hall not taken up by Competition Choirs and their supporters will be available to first half performers, though there may not be enough seating for all.
| Online Entry | Class | Description | Time Limit | Class Fee | Accomp. Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply | P15 | Performance Platform. Adult Choir. No adjudication. Own choice. | 10 mins | £20.00 | N/A |
| Apply | 34 | Community Choirs. Own choice(s). | 15 mins | £35.00 | N/A |
| Apply | 35 | Competition Choirs. Own choice(s). | 15 mins | £35.00 | N/A |
Adjudicator - Phil Daish-Handy
Philip founded and is Artistic Director of the Nova Foresta Classical players. With his orchestra, Philip has performed numerous concertos, and has collaborated with numerous choirs and choral societies to form choral extravaganzas, ‘come and sing’ events, candlelight concerts and Christmas concerts throughout the UK. He also conducts the chamber choir ‘Choralia Milford’, and is Festival Director of the Hinton Music Festival.
In his role as Musical Director of the Lymington Choral Society, Philip has delivered unforgettable interpretations of choral masterpieces, including Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man, Mozart’s Requiem, and Handel’s Messiah, all met with standing ovations. Additionally, he is honoured to serve as conductor for two thriving chamber choirs, Choralia Milford and Voices of the Forest, further enriching the UK’s vibrant choral scene.
