2026 FINALISTS
BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir is a vibrant and welcoming community that brings together BIMM students and performers from a wide range of backgrounds, united by a shared love of gospel music. The choir creates a supportive space where members can connect, express themselves and grow musically while enjoying the energy and fellowship that gospel music inspires. Known for its friendly atmosphere and lively rehearsals, the group thrives on strong community spirit. BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir regularly performs at church services and community events, sharing the joy and uplifting message of gospel music with diverse audiences and celebrating the power of music to bring people together.
Manchester Harmony Gospel Choir brings together students from universities across the city, including the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Salford. United by a love of gospel music, the choir performs at concerts, competitions and community events throughout the year. Rehearsals are energetic and welcoming, often mixing singing with team activities and moments of reflection. Open to students of all musical backgrounds, the choir places a strong emphasis on community and connection. For many members it quickly becomes more than a weekly rehearsal – it becomes a place of friendship, encouragement and shared purpose through music.
Portsmouth Gospel Choir is a lively student choir that brings people together through a shared love of gospel music. Made up of students from across the university, the group celebrates the rich heritage of gospel while also embracing contemporary sounds that connect with modern audiences. Their performances reflect both musical excellence and a deep sense of purpose. Beyond the music, the choir is known for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere, where members are encouraged to grow in confidence, creativity and faith. Led by students, Portsmouth Gospel Choir values unity and authenticity, creating a space where everyone can contribute. For many members, it quickly becomes more than a choir — it becomes a family.
Warwick Gospel Choir is a Christ-centred community that brings students together through worship, music and fellowship. Open to students from all backgrounds and abilities, the choir offers a welcoming space where members can grow in confidence both musically and personally. Weekly rehearsals focus on developing strong vocals while exploring a diverse gospel repertoire, from contemporary worship songs to African and Caribbean praise. Beyond rehearsals, the choir plays an active role on campus through performances and events, including its annual showcase Encounter, which creates space for music, reflection and community. For many students, Warwick Gospel Choir becomes more than an extracurricular activity — it becomes a supportive family.
Durham University Gospel Choir (DUGC) is a vibrant, high-energy choir bringing the sound and spirit of gospel music to audiences across the North East. Founded in 2018, the choir welcomes students from all backgrounds and has quickly built a reputation for passionate performances and strong musicality. Drawing inspiration from contemporary gospel artists such as Kirk Franklin and the Sunday Service Choir, DUGC blends modern gospel sounds with the genre’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. The choir performs regularly at university events, concerts and community gatherings, while also delivering workshops that introduce young people to the history and impact of gospel music.
The Revival Gospel Choir is the University of Leicester’s gospel choir, bringing students together through a shared love of worship, music and community. Though still a relatively young choir, the group has grown into a welcoming space where singers of all abilities can build confidence and develop their voices. Weekly rehearsals offer more than just singing; they create space for fellowship, encouragement and friendship among members. The choir is passionate about using gospel music to uplift others and share its message of hope. With a relaxed but purposeful approach, The Revival Gospel Choir balances fun, learning and heartfelt performance. For many students, it quickly becomes a supportive community.
The University of Sunderland Gospel Choir was formed in December 2024 and officially launched in February 2025, bringing students together to serve their community through music. More than just a group of singers, the choir fosters a supportive and welcoming environment where members grow spiritually and musically while building lasting friendships. Guided by the scriptures Esther 4:14 and Matthew 18:20, the choir embraces its purpose and calling, seeing each rehearsal and performance as an opportunity to glorify God. With a focus on excellence, fellowship, and faith, the choir creates a space where music and ministry come alive.
Founded in February 2025, Edinburgh University Gospel Choir (EUGC) is the first university gospel choir in Scotland, bringing together students from across Edinburgh united by faith and a love of gospel music. In a short time, the student-led choir has grown into a focused group prioritising musical excellence and spiritual integrity. Weekly rehearsals develop vocal technique, harmony and authentic gospel expression, while performances blend tradition and contemporary styles. EUGC’s debut concert, The Gospel Experience, welcomed over 200 students, and the choir continues to approach competitions with purpose, sharing Scotland’s distinctive gospel voice on a national stage.
Loughborough Gospel Choir (LGC) brings students together through gospel music, creating a space where worship, creativity and community meet. The choir offers a welcoming environment for members to learn, sing, play and express themselves, sharing the peace, love, hope and joy of God through sound. Open to believers and those exploring faith, LGC focuses on making worship tangible, inspiring a deeper connection to God. Guided by John 4:23, the choir seeks to energise its members and audiences alike, turning rehearsals and performances into experiences of spirit, truth and musical excellence. This is what Heaven sounds like.
The University of Birmingham Gospel Choir brings students together to worship and glorify God through song. Meeting weekly, members develop their vocal skills under the guidance of their vocal director while building a strong sense of community. Known for discipline and passion, the choir has competed in the University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY) competition for several years, winning in 2019. With a commitment to growth and musical excellence, the group explores new styles and techniques while staying rooted in gospel tradition. Weekly rehearsals are more than practice—they are opportunities to honour God and strengthen fellowship through music.