Convention Information 2025

Here you can access the Convention Bulletin.

Learning through friendly competition

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

Entry deadline (60 days) late entry fees apply after this date – 10 March

Order of Appearance Draw (55 days) – 17 March

Late entry deadline (45 days) – 25 March

Competitor contact and information confirmation – 12 April – click here

Webcast and app questionnaire – 12 April – click here

Online competition briefing – 6 May at 6:15pm GMT / 7:15pm GMT+1

Ensure competing members are all in good standing – 9 May

Contest Date – 9 May

Chorus

Entry deadline (60 days). Late entry fees apply after this date – 11 March

Order of Appearance Draw (55 days) – 17 March

Late entry deadline (45 days) – 26 March

Competitor contact and information confirmation – 12 April – click here

Webcast and app questionnaire – 12 April – click here

Online competition briefing – 6 May at 6:15pm GMT / 7:15pm GMT+1

Provide final competitor listing – 9 May – Click here to download the 2025 Regionals Chorus list of competing members

Ensure competing members are all in good standing – 9 May

Contest Date – 10 May

Mailings

Competition Packet eMailing – 24 January

International 30 day mailing – 9 April

Harmony Bazaar – A Shopping & Fundraising Extravaganza!

Calling all members! The Harmony Bazaar is back for 2025, and we want YOU to be part of the excitement! This is your chance to showcase your creativity, sell unique items, and raise funds – all while creating a fantastic shopping experience for fellow attendees.

Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, and are free of change if you’re raising funds for your quartet or chorus so don’t miss out!

If we don’f fill all of the slots, we’ll open up to local businesses so if you know of any that’ll be a good fit, let us know!

PLEASE ALSO 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. And if you are a first timer come pick up your free QON lanyard!

Contact us here to get your spot reserved.

Convention Songs

More information coming soon.

Accommodation & Dining

The nearest hotels are a 15 minute walk away, others will require the use of private or public transport. Sheffield is served by an excellent network of trams, which stop outside the University. There is also plenty of parking close to the venue and coach drop off points immediately outside. Details for some hotels are below:

 

Food and Drink

On Friday and Saturday, sandwiches, soup and hot drinks will be available from the Octagon bar. The Student Union, across from the Octagon, will be open until 5pm on Friday 10 May, with a selection of shops and places to eat. Coffee Rev and the Students Union Shop will also be open from 9am – 4pm on Friday and Saturday. The Octagon bar will be open all weekend. CASHLESS ZONE Note that the University is a cashless zone.

Specific opening times are below:

Friday
Café open – 11 am
Bar Open – 2 pm – 9:45pm

Saturday
Café open 10:30 am – Café will stay open to match demand
Bar Open 3pm – Full Close at Midnight

Sunday
Café 9am – 1pm There is also a Co-op at the end of the road where you can purchase snacks throughout the day.

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 ready to accept nominations for 2025!

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 recognized.

Please complete the nomination form, found here. Fill out some details about your unsung champion and upload a head and shoulders high resolution photo of the nominee and submit it by the 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 Sheffield following the Chorus Contest. Their nominations will also be displayed on the website and social media.

Any questions, please contact our membership coordinator. membership@sweetadelines.org.uk

Afterglow

The Octagon will remain open until midnight for the afterglow following the show of champions.

Convention Chorus - Deke Sharon

Join Deke Sharon and other members of the region in a convention chorus! We’ll be learning Deke’s arrangement of ‘Rockin` Robin’ which Deke has so kindly gifted to us!

Rehearsal Schedule

Online Zoom Rehearsals (1 hour each)

We’ve scheduled two online rehearsals on different days to accommodate as many people as possible around chorus commitments:

  • 📅 Monday, 14th April – 7:00 PM (UK time)
  • 📅 Tuesday, 29th April – 7:00 PM (UK time)

In-Person Convention Weekend Rehearsals

  • 📅 Saturday, 10th May – 3:00–5:00 PM (UK time)
  • 📅 Sunday, 11th May – 9:30–11:30 AM, followed by a workshop (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM) and our performance at the Closing Ceremony at lunchtime!

Learning Materials

The sheet music and teach tracks will be made available to you after registration so you can start learning this fantastic song!

Registration

🎟️ Sign-up is now open! It’s included in your convention ticket, and if anyone wants to take part without attending the rest of convention, it’s just £10.

We will be opening this up to non members and the outside world to spread the joy of barbershop to the wider community so it’s important that if you want to get involved, that you sign up as we will have to limit numbers. Members will get priority but please do not sign up if you will not be attending.

Please spread the word! Share this with your singing friends—let’s make this a showstopping moment!