SIX of the UK’s top amateur choirs are to compete in Wales for the coveted title of Choir of the Year 2016 following a nationwide search.

Since 1984 more than 135,000 singers of all ages have taken part in Choir of the Year, a biennial festival of singing, performing in a vast array of styles – pop, gospel, barbershop, classical and World music. In the audition round, all choirs get to perform to a live audience and have expert judges provide live feedback and written guidance notes. Choir of the Year is more than a competition and helps choirs to become the best they can, providing the opportunity for singers of all ages and backgrounds to meet and exchange ideas. It raises the aspirations of thousands of singers by promoting teamwork, dedication and a passion for singing.

Throughout 2016 a team of judges have travelled from Glasgow to Cornwall listening to 150 choirs of every size, age and style. Now six of the UK’s vocal groups remain and will be travelling to Wales in a bid to win.

The final will take place at 5pm on December 3 at Wales Millennium Centre and expert judges will include renowned choral director and founder of The Sixteen, Harry Christophers and Welsh Conductor and Only Men Aloud Music Director, Tim Rhys-Evans.

The event will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Four on Sunday, December 11 at 7.30pm and highlights of the competition will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3

The full list of Finalist Choirs (Sorted by Category):

• Children’s Category Winner: Musical Originals Training Choir from Jersey

• Youth Category Winner: Côr y Cwm from Rondda Valley

• Adult Category Winner: Voices of Hope from Newcastle

• Open Category Winner: The Rainbow Connection Singers from Doncaster

• Wild Card Winners: The White Rosettes and Johns’ Boys from Leeds and Wrexham

Tickets cost £19 - £33 from The Wales Millennium Centre Box Office 029 2063 6464 or website: www.wmc.org.uk/Productions/2016-2017/DonaldGordonTheatre/ChoirOfTheYear

For more information: http://www.choiroftheyear.com