Convention Information

Here you can access the Convention Bulletin.

Competition Information for Regions 31 and 32

Competition is the focal point of the annual convention. It provides an opportunity for members of Sweet Adelines International within the Quartet of Nations to learn and grow their singing and performing skills through friendly contests. Members can participate to compete as part of a quartet and/or chorus. The qualifying winners may then proceed to represent Region 31 in the Sweet Adelines International Competition & Convention that occurs toward the end of every calendar year.

Each registered quartet and/or chorus may choose to compete in one of the following contest divisions:

International Division

  • Competitors perform two contestable songs or medleys within seven minutes
  • Judges give a numerical score to each competitor as well as feedback
  • Winners become eligible to represent the region in the Sweet Adelines International Competition & Convention

Open Division

  • Competitors perform a 10-minute entertainment package with at least one contestable song
  • Judges give a category level as well as feedback on emcee work, scripting, stating, mic technique, creativity and the the unity of the entire presentation as communicated to the audience

Evaluation Only: Non-International Bound

  • Competitors perform two contestable songs or medleys within seven minutes
  • Judges give a category level as well as feedback

Evaluation Only: International Bound

  • Open to choruses competing in the current International contest year as well as 2nd - 15th place quartets.
  • Competitors perform a 15 minute performance package with at least 1 competition song, 1 non competition song and emcee work
  • Judges give category levels as well as scoresheets

Important Dates and Deadlines

Quartet

New Quartet Registrationclick here – 15 January

Contest Entry Opens  – 23 January

Entry deadline – 9 March

Order of Appearance Draw  – 16 March

Contest Date – 8 May

See more deadlines on the convention bulletin page here

 

Chorus

Contest Entry Opens  – 23 January

Entry deadline  – 10 March

Order of Appearance Draw  – 16 March

Contest Date – 9 May

See more deadlines on the convention bulletin page here

 

Mailings

Competition Packet eMailing – To be confirmed – likely 24 January

International 30 day mailing – To be confirmed – likely 9 April

Manchester bee

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LANYARDS TO CONVENTION! In an effort to go green and phase out plastic wallets to reduce waste we will ask all of you to bring any and all Lanyards you have so that these can be repurposed. If you forget yours don’t fret – we will be selling some sparkly ones at convention.

If you are a first timer come pick up your free QON lanyard!

Harmony Bazaar – A Shopping & Fundraising Extravaganza!

Calling all members! The Harmony Bazaar is back for 2026, and we want YOU to be part of the excitement! This is your chance to showcase your creativity, sell unique items, and raise funds for your chorus or quartet – all while creating a fantastic shopping experience for fellow attendees.

Please note: this is not a commercial enterprise and stalls that are selling for commercial gain only will not be accepted. 

Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Reach out to the Region 31 marketing contact via the button above to reserve your spot. 

Don’t forget to Visit the Harmony Bazaar in The Bridgewater Hall during convention weekend! 

We’ve got all kinds of goodies on offer, including:

-Vocalzone lozenges and tea at special Convention prices, thanks to our friends at Vocalzone

-QON tote bags – perfect for carrying your sheet music, snacks, and sparkles

-Sparkly lanyards to brighten up your convention pass

-Fun slogan fridge magnets to take a little barbershop joy home with you

…and plenty more surprises in store! 

We’re also running a co-operative table for choruses. 

Pop by, treat yourself and support our region while you shop! 

Calling All Volunteers: Be a Helping Hand at convention!

If you are willing to volunteer for a role (eg. courier/door steward) at this years’ convention, please complete this volunteer form – coming soon.

Volunteer concessions
Non Competitors will receive a free registration for the day of their volunteering duty. 

Manchester bee

Convention Songs

More information coming soon.

We have a number of convention songs that will be sung together by participants over convention weekend. These include: 

  • How We Sang Today
  • Anthem 
 
Tags will also available for you to use during convention weekend.
 

Region 31 members can sign in here for access to convention songs. Region 32 members can sign in via the member portal here

Accommodation & Dining

Headquarters Hotel

Leonardo Hotel

More information coming soon

Food and Drink

More information coming soon

Region 31 Unsung Champions

Who do you look up to or admire for what they do for you, your chorus or the region?

How can we show them our appreciation?

The Women of Note Award was introduced in 2016 and was reintroduced in 2021 as the Unsung Champions Award. It is in recognition for those members who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, inspiring and supporting us with their enthusiasm, passion and commitment.

We are now accepting chorus nominations for 2026.

How do I nominate an Unsung Champion?

Every year, each chorus can nominate one person as their Unsung Champion. Chapter-at-Large (CAL) members can each nominate one member and their votes will be collated and one CAL member will be recognised.

Please complete the nomination form via the button below. Fill out some details about your unsung champion and upload a head and shoulders high resolution photo of the nominee and submit it by 31st March.

So think of someone who:

  • works tirelessly for their chorus or the region (both in formal or informal capacities)
  • has a positive influence on the chorus or region
  • is a great ambassador for the chorus or region


The Unsung Champion recognition ceremony will take place at convention in The Bridgewater Hall at a time to be confirmed. Their nominations will also be displayed on the website and social media.

Any questions, please contact the Region 31 membership coordinator here.

Afterglow

As we share this incredible event across two Sweet Adelines regions, we will be bringing opportunities to connect and mingle throughout the convention weekend, including a fabulous Afterglow on Saturday May 9 in the evening.

We encourage all participants to hold this time for an Afterglow which will be one to remember!

More information will be shared soon! 

 

Manchester bee