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:
Chorus Competitors will also fall under the following categories for the relevant chorus size divisions.
* Division A – 12 to 25 Singing Members (not including Director) – note that if you qualify for Harmony Classic you can increase to 40 Singing Members when performing at the International Contest
* Division AA – 26 to 50 Singing Members (not including Director) – note that if you qualify for Harmony Classic you can increase to 75 Singing Members when performing at the International Contest
* Large chorus is 51+
All personnel entering the backstage area must be signed in and then signed out again as they leave backstage. No personnel other than members of the quartet or chorus (and all designated volunteers) will be permitted into the backstage area.
Refer to the following links for Bridgewater hall rules.
Calling all members! The Harmony Bazaar is back for 2026 but in a virtual way. Check out our online harmony bazaar –> LINK
We will have a limited number of tables in the lobby of The Bridgewater Hall for groups 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.
We will also have a welcome desk where you can come pick up your AETs & get any questions answered. Here are the opening hours
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!
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.
Thank you to all who volunteered! Check the links above for the final volunteer assignments!
If you are willing to volunteer for a role (eg. courier/door steward) at this years’ convention, please complete this volunteer form linked above
What to Expect
– Short 2 hour Shifts
– A Fair and Manageable commitment – with clear roles which are briefed and fully supported by our RMT/Competition team with no assignment intefering with competitor prep/participation
– Plenty of time for volunteers to still enjoy the convention
Volunteer concessions for Region 31 Volunteers
Volunteers will receive a £20 discount on next years AET.
Other volunteer benefits include
– Meet and connecting with people across both regions
– Be a friendly, welcoming face to competitors
– Gain insight into how the contest runs behind the scenes
– Feel more involved in the overall convention experience
We have a number of convention songs that will be sung together by participants over convention weekend. These include:
Region 31 members can sign in here for access to convention songs. Region 32 members can sign in via the member portal here.
Headquarters Hotel:
Food and Drink
Bridgewater Offerings Linked here
It is suggested for large groups to pre-book reservations and likely you will have to pay a £10 deposit per person to secure a table and they may even do a set menu. A lot of the restaurant do a pre theatre menu (as well as the palace and opera house) and they work out a bit cheaper.
Restaurants close to Bridgewater Hall: Don Giovanni Italian, Giorgio Italian, Odd Socks Bar & Kitchen, Rain Bar, Rudy’s Pizza, The Refuge (inside Kimpton Clock Tower Hotel)
Nearby Quick foods: Turtle Bay, Wetherspoons, Wagamama’s, Bishopsgate Table Table, Chinatown (lots of restaurant choices ), McDonalds/Sunway/Starbucks, Tesco/Sainsburys
Deansgate (short walk): Fazenda Brazilian, El Rincon de Rafa Tapas, Don Marco Italian, Annies, Springfields Area (lots of choices and short walk from Bridgewater Hall)
Off Deansgate/Whitworth Street: Dom’s Italian, Gina D’Acampo Manchester
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.
Nominations are now closed
The Unsung Champion recognition ceremony will take place at convention in The Bridgewater Hall during the Sunday closing ceremony. Their nominations will also be displayed on the website, on screens throughout the weekend and on social media.
Any questions, please contact the Region 31 membership coordinator here.
We are now accepting chorus nominations for 2026.
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:
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!
Check out the silent disco, convention cocktail, and more. The party doesn’t stop after the Bridgewater hall has closed at 10pm – looking for somewhere to celebrate after the contest session. Here is where our choruses will be gathering – everyone is welcome to pop by, mingle and keep the barbershop buzz alive.
Convention cocktails and mocktails have been developed in the spirit of Manchester:
Alcoholic: Honeycomb Spritz which will have gin, fresh lime juice, rosemary honey syrup and sparking water
Mocktail: The Golden Buzz and is a bold orange lemonade with fresh mint
| Chorus / Event | Contact | Location & Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singing Unlimited | Margaret Vonk | margaretc1954@me.com | Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre 55 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3HP |
| Ignite UK & Lace City Chorus | Julie Bowles | mail@juliebowles.com | Hampton by Hilton Northern Quarter |
| Heartbeat UK | Sam Jackson | ssjchance@aol.com | Leonardo Central – Hotel Bar |
| Phoenix | Fiona McGlashan | impact@appleshack.com | INNSiDE by Meliá 1 First Street, Manchester M15 4RP  Chadwick A – until midnight |
| Forth Valley | Liz Lockhart | liz1lockhart@gmail.com | Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre 70 Shudehill, Manchester M4 4AF Smithfield Suite – until midnight |
Are you under age 30 and love barbershop, this is your chance to connect with other young singers from Region 31 (UK & Netherlands) and Region 32 (Nordic Countries) for an unforgettable Convention weekend. Think: joint youth chorus, performance opportunity, prep Zoom sessions, education, and a fun social vibe.
Curious? Excited? Even just interested? Fill in the form and let us know – we’re building something special, and we want you in the room.
Thursday April 23: Zoom session at 7pm UK/ 8pm SE/NL
Saturday May 9th – Rehearsal from 17:45-19:00 (Orchestra Room 3 at The Bridgewater Hall). Shortly after there will be a performance on the Saturday Evening Show.
Sunday May 10th – Education session with Becki Hine: 10:30-11:30
View the Schedule of Events for the latest information on Sunday Education sessions and rooms.
Learn 1 song: Fight Song – Learning tracks are linked here
If you are interested it is not too late to join – sign up here to confirm you are taking part in the festivities.
