The Bath Festival of Choirs returns for its second year this coming Saturday, the 16th, transforming the historic Green Park Station into a massive celebration of vocal music.
The highlight of the day will be the debut of Horizons100, a “mega-choir” of 100 voices joined by a 50-piece orchestra to perform some of history’s most powerful classical masterpieces.
The festival runs from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring 15 different choirs performing back-to-back. With over 750 singers involved throughout the day, the event showcases a massive variety of genres, including gospel, rock, folk, musical theatre, and community ensembles.
The Horizons100 Phenomenon
Organised by Festival Director Matt Finch, the Horizons100 project began as an ambitious idea to expand his local choir, Horizons. After inviting singers from across the UK and reaching out to some in Europe, the response was overwhelming.
“Originally, we were going to perform to a backing track,” says Matt Finch, who has directed Horizons for over three years. “But the singers pushed for something bigger. They asked, ‘Why can’t we do this with an orchestra?’ I realised they were right. This music deserves that scale.”
The Bath All-Comers Orchestra answered the call, and at 8:30 PM, they will join the 100-strong choir for a set list of four “Classical Bangers”:
- Handel: Hallelujah Chorus
- Mozart: Lacrimosa (from Requiem)
- Verdi: Dies Irae (from Requiem)
- Carl Orff: O Fortuna (from Carmina Burana)
Matt Finch says, “I’m sure everyone will know most of these pieces from soundtracks in films, and TV like ‘Traitors”
Festival Atmosphere & Practical Info
The Bath Festival of Choirs is designed as an accessible, inclusive “turn up and listen” event. Held under the stunning covered roof of Green Park Station, the festival will go ahead come rain or shine.
- Admission: Entirely FREE to the public.
- Food & Drink: Special festival catering provided by the Bath Pizza Co and the Green Park Brasserie.
- Seating: Limited seating is available for those who need it; attendees are encouraged to enjoy the festival-style standing atmosphere.
“It’s going to be a fabulous day of music,” says Finch. “Whether you love the energy of a gospel choir or the raw power of a 150-piece orchestral performance, there is something here for everyone.”
Event Summary:
- Event: Bath Festival of Choirs
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Horizons100 performs at 8:30 PM)
- Location: Green Park Station, Bath
- Cost: Free
For more information about the day and all the choirs performing visit:
