What's On
Please see the Contestant Info page for up-to-date contest timetables.
General Schedule
>> see separate section below for HC@C educational info and timings
THURSDAY, 30th OCTOBER
19:15-20:30 Reception open
19:45-21:15 Sound Check Chorus (only for those who signed up in advance, no observers allowed)
20:30 No more entry to the centre
FRIDAY, 31st OCTOBER
08:15 – 19:50 Reception open
08:15 – 19:50 First-Timers Welcome Desk Open
09:20 Welcome
09:30 Quartets Semi-Final
15:25 Jen Mills Award
15:40 Mass Sing, with Delyth Knight
16:00 Semi-Final Results and Finals Draw
18:00 Quartets Finals
21:45 Mass Sing, with Andrea Day
22:00 Quartets Results and Award presentations
22:15 Afterglow, level 5 bar & level 4 foyer, quieter area for chatting in King's Suite Mezzanine
23:45 Last orders at the bar
00:30 Convention Centre closes
SATURDAY, 1st NOVEMBER
08:20 – 17:30; 19:45-20:15 Reception Open
08:30 – 17:30; 19:45-20:15 First-Timers Welcome Desk Open
09:20 Welcome
09:30 Chorus Contest
16:55 LABBS Youth Chorus followed by Young Barbershopper of the Year Award
17:20 Amersham A Cappella swan set
17:40 Mass Sing with Helen Lappert & Amersham A Cappella
18:00 Chorus Contest Results
20:30 The Saturday Night Gold Show
22:40 Celebration Song Spot - 2025 Silver & Bronze Medallists (Ch+Qt), in Hall D, with risers and amplification
22:40 Chair's reception, by invitation only, Queen's Suite Foyer
22:45 Afterglow
01:00 Last orders at the bar
01:45 Convention Centre closes
SUNDAY, 2nd NOVEMBER
09.00 – 10.30 Reception Open
09:00 - 13:00 Quartet live evals for those selecting, levels 6 & 7
10:15 Various HC@C (Harmony College at Convention) options, see below for details
12:00 "Catch a polecat" with Helen Lappert, in the auditorium, followed by the Closing Ceremony
14:00 Convention Centre Closes, all delegates to have left by this time.
HC@C
As well as contests, show performances, mass sings and afterglows that we know you love, we’re adding some bite-sized sessions for you to try something different, brush up on your skills, learn something new, or just have some fun! All sessions are included in your event pass for that day.Friday, 31st October
14:15-15:30 Techniques to improve your vocal skills, with Hannah Barber (LABBS Quartet Gold medallist)
King's Suite Conservatory
QC Hannah will be delivering a practical guide which will promote good vocal techniques within your chorus or quartet.
15:30 - 16:45 Extreme Quartetting, with the UK Treble Harmony Brigade
Hall D
Do you want a taste of extreme quartetting? Get involved in this exciting taster session! Extreme Quartetting (EQ) involves learning a set of songs to a high standard and then going to sing them with a set of like-minded people. You will build up your skills and confidence when singing in a quartet and even get the chance to take part in a scratch quartet contest!
Important Request: if you are thinking of attending this session, please fill out this google form in advance.
16:00-17:15 Chorus Directors and Assistant Directors meet-up, with Liz Garnett (LABBS Chorus Director Development Specialist)
Kings's Suite Mezzanine (off Hall D)
An opportunity for MDs and AMDs to get together to exchange ideas, share experiences and enjoy all-round mutual support. Take your drink along to the session.
Saturday, 1st November
Locations as indicated for each
10:15 - 11:45 Quartet coaching under glass with Sarah Netherton (LABBS Singing Judge/Category Director & QC)
Hall D
Come along and learn from watching this fabulous, experienced coach and Judge share her considerable experience and skills with a Women’s quartet.
13:00 - 14:15 Extreme Quartetting, with the UK Treble Harmony Brigade
Hall D
Do you want a taste of extreme quartetting? Get involved in this exciting taster session! Extreme Quartetting (EQ) involves learning a set of songs to a high standard and then going to sing them with a set of like-minded people. You will build up your skills and confidence when singing in a quartet and even get the chance to take part in a scratch quartet contest!
Important Request: if you are thinking of attending this session, please fill out this google form in advance.
14:15-15:30 No hiding behind the front row! with Helen Griffiths (Performance Team, Crystal Chords)
King's Suite Conservatory
No longer in the shadows: Risers are the new front row!
We look at bringing confidence and starlight to the risers. How to improve everyone's game through personal growth and team goals.
This is for the person who stands on the 3rd row, two in from the left to the performance team leader looking for unity across the board. Anyone willing to improve is welcome!
15:30-16:45 Improve Your Skills, with The Light Fantastic (2024 LABBS Mixed Quartet Champions)
King's Suite Conservatory
Join The Light Fantastic to try new warm ups, learn about tagging, and improve your singing and tuning skills.
Sunday, 2nd November
Locations as indicated for each
10:15-11:45 Sing Something Different, with Chris and Tristan Netherton
King's Suite, Women's changing area
A session to raise your voice using shanties, with their roots in maritime work songs, which provided the foundation for canal shanties and other work-related songs. They were adapted to provide a way of unifying labour effort in many settings. There are several that describe specific waterways like the Union Canal which runs from Edinburgh to Falkirk and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal close to Harrogate.
10:15-11:45 Finding your best Bari self, with Anna Stutfield (LABBS 2023 Quartet Champion, Barberlicious)
Queen Suite
Step into the spotlight as the unsung hero of barbershop harmony! This fun, hands-on session will help you unlock the secrets of the baritone’s role — from ringing chords and seamless blending to tackling those twisty intervals with confidence. There will be interactive games, practical singing drills and you’ll discover how to make your part shine (while keeping the whole chorus in perfect harmony!) Whether you’re new to barbershop or a seasoned Bari singer looking to polish your skills, you’ll leave inspired, informed, and ready to ring like never before.
10:15 - 11:45 Mixed Quartet coaching under glass The Light Fantastic (2024 LABBS Mixed Quartet Champions)
Queen Suite
Come along and pick up ideas by watching ‘The Light Fantastic’ mixed quartet 2024 gold medallists share their own experience and skills through coaching another mixed quartet.
10:15 - 11:45 Chorus coaching under glass, with Alison Thomson (SNG, and LABBS Education Director) and Alison Zdzylowski (PER, past Education Director)
Auditorium
Come along and gain a greater understanding of the performance and singing category as two amazing coaches who are also Judges, share their skills and experience to improve a chorus singing and performance.
10:15 - 11:45 Harmony, Hilarity, and Heels, with Muddy Stilettos (LABBS 2024 Quartet Champions)
Kings's Suite Mezzanine (off Hall D)
Outgoing Quartet Gold Medallists spill the secrets, share the laughs, and maybe kick off their heels. Come ready for stories, singing, and plenty of sass. Whether you're a brand-new quartet or seasoned stage pros, join us for a morning of harmony, hilarity, and heels.
