The Isle of Man Festival of Choirs is taking place between the Friday 10th and Sunday 12th of October 2025. It takes place in the Royal Hall within the Villa Marina complex which is located in the centre of the Islands capital, Douglas.

From its inception in 2010, the festival has quickly established itself and is now recognised as a serious yet friendly musical competition of stature and attracts choirs from around the UK and Ireland and wherever choral singing is enjoyed and celebrated.

The festival attracts large audiences who have equally enjoyed the truly wonderful and friendly atmosphere our festival promotes. Although competition remains at the heart of the festival and designed to support and nurture the continuance of choirs and choral groups, the festival strives to include family and friends during the weekend to ensure that they too can enjoy the many unique aspects of our Island while others sing!

Friday evening see the hugely popular ‘Welcome Night’ where choristers meet, eat, drink, and sing, getting to know each other before the serious competition begins with a significant amount of prize money on offer.

Saturday morning gives an opportunity for choirs to have a short practice in one of the rehearsal rooms within the Villa Marina complex before their class begins.

There are four classes of competition which will take place on Saturday. Ladies Voice, Male Voice, Mixed Voice and an Open Class. Each choir will be required to sing four contrasting pieces of no more than 15 minutes. The adjudicator will give a short verbal adjudication on stage after each class and written feedback will be forwarded to each choir after the weekend.

The winner of each category will go through to the Choir of the Festival final which takes place on the Sunday. Each of the four finalists will be required to sing a 25-minute repertoire of their choice but allowing only one piece already sung in their class entry. The organisers will ensure that the final will finish in time for those travelling back to UK on Sunday evening.

Prior to the final, there is an ensemble competition, with each ensemble consisting of between 4 and 12 voices. They be required to sing two contrasting pieces of no more than 10 minutes. This competition is an addition to the festival and winners will not compete in the overall Festival final.

Prizes

Saturday 11th October

Ladies Voice Class 1st Prize: £500 2nd Prize: £200

Male Voice Class 1st Prize: £500 2nd Prize: £200

Mixed Voice Class 1st Prize: £500 2nd Prize: £200

Open Class 1st Prize: £500 2nd Prize: £200

Sunday 12th October

Ensemble Class 1st Prize: £150 - 2nd Prize: £75

Choir of the Festival £1,500

Entries/Fees

More details (including competition rules) can be found on the festival web site at www.festivalofchoirs.im or by e-mailing the organisers at <iomfestivalofchoirs@outlook.com>

Entries can be made via the web site or by e-mailing the organisers at the above address and should be received by 30th June 2025. Entry fees for each class are as follows:

Choir Classes £50 per choir

Ensemble Class £25 per ensemble