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:
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
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
Competition Packet eMailing – 24 January
International 30 day mailing – 9 April
Don’t forget to Visit the Harmony Bazaar in the foyer of the Octagon 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 Region 31 while you shop!
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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.
If you are willing to volunteer for a role (eg. courier/door steward) at this years’ convention, please complete this Volunteer Form.
Volunteer concessions
Non Competitors will receive a free registration for the day of their volunteering duty. Competitors will receive a £20 discount from next years’ All Events Registration.
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:
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 (Hot Drinks, Pastries & Meal Deals) – 10:30-13:30
Bar Open (Hot Food, Hot Drinks) – 14:00 – 21:30
Saturday
Café open (Hot Drinks, Pastries & Meal Deals) – 9:00-11:45
Bar Open 12pm – Close at Midnight
Sunday
Café 9am – 12:30pm
There is also a Co-op at the end of the road where you can purchase snacks throughout the day.
Who do you look up to or admire for what they do for you, your chorus or the region?
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!
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:
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
Exciting news – we’ve got our own convention cocktail! The brilliant bar manager at The Octagon has created a bespoke drink especially for us and we’re in love.
Introducing the “Chord 31 Spritz” – a sparkling, soothing twist on a classic spritz, inspired by harmony, warmth and the steely heart of Sheffield.
What’s in it?
Rhubarb Gin, Homemade honey & chamomile cordial, fresh lemon juice, topped with prosecco. Floral, refreshing and perfectly in tune with our convention vibe!
And of course – it’ll be available at our fabulous Afterglow! Our Afterglow will start immediately after the show and has been extended into the auditorium for lots of tags and fun! There will be a designated bar area away from the main bar (at the back of the stage area in the auditorium). There will be an area for performers who want to sing for others, a tagging area (pre-recorded R31 tags are available on the website), and a photo booth! Trust us you won’t want to miss it.
Raise a glass and let’s toast to harmony, friendship, and unforgettable memories!
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!
We’ve scheduled two online rehearsals on different days to accommodate as many people as possible around chorus commitments:
The sheet music and teach tracks will be made available to you after registration so you can start learning this fantastic song!
🎟️ 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!
