About
The City of Derry International Choir Festival returns in 2026 from 22nd-25th October with participating choirs taking over the city and its surrounding areas with a tidal wave of magical choral music!
Visitors can experience performances from world-renowned vocal ensembles alongside community, school and amateur choirs, with events taking place in some of the city's most iconic venues. The festival programme includes gala concerts, international choir competitions, workshops, educational events and choral trails, creating opportunities for audiences of all ages to enjoy a diverse range of musical styles and traditions.
Welcoming participants and audiences from across Ireland, the UK and around the world, the festival transforms Derry~Londonderry into a vibrant hub of music and culture. Whether attending a headline performance, supporting competing choirs or discovering pop-up performances throughout the city, visitors can enjoy a unique cultural experience in the heart of the Walled City.
Suitable for: Adults, families, groups, music enthusiasts and cultural visitors.
Tickets are available for the festival’s five headline evening events:
Opening Gala – Beethoven Triumph & Transcendence Thursday 22 October | Millennium Forum
Ulster Orchestra, Festival Chorus and soloists perform Beethoven’s Christus am Ölberge and Symphony No. 7, conducted by Anna Handler.
Full Price: £25.50
Concession: £17.50
Groups 10+: £11.50 per person
Tenebrae - Friday 23 October | Guildhall
One of the world’s leading vocal ensembles performs an atmospheric programme of choral music featuring Byrd, Mendelssohn, Barber, Poulenc, Frank Martin and more.
Full Price: £25.50
Concession: £17.50
Groups 10+: £11.50 per person
Late Night: The Apex Singers Friday 23 October | St Columb’s Cathedral
An intimate late-night concert from the award-winning Manchester vocal ensemble, bringing together eight-part a cappella arrangements inspired by the folk traditions of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
Full Price: £18.50
Concession: £13.50
Groups 10+: £9.50 per person
International Competition Saturday 24 October | Guildhall
Experience some of the finest international choirs competing live for the prestigious Oak Tree of Derry trophy in one of the highlights of the festival weekend.
Full Price: £18.50
Concession: £13.50
Groups 10+: £9.50 per person
Closing Gala & Awards Ceremony Sunday 25 October | Millennium Forum
The festival reaches its finale with an uplifting celebration of international and local choral music, culminating in the announcement of the 2026 competition winners.
Full Price: £18.50
Concession: £13.50
Groups 10+: £9.50 per person
Tickets for individual events are available online and through the Millennium Forum Box Office.
Travelling as a group? For group bookings, contact the Millennium Forum Box Office directly on +44 (0)28 7126 4455.
A range of daytime competitions, community concerts, Choral Trail performances and other festival activities also take place throughout the weekend. Please check the full festival programme for individual event and admission information.
