Bradford Festival Choral Society 170th Season 1856–2026

As one of Bradford’s longest-standing cultural organisations, Bradford Festival Choral Society brings together around 140 singers to perform major classical choral works with professional orchestras and soloists across Yorkshire, including an annual appearance in the Bradford Theatres Orchestral Season at St George’s Hall with Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra.

Celebrating 170 Years of Choral Music

Our landmark 170th Anniversary Season is here!

Join us for a very special year of concerts, singing opportunities and celebrations as we mark 170 years of music-making in Bradford.

Be among the first to receive your free season brochure packed with concerts, special events and anniversary stories.

Order your FREE 170th Season Brochure

Available from late September 2026.

Concerts | Events

Nearly 1,000 joined us for Messiah at St George’s Hall and 500+ for our Christmas concert, over 600 for Haydn’s Creation, and Skipton Town Hall was a sell-out. Thank you for your support.

Our autumn events for our 170th anniversary season are now on sale, and we would love you to be part of it.

Join Us

Make 2026 the year you become a part of our vibrant Yorkshire choir and experience the joy and energy of choral music. Join us for rehearsals every Wednesday during term time, and take advantage of our great-value subscription. Discover the thrill of singing with a welcoming community!

Meet Our Musical Team

Choral Conducting, Man Conducting Choir, Man Conducting Orchestra, Classical Concert Season, Bradford Choir, Conducting Bradford Festival Choral Society

Thomas Leech, our Musical Director since 2008, enjoys a reputation as an outstanding and inspirational choral director; he works alongside  Christopher Pulleyn, our Assistant Musical Director since 2010, who is an accomplished pianist and vocal coach.

Past Performances

For almost 170 years, we have brought classical choral music to Yorkshire. Our posters tell the story of each season’s artistry and ambition — here’s a look back at our performances. This page is a work in progress starting with our most recent history – so keep coming back!

Community

We believe choral music should be welcoming, accessible and connected to the wider life of the city. Alongside our concert programme, we support community partnerships, participation opportunities and projects that help more people experience the enjoyment of live music and singing.

BFCS Inspire

Young singers performing with Bradford Festival Choral Society

BFCS Inspire is our exciting initiative to nurture the next generation of choral talent. Find out more about this here, read more about the young musicians who have been inspired, and help us to inspire a lifelong love of choral music!

In the Press

Explore the local media coverage of our choir, including press releases, editorials, and concert reviews. These articles offer a glimpse into our performances, and our presence in the community.

Accolades

Discover more about our recent nominations and awards which highlight our commitment to musical excellence, community engagement, and inclusivity.

From the Archives

This new and growing part of our website brings together historical stories and musical insights from our past. Take a look back through our history and discover the people, performances, and moments that have shaped the choir over the years — and check back soon for more additions.

Tickets for all events organised by BFCS can be securely purchased via Ticketsource.  It is also often possible to buy tickets via a member of the choir, or to buy them on the door.

Patron: The Lord Mayor of Bradford