On Saturday 13 June, Cadence joined 102 choirs performing across 14 stages at ChoirBLAST 2026 in Godalming, Surrey. It was our first weekend away together, and a celebration of everything we love about singing: music, friendship and community.
We had applied with the music video for our charity recording of Hallelujah, created to raise funds for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. Being accepted into this young, rapidly growing festival left us thrilled… and a little astonished!
A town alive with song
With its historic streets, independent shops and the River Wey, Godalming made a beautiful setting. Under blue skies and warm June sunshine, harmonies drifted between buildings and birdsong mingled with performances across the town.
ChoirBLAST had grown into the UK’s biggest non-competitive contemporary choir festival, yet still felt wonderfully welcoming. There were no judges or prizes, just thousands of people sharing the joy of music.
Our friends at The Chicken Soup Choir had also travelled from Dorset. Watching their morning set and cheering them on was a lovely start to the day. Supporting familiar faces so far from home made the occasion feel even more special.
Two stages, one unforgettable day
Our first performance took place on the Antelope Stage that afternoon. Later, we had the honour of closing the programme on the much larger Bee Stage.
We brought our mix of contemporary harmonies, heartfelt storytelling and energetic choreography. Cadence has never believed that singing means standing perfectly still! We sang, we moved and we gave it everything, enjoying every minute.
A professional videographer captured our evening set, and we’re looking forward to sharing a showreel soon.
More than the music
Staying at a local hotel gave us time to explore Godalming, support other performers and enjoy one another’s company beyond rehearsals. For a collective built as much on friendship as music, that time was precious.
From the anticipation before stepping on stage to the laughter afterwards, it was an experience that brought us closer. We returned home proud of our performances and grateful to be part of such a warm choral community.
Thank you to the organisers, volunteers and everyone who welcomed us so generously. You created something special: a festival with an enormous heart, where singing brought people together in the simplest and happiest way.
And would we do it again? We’ve already applied for ChoirBLAST 2027!
Thank you, Godalming, for the sunshine, the friendship and the music.
