Voices Raised in Harmony: FMVC at Rothwell Music Festival

Celebrating community, tradition, and a return invitation to the Gala Concert

This spring, the Featherstone Male Voice Choir took part in the Rothwell Music Festival, a cherished event on the local musical calendar and a celebration of the region’s rich choral tradition.

The festival, now in its 110th year, brings together singers, musicians and audiences from across Yorkshire, offering a stage not just for performance but for connection, encouragement and joy.

Competing in the male voice choir category, we performed a stirring trio of songs – the spiritual uplift of When the Saints Go Marching In, the power and poise of Speed Your Journey, and the sweeping emotion of American Trilogy. Each piece chosen not only to challenge our voices but to honour the heritage of male voice singing, where strength and sensitivity meet in harmony.

Although we placed second, we were proud of our performance – and proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow choirs who share our love for this tradition. In competitions like this, the focus is not on rivalry, but on raising the bar together.

How do choir competitions work?

Performances are judged by expert adjudicators who listen carefully for musicality, blend, interpretation, and presentation. Feedback is given not only to rank choirs but to help them grow – a rare chance to learn from trained ears and celebrate excellence.

We were especially honoured to receive an invitation to return as part of the Rothwell Festival Gala Concert – a showcase of standout performances across the festival. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share our music with new audiences and stand once again among talented performers of all ages.

We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a special evening of music and community.

📅 Thursday 25th April

🎶 Rothwell Music Festival Gala Concert

📍 Venue and ticket details at rothwellmusicfestival.co.uk

At FMVC, we sing not for trophies, but for the joy of it – for the history, the heart, and the harmony we find in every note.