Cork International Choral Festival Returns to Fill the City with Song This May Bank Holiday

Cork is set to become a city of song once again as the Cork International Choral Festival returns from 29 April to 3 May 2026, with an extensive programme of free and family-friendly events taking place across the city and county.

Now in its 71st year, the festival will welcome more than 5,000 performers from 13 countries, with music spreading beyond concert halls and into libraries, public spaces, historic sites and community venues throughout the five days.

The much-loved Choral Trail returns, bringing free pop-up performances from visiting choirs into everyday settings across Cork, from Ballincollig and Bishopstown to the city's Central Library. Audiences can expect to encounter everything from school choirs to international ensembles in relaxed, informal surroundings.

At the Clayton Hotel, Afternoons in the Atrium will offer a full weekend of continuous, drop-in performances from morning through to early evening, featuring dozens of choirs from Cork and across Ireland. The Marina Market Stage will host a full afternoon of performances on Saturday 2 May, including community, workplace and youth choirs, while Elizabeth Fort provides a striking historic backdrop for Sunday performances overlooking the city.

Families are well catered for throughout the programme, with a strong presence of school and youth choirs, a Primary Schools Finale workshop at Cork City Hall, and participatory events such as The Big Sing, which invites audiences of all ages to join in.

Free lunchtime and afternoon concerts will also take place in some of Cork's most atmospheric venues, including St Fin Barre's Cathedral, St Anne's Shandon, Freemasons' Hall and Griffith College. The festival extends beyond the city centre to Cobh and other locations across the county, with free performances at the iconic Cobh bandstand, churches and cultural venues.

Artistic Director Peter Stobart said:

"There's something very special that happens when music becomes part of the fabric of a city. The free events are a vital part of that. They create moments of discovery, where people can encounter choral music in their daily lives and feel part of the festival, whether they planned it or not."

With over 60 venues hosting performances across the five days, the Cork International Choral Festival continues to balance artistic excellence with accessibility, ensuring world-class music is available to all.

Full programme details are available at www.corkchoral.ie.