The first International Choir Competition Blackpool has officially begun, bringing singers from across Europe and as far as Canada and Zimbabwe together for several days of competition, concerts and international friendship.

The Opening Event welcomed the participating choirs to the magnificent Empress Ballroom at Blackpool’s historic Winter Gardens. Twenty choirs have travelled to Blackpool for the event, representing 11 nations and a wide variety of cultures and musical traditions.

The evening also put the host region in the spotlight. The Capricorn Singers from Lancashire opened the musical program, followed by Blackpool’s Electric Pink Voices. Later, the international character of the competition took center stage with performances by the DC Junior Choir from Zimbabwe and Finnish choir Lain Huuto. Their programs offered the audience a first taste of the musical diversity that will shape the days ahead.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Danny Scott, welcomed the international choral community to the town, while INTERKULTUR Artistic Director Mat Wright greeted the participants on behalf of INTERKULTUR and its President Günter Titsch.

“It’s a wonderful platform for choirs to showcase their skills and talent on the world stage and share their unique cultures and music with audiences and one another,” Wright said. He also highlighted the importance of INTERKULTUR’s motto, “Singing together brings nations together,” and encouraged the singers to perform with courage, passion and joy throughout the competition.

For the finale of the Opening Event, the three international jury members Paul Smith (Great Britain), Birgitte Naeslund Madsen (Denmark) and Michael Barrett (South Africa) stepped into a different role, performing What a Wonderful World as soloists together with the audience. With its simple message of hope and appreciation for the world around us, the song seemed made for this moment: singers from different countries gathered in one ballroom, sharing their voices and looking ahead to the days they would spend together. It was a warm and emotional ending to the evening – and a fitting beginning for the first Blackpool International Choir Competition.

This spirit of connection will continue throughout the event. Alongside the competitions, Choral Connections workshops and Friendship Concerts will give singers additional opportunities to exchange experiences, make music together and meet fellow choir members from different countries.

With the Opening Event complete, the stage is now set for the first International Choir Competition Blackpool – and for several days filled with international voices, new connections and inspiring choral music.