Local schools compete for BBC Radio Ulster School Choir of the Year

Following on from the success of the first competition last year, 65 choirs from across Northern Ireland will be singing to impress as they battle it out for a place in the final of the BBC Radio Ulster Choir Of The Year.

Representing the Ballymena area are St Brigid’s and Ballykeel primary schools.

Presented by John Toal and Kerry McLean, and recorded at seven venues across Northern Ireland, the first programme begins on Sunday, February 21 on BBC Radio Ulster at 2pm, culminating in a live final from the Ulster Hall on Sunday, April 17.

The first programme hosted by John Toal from the Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey, features 11 choirs all vying for a place in the grand final.

Competing in the Junior category are: Our Lady Girl’s Primary School, Belfast; John Paul II Primary School, Belfast; Fairview Primary School, Ballyclare; Holy Family Primary School, Belfast; St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballymena; Ballykeel Primary School, Ballymena.

In the Senior category, the following schools will be competing for a place in the final: Belfast High School; Ballyclare High School; Belfast Royal Academy; Bloomfield Collegiate and St Columbanus College, Bangor.

They will be performing for judges Rebekah Coffey, Ciaran Scullion and Richard Yarr.

The competition is produced in association with the Ulster Youth Choir, and supported by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland (ACNI).

Fergus Keeling, Head of Radio, BBC Northern Ireland, said: “At BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle we are dedicated to providing our listeners with the best music, and nurturing new talent is something we are extremely passionate about. We are delighted to be involved in finding some of the best young choirs in Northern Ireland and to have our listeners follow their journey towards the live grand final in the Ulster Hall.”

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The Arts Council is delighted to support the second year of the BBC Radio Ulster School Choir of the Year competition in association with The Ulster Youth Choir. This competition offers a fantastic opportunity for schools to engage and participate in the arts, nurturing a love of music and developing untapped talent in our young people. Good luck to everyone taking part.”

The winning choirs will feature across a range of BBC Radio Ulster’s programming and events during this year.