One Voice Summer 2026 Singing Festival Sign Up Live!
Sheffield Schools – Join us for our One Voice Summer 2026 Singing Festival!
Sheffield Schools, we are thrilled to invite you to take part in our One Voice Summer singing festival, a singing celebration organised by Sheffield Music Hub for KS2 classes and choirs! Schools can bring as many classes as they wish, or participate with their choir or singing club. This year’s theme is Summer Festival - without the mud!
Returning to the Octagon Centre, the festival will bring together hundreds of young singers for an unforgettable massed performance.
When asked about the project, Kate Shipway said, “One Voice is an important part of our work at Sheffield Music Hub. It empowers teachers to lead their classes in singing and provides children with the fantastic opportunity to come together with hundreds of other children from across Sheffield for an inspiring performance. It is also an incredible opportunity for the children to sing alongside a professional, live band!”
Tickets for families will be available from Tuesday 5 May at 1pm (£5 adults, £3 under 18s).
Dates & Times
- In-Person CPD Session (for all participating teachers)
Date: Tuesday 21 April 4 - 6pm
Location: The Foundry Studios, 3 Brown Street, Sheffield S1 2BS - Live Online Singing Sessions (for all participating pupils)
Tuesday 16 June 10:30 – 11:15
Tuesday 20 June 10:30 – 11:15
- Performance Day
Tuesday 7 July, 10:00am – 2:30pm
Location: The Octagon Centre, Sheffield
Festival Overview
The project begins with an in-person CPD session led by Kate Shipway, our expert vocal Music Leader. This fun and supportive session will guide teachers through the festival songs at The Foundry Studios.
Teachers will then lead their classes in rehearsing the songs using the provided resources, including sheet music, lyrics, rehearsal tracks, and backing tracks.
In the weeks leading up to the performance, Kate will host two live YouTube sessions to support schools with their preparations. These can be watched live or on demand.
On performance day, schools will gather at The Octagon Centre for a morning rehearsal, followed by an afternoon performance.
Why you should sign your school up to One Voice
One Voice is an experience that boosts confidence, builds musical skills, and creates lasting memories for children, teachers and families across Sheffield. Here’s what last year’s participants told us.
What Teachers Told Us
100% of teachers said One Voice improved their class’s singing and increased their own confidence leading singing.
One teacher shared:
“One Voice was great, we loved the intimate venue and the children really enjoyed getting to be so close to the live band.”
What the Children Said
Pupils were hugely positive, with many saying they wanted to keep singing and that they “love singing.”
Taking part helps children discover the joy of music and supports their confidence and well-being.
What Parents Said
Parents also saw the impact:
“Yes she has been loving the choir every week, she had a school trip today as well but wanted to be here!”
“It’s improved her enjoyment of music. She’s disappointed it’s stopping, she wants to carry on.”
“Yes, I would say that she’s more confident because of the choir and the community that comes with the choir as well.”
We are proud to continue our partnership with The Linking Network and provide the opportunity for schools to link with each other as part of One Voice.
What is 'Linking'? Linking involves sharing time and experiences with people from different backgrounds, such as socioeconomic status, nationality, faith, age, or other characteristics. To reduce prejudice and challenge stereotypes, effective linking requires careful thought and preparation. Rooted in research around intergroup contact, linking provides opportunities for meaningful positive social contact. The Linking Network inspires and equips schools to support children and young people in building meaningful connections with children from other schools and backgrounds.
As part of One Voice, The Linking Network will facilitate opportunities for linking, such as practising songs with other schools or engaging in collaborative games on the One Voice performance day.
Cost
- £300 per class (up to 34 students)
- £250 for each additional class (£50 discount)
Travel Bursary
If travel cost is an issue, please get in touch with MusicHubProjects@sheffield.gov.uk. The Linking Network have offered to provide bursaries to help with travel costs.
How to Apply
To apply, please fill out the application form. Note the Booking Terms and Conditions and the section on photo/video permissions. Performances will be photographed and filmed, requiring relevant permissions for all participants.
Deadline for applications is 27 March 5pm (or before if all places are filled).
We look forward to another amazing One Voice festival. If you have any questions, please contact Kate at kate.shipway@sheffield.gov.uk.
