Applications for the National Non-Competitive strand are now open!
Closing date: Friday, 5th February 2027.
If your choir would like to join us in Cork without entering a competition, consider taking part in our popular non-competitive programme. This offers a wonderful opportunity to be part of a world-renowned festival, perform in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, attend outstanding concerts, and explore the vibrant city of Cork while connecting with local audiences and fellow visiting choirs.
Venues across Cork city and county are also welcome to apply to host performances as part of the Festival’s Choral Trail.
Participation in the Festival implies acceptance of the rules and regulations below.
National Non-Competitive Participation Syllabus
Afternoons in the Atrium
Each Festival weekend, as part of the popular Afternoons in the Atrium, national and international choirs present short performances back to back from 1pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday in the laid-back and informal atmosphere of the Clayton Hotel.
This has become an annual Festival event and is the perfect setting for families and festival goers who want to relax in the hotel’s bright atrium and experience the festival atmosphere in full flow.
Choirs will be asked to prepare a 9-minute programme of popular nature. A piano will be available on the day, however, due to limited space, rehearsals cannot be facilitated. Should singers however wish to warm up, choirs are welcome to do this in front of Clayton Hotel on the Lapp’s Quay Board Walk. Please note that you will be contacted with regards to your performance time closer to the Festival.
Choirs at Marina Market
We are delighted to welcome back our new addition, Cork’s funky Marina Market, where performance areas will be programmed with choirs throughout the Saturday. Choirs will be asked to prepare a 15-minute programme of a popular nature. Due to the outdoor nature of the performance, rehearsals cannot be accommodated on site. A power point will be available for those wishing to bring their own keyboard.
Choirs at Elizabeth Fort
A new addition to our festival weekend, the Elizabeth Fort Choral Trail invites choirs to perform at one of Cork’s most iconic visitor attractions, offering spectacular panoramic views across the city. Choirs are asked to prepare a 15-minute programme for this unique outdoor, sheltered setting. A power point will be available for those wishing to bring their own keyboard.
Cork City Choral Trail
Take part in the Festival’s Choral Trail where national and international choirs bring our city to life with song, with events happening across the city! Choirs will be asked to prepare a 15-minute programme of their choosing. Due to the variety of venues and limitations in space, pieces should be unaccompanied. However, if accompaniment is needed, choirs must provide their own accompanist/instrument.
Cobh Choral Trail
The Cobh Choral Trail returns to the charming seaside town of Cobh, renowned for its iconic harbour views and colourful streets. Participating choirs will present a 15-minute programme and enjoy an afternoon exploring the town centre, soaking up its vibrant atmosphere and, if they wish, taking part in a selection of fun activities along the harbour.
Applications can be submitted online by completing the entry form available here.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday, 5th February 2027.
We will be in touch in March to confirm the details of your performance.
30 members or less: €70
31 to 40 members: €80
41 to 50 members: €100
51 to 60 members: €120
60 members or more: €130
Schools Primary: €60 / Secondary €70
Payment can be made online at this link, or by cheque or bank transfer to the following account:
Account Holder: Cork International Choral Festival
Bank: Allied Irish Banks plc, Patrick Street, Cork, Ireland
IBAN: IE85 AIBK 9341 5105 1954 48
BIC: AIBKIE2D
Account Number: 05195448
National Sort Code: 93 41 51
NOTE: Please ensure that the name of the choir is noted on the bank transfer as narrative
- The final selection of choirs remains with the Cork International Choral Festival.
- The Festival accepts no legal responsibility whatsoever in respect to a choir’s participation in the Festival
- It is contrary to law to perform music that has been reproduced illegally. Should a choir do so, the Festival accepts no responsibility for any action taken by publishers.
- Participation in the Festival implies acceptance of all the rules and regulations.
- It is a condition of participation that a choir agrees that: Any performance it gives during the festival may be photographed, broadcast live and/or recorded for subsequent reproduction and/or broadcast on radio/television/internet without payment to the choir. All broadcasting and photographic rights to any performance at the festival shall belong to the festival which will be free to dispose of or utilise them in promotional materials as it sees fit. It is the duty of all choirs with members under 18 years of age to ensure that informed consent is sought from young people and their parents/carers in this regard.