Fresh from being crowned Best Community Music Group at the 2026 Andover Music Awards, Andover Ladies Choir is calling on local residents and businesses to help them take their talents to a prestigious national singing competition in Whitby next April.
Andover Ladies Choir is hoping the town will rally behind its latest musical adventure after receiving an invitation to compete at the Eskdale Festival of the Arts’ National Choir Day in Whitby, North Yorkshire, in April 2027.
The choir, made up of around 40 singers, is celebrating a remarkable year after winning Best Community Music Group at the inaugural Andover Music Awards 2026, held at The Lights in October. The award was sponsored by Kick Start FC.
Now, with a major competition on the horizon, the award-winning group has launched its #WomenToWhitby fundraising campaign, appealing to individuals and businesses to help cover the costs of travelling hundreds of miles to represent Andover.
For the singers, however, this is about much more than performing on a national stage. It is an opportunity to build on their success, strengthen their reputation and ultimately give even more back to the community they proudly represent.
Andover Music Awards triumph highlights choir’s community contribution
The choir’s success at the 2026 Andover Music Awards was a significant achievement, recognising the dedication, talent and community spirit that have become central to the group’s identity.
The awards, organised by Andover Radio and Love Andover, celebrated the very best of the town’s musical talent, from emerging artists and established performers to the organisations working tirelessly to keep music at the heart of local life.
Andover Ladies Choir was named Best Community Music Group, seeing off fellow finalists Uke@Heart and Andover Rocks to take home the coveted award.
The recognition was particularly meaningful because it celebrated not only the choir’s musical achievements but also the important role it plays in bringing people together and supporting the wider community.
Now, just weeks after receiving that honour, its members are preparing for another exciting challenge that could see Andover represented on a much bigger stage.
A proud history of musical success
Although the Andover Music Awards victory has brought fresh recognition, Andover Ladies Choir is no stranger to success.
Founded in September 2017 by musical director Clare Oliver, the non-profit choir has developed a reputation for high-quality performances, combining musical excellence with a welcoming and supportive environment.
The group rehearses at Thruxton Memorial Hall and performs a varied repertoire spanning folk music, pop ballads, musical theatre and classical pieces.
Its achievements extend well beyond Hampshire. The choir won three classes at the Mid-Somerset Festival in 2023, enjoyed success at Cheltenham in 2024 and secured another two class victories at Mid-Somerset in 2025.
Earlier this year, the singers also received an Outstanding rating at Cheltenham, further demonstrating their growing reputation on the competitive choral circuit.
These achievements are particularly impressive for a community choir whose members share a passion for singing and supporting one another.
A prestigious competition with more than 120 years of history
The choir’s next challenge will take it to the historic seaside town of Whitby for the Eskdale Festival of the Arts’ National Choir Day on Saturday 17 April 2027, at Whitby Pavilion.
Established in 1903, the Eskdale Festival has a long history of celebrating the performing arts, providing opportunities for musicians, singers and performers to demonstrate their talents.
Its National Choir Day forms part of a wider programme of music, drama and artistic competitions, bringing choral groups together in a celebration of singing and musical achievement.
For Andover Ladies Choir, the invitation represents an exciting opportunity to perform in a respected competitive environment, gain further experience and potentially add another achievement to an already impressive record.
But getting a choir of approximately 40 singers from Andover to North Yorkshire is no small undertaking.
Travel costs and the practicalities of attending an event so far from home present a significant financial challenge, and members are determined to ensure that funding does not prevent them from taking part.
Success in Whitby could benefit the whole of Andover
While the prospect of competing in Whitby is exciting, the choir is keen to highlight that the benefits could extend far beyond its members.
The group has a strong tradition of supporting community causes, using its performances and musical activities to help others.
As a non-profit organisation, Andover Ladies Choir sees music not simply as an opportunity to perform but as a way of making a positive difference.
Competing successfully at a prestigious event such as National Choir Day would further strengthen the choir’s credentials and potentially lead to additional invitations for paid performances.
Those opportunities, in turn, could generate funds that the choir can donate back into the community.
It means that supporting the #WomenToWhitby campaign is not simply about helping a group of singers travel to a competition. It is an investment in a local organisation that is committed to giving something back.
Every contribution could help create opportunities that benefit both the choir and the wider Andover community for years to come.
#WomenToWhitby – local businesses and residents urged to get behind the campaign
To help make the trip possible, Andover Ladies Choir has launched its #WomenToWhitby fundraising appeal and is inviting the town’s businesses, organisations and residents to become part of its journey.
Members have already approached several local companies about potential sponsorship, although the response has so far been slower than hoped.
Now, the choir is hoping that the recognition it received at the Andover Music Awards will encourage more people to come forward.
Local companies have an opportunity to associate their businesses with an award-winning community group, supporting local talent while demonstrating their commitment to Andover’s cultural and community life.
Individuals who would like to make a contribution are equally welcome.
The choir is keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help, with further details about the campaign and potential sponsorship opportunities available directly from its representatives.
Can Andover help its award-winning singers reach Whitby?
The inaugural Andover Music Awards demonstrated the extraordinary musical talent that exists within the town, and Andover Ladies Choir’s victory was a reminder of the vital role community music groups play in local life.
Now, the singers have an opportunity to take that talent beyond Hampshire and represent their hometown at a competition with a proud musical heritage.
Their dedication has already brought them success, recognition and an Andover Music Award.
With the support of the community, April 2027 could provide another memorable chapter in the choir’s story.
And perhaps, with a little help from the town, Andover Ladies Choir could return from Whitby with another award to add to its growing collection.
For a choir that gives so much to its community, now is the perfect opportunity for the community to give something back.
How to support #WomenToWhitby
Residents, local businesses and organisations interested in supporting the fundraising campaign are encouraged to contact Andover Ladies Choir directly.
Further information and contact details for the choir’s officers and committee members are available through its official website. Enquiries can be made by email, telephone or text message.
Visit the Andover Ladies Choir website
The choir can also be contacted through its social media pages.
#WomenToWhitby – Let’s help Andover’s award-winning voices be heard in Whitby!
What an incredible article, thank you SO much for your support 🎶💜