Convention Information 2026

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

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

Harmony Bazaar – A Shopping & Fundraising Extravaganza!

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 Region 31 while you shop! 

 

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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 – 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!

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.

 

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. Competitors will receive a £20 discount from next years’ All Events Registration.

Convention Songs

More information coming soon.

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

  • How We Sang Today
  • Anthem 
  • Brave
  • Something Inside So Strong
 

Tags are also available for you to use during convention weekend.

Region 31 members can sign in here for access. 

Accommodation & Dining

More information coming soon

Food and Drink

More information coming soon

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 will soon be ready to accept 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 recognized.

Please complete the nomination form, coming soon. 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 Bridgewater Hall at a time to be confirmed. Their nominations will also be displayed on the website and social media.

Any questions, please contact our membership coordinator here

Afterglow

More information coming soon!