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Choirs for Christmas Competition 2025

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 8:41 GMT by RTE Online
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RTE Lyric FM Launches the 2025 “Choirs for Christmas” Competition

In a festive announcement that has already set the Irish choral community abuzz, RTE Lyric FM has unveiled the details for its annual “Choirs for Christmas” competition. The event, which will run throughout the autumn and culminate in a series of live broadcasts on the station’s flagship Christmas programme, invites choirs from all walks of life to showcase their holiday spirit on a national stage.

The 2025 Competition at a Glance

• Eligibility – The competition is open to adult choirs of all sizes, from community ensembles and church groups to professional and university choirs. Each entry must comprise at least 20 singers and be able to perform a minimum of four pieces, including a traditional carol, a contemporary arrangement, and an original composition. (See the Eligibility section on the official competition page: https://www.rte.ie/radio/lyricfm/news/2025/1002/1536447-choirs-for-christmas-competition-2025/)

• Registration Window – Choirs can register between 1 November 2025 and 30 November 2025. The online entry form, which requires details such as choir name, contact information, rehearsal schedule, and a short bio, can be accessed here: https://www.rte.ie/lyricfm/choirs-competition/entry

• Competition Timeline – After the registration deadline, a panel of experienced judges will review all submissions. The top 10 entries will advance to the live performance round, scheduled for 15 December at the National Concert Hall. A live audience will watch the performances streamed on Lyric FM’s “Christmas in the City” show, with the winner announced in a closing ceremony on 21 December.

• Prizes – The winning choir will receive €3 000 and an exclusive opportunity to perform live on RTE’s flagship Christmas broadcast on 25 December. The runner‑up will earn €1 500 and a commemorative silver plaque. Additionally, each finalist will receive a “Choirs for Christmas” commemorative CD featuring their best performance. (Full prize details can be found at: https://www.rte.ie/lyricfm/choirs-competition/prizes)

What Makes the 2025 Edition Special

The RTE Lyric FM team has chosen a fresh theme for 2025: “Carols Reimagined.” Under this banner, choirs are encouraged to bring new arrangements, incorporate non‑traditional instruments, or even fuse genres like jazz or world music into their carol selections. The theme’s description and example arrangements are available on the competition’s Theme page: https://www.rte.ie/lyricfm/choirs-competition/theme

The judging panel for this year has been assembled with a blend of musical pedigree and broadcasting expertise. Head judge Dr. Niall Murphy, conductor of the National Choral Society, will lead the panel, joined by BBC Radio presenter Sarah Kelly and composer‑arranger Aoife Ní Bhriain. Each judge’s bio, along with their previous experience with choral competitions, is listed in the Judges section: https://www.rte.ie/lyricfm/choirs-competition/judges

Looking Back: Past Winners and Impact

The “Choirs for Christmas” competition first launched in 2018, and since then it has become a staple of the Irish holiday calendar. Past winners have gone on to perform at high‑profile venues and in televised events, and the competition has consistently highlighted the country’s rich choral tradition.

• 2023 Winner – Ballyshannon Community Choir (Winner of €3 000 and a Christmas broadcast slot)
• 2023 Runner‑up – Trinity College Choir (Winner of €1 500)

The 2023 event was broadcast live on Lyric FM’s “Christmas in the City” show, and the broadcast’s highlights can be replayed here: https://www.rte.ie/lyricfm/news/2023/1125/1543210-choirs-for-christmas-2023-rewind

These stories underscore the competition’s role in bringing together communities and celebrating the collective joy of singing.

How to Get Involved

For choirs eager to participate, the process is straightforward. The online form requires basic information about the ensemble, as well as a short video or audio sample of a carol performance for initial screening. All documents must be submitted in PDF or MP3 format, and the final deadline is 30 November 2025. It is highly recommended that choirs start rehearsals for their “Carols Reimagined” pieces as early as possible, given the limited rehearsal time before the final performance slot.

Choirs that can’t enter the competition but still wish to be part of the 2025 Christmas celebrations are invited to submit their repertoire for consideration as part of the “Christmas in the City” broadcast’s pre‑show repertoire. For more information on this secondary participation option, see the Submissions page: https://www.rte.ie/lyricfm/choirs-competition/submissions

A Word from the RTE Lyric FM Team

“In 2025 we want to see choirs push the boundaries of what a carol can be,” says Lyric FM Programme Director Fiona Gallagher. “The ‘Choirs for Christmas’ competition is more than a contest; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the timeless magic of choral music. We can’t wait to hear what our Irish singers bring to the stage this year.”

Stay Connected

For any inquiries, the competition’s contact email is choirs@lyricfm.com. The RTE Lyric FM news page remains the central hub for updates, and can be accessed directly at: https://www.rte.ie/radio/lyricfm/news/

With registration now open, choirs across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and even Irish communities abroad are invited to join the chorus of voices that will make 2025’s holiday season unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned choir veteran or a fledgling ensemble, the “Choirs for Christmas” competition offers a chance to shine on a national platform, connect with fellow singers, and bring the warmth of the holiday season to listeners everywhere.

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