The Every Voice Festival 2026 is set to return from 6th - 14th June with its most
ambitious programme yet, bringing nine days of music, community events and creativecollaboration to venues across Derry.
Organisers, local arts organisation Allegri, have unveiled a wide-ranging schedule that
celebrates choral singing at every level - from school groups and workplace choirs to
internationally recognised performers - while also introducing new elements that blend
music with spoken word and community storytelling.
The festival opens on Saturday 6th June with a Sacred Music Concert at First Derry
Presbyterian Church, featuring ensembles including Voices of the Foyle, Campana,
Carlisle Road Methodist Church Choir and St Eugene’s Cathedral Choir.
The following evening shifts the spotlight to young performers, with the Youth
Performance at The Playhouse, Derry combining music, poetry and theatrical
elements. This event will showcase work developed through the festival’s new Literature and Music initiative, which this year has invited 12-18 year olds to create original spoken word performances set to live music. Developed through pre-festival workshops, the project explores themes of identity, place and culture, culminating in this live performance.
Throughout the week, community engagement takes centre stage. Care home visits
and a series of local concerts - from Eglinton Community Hall to St Columb’s Hall and
New Gate Arts to Christ Church - will showcase the breadth of choral talent in the
region. Workplace choirs, school groups and grassroots ensembles will all have
opportunities to perform, reflecting the festival’s inclusive ethos.
A major highlight of the programme is the “Come & Sing!” event on Saturday 13 June at The Guildhall, Derry, led by internationally renowned conductor Greg Beardsell. Open to singers aged 14 and over, the day-long workshop will culminate in an evening concert performance, bringing together voices from across the community.
The festival concludes on Sunday 14th June with a gala performance, “If Walls Could
Speak”, also at the Guildhall. The programme will include works performed by
Orchestra NorthWest such as Finlandia by Jean Sibelius and the Egmont Overture by
Ludwig van Beethoven, alongside a compelling performance of Tales from the Walled
City by acclaimed composer Brian Byrne, bringing audiences on an evocative musical
journey inspired by history and place.
Festival Manager Rachel Tennis said the programme reflects the core ethos of the
event: “Every Voice Festival is about creating opportunities for people of all ages and
backgrounds to come together through music. This year’s programme really showcases the diversity of talent across our communities - from schools and workplaces to established choirs - and we’re especially excited to introduce new creative elements that give young people a platform to share their voices.”
Festival organisers say the expanded programme highlights a strong commitment to
accessibility and participation. With performances spanning churches, community halls, cafés and major venues, Every Voice Festival aims to ensure that music is both heard and created by as many people as possible.
From intimate community concerts to large-scale collaborative performances, this year’s festival promises a vibrant celebration of Derry’s rich and diverse musical landscape.
Every Voice Festival is kindly supported by The National Lottery Awards for All and
Derry City and Strabane District Council.
