Farnham Youth Choir is delighted that our Junior Choir was awarded runner-up in the Traditional category in the final of the Barnardo’s National Choir Competition 2025.

The choir performed Bee! I’m Expecting You! by Emma Lou Diemer and The Moon by Andy Beck, conducted by Margaret O’Shea and accompanied by Susan Norman. The judges received over 70 entries from all over the UK and only 16 were chosen for the grand final.

The event, held on 4th March at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, showcased some of the finest youth choirs from across the UK. The Barnardo’s National Choir Competition, now in its 17th year, is the largest schools and community choir competition in the UK.

Melanie Hancox, Chair of Trustees, said, ‘Birmingham Symphony Hall was a huge and very intimidating performance space, but the children rose to the challenge and wowed the judges. Their hard work really paid off. We’re so proud of them all!’

Margaret O’Shea, Junior Choir conductor, said, ‘the singers worked really hard on music and technique, but in the end, they really showed their love for singing as they performed. That’s what won over the audience.’

Congratulations on your well-deserved award, Junior Choir!