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The Charles Wood
Festival of Music and Summer School
Patron: Sir John Rutter KBE
The festival celebrates the music of Charles Wood and seeks to give singers and musicians an opportunity to perform and develop their talents. We do this through events during the year and our annual summer school in August for singers, organists and choir directors. It is held in all the main churches in Armagh, Northern Ireland.
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2026 Song Competition
7 March - Armagh
Now in its 8th year, the competition continues to cement its place as a leading platform for young classical singers across the UK, Ireland, and beyond. Join us for the Junior Final (2pm) and Senior Final (7pm)
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John Rutter Come and Sing
18 April - St. Annes Cathedral Belfast
Join us for an uplifting Come & Sing with John Rutter, open to all singers whether you sing regularly in a choir, in church, at school, or simply enjoy singing for pleasure.
Tickets going fast!
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2026 Alumni
20/21 August - Armagh
Mark the 100th anniversary of Charles Wood’s death, we invite our alumni to return to Armagh and be part of this landmark celebration. Reconnect with friends and celebrate the music and memories that have shaped the Festival.
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2026 Girls' Choir
15-21 August - Armagh
Join the Charles Wood Girls' Choir for a week-long residential summer course for girl choristers aged 12-18. Participants will experience intensive, fun training in singing and choral music under the direction of Christopher Gray
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2026 CW Singers
16-23 August - Armagh
Join the resident Charles Wood Festival Choir under the direction of David Hill and sing at various concerts, services and events as we celebrate the centenary year of Charles Wood.
Charles Wood Singers
At the centre of the Summer School is a resident choir, The Charles Wood Singers, which comes together at the beginning of the week to prepare music for concerts and services under the direction of David Hill (Conductor, The Bach Choir) and Philip Scriven (Organist-in-Residence, Cranleigh School).
Charles Wood Girls’ Choir
The Charles Wood Girls' Choir is a week-long residential summer course for girl choristers aged 12-18, proudly supported by Ulster Carpets. Participants will experience intensive, fun training in singing and choral music.
Vocal Tuition
There are numerous opportunities to work with internationally renowned vocal coach, Paul Farrington. As well as holding workshops and giving individual tuition during the Summer School week, Paul will work collectively with the Charles Wood Singers.
Northern Ireland International Organ Competition
For organists aged 21 and under. The Competition offers substantial monetary prizes, prestigious recital opportunities and masterclasses with leading organists across the globe. The competition was created to discover great young talent and give them a platform to show everyone what they can do. Founded in 2011 this competition continues to grow year on year as we attract top organists from the UK & Ireland and beyond.
