The South West

Wells Cathedral, Somerset

Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, Wells Cathedral has been described as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals” and its magnificence and striking architecture most certainly reflects this statement. Adjoining the Cathedral is Vicars’ Close, believed to be the only complete medieval street left in England. Music plays a very prominent role in the daily life of the Cathedral which will provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for your performance experience.

• Perfect for: Choirs and Orchestras
• Repertoire: Sacred, Classical
• Performance times: Lunchtime recitals and for a very special concert experience, the cathedral can be hired for an evening concert. During holiday periods, the Cathedral welcomes visiting choirs from close by and from all over the world to sing services.

Trebah Gardens Amphitheatre, Cornwall

Located within a 26-acre sub-tropical paradise, the Amphitheatre at Trebah Gardens is a glorious outdoor performance experience. The venue plays host throughout the spring and summer months to a vibrant mix of theatre, music, stand-up, comedy and puppetry to a very welcoming and enthusiastic audience. The gardens themselves are well worth a visit and are enhanced by its stunning coastal backdrop and private beach.

• Perfect for: Choirs, Bands, Orchestras, Performing Arts groups
• Repertoire: Mixed
• Performance times: On request during the spring and summer months

Minack Theatre, Cornwall

Perched on the cliffs high above the Atlantic Ocean, The Minack Theatre in Cornwall is a unique, world-famous, open-air theatre. With the first performance taking place in 1932, today the theatre is a haven for performers and theatre enthusiasts alike with a full programme of drama, musicals and opera every summer, together with music, comedy and story-telling.

• Perfect for: Choirs, Performing Arts groups & some Bands
• Repertoire: Mixed
• Performance times: Open to visitors year-round. Informal performance options at lunchtimes on Wednesday during summer season and weekends in low season. For formal performances, book very early!

The Rumstore at Carnglaze Caverns, Cornwall

Carnglaze is set amongst 6.5 acres of ancient oak woodland on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor. Initially an open cast quarry, some 300 years ago the workforce started to mine for minerals underground resulting in the formation of three hand created caverns of cathedral proportions. As well as being a popular visitors attraction, it offers a superb underground concert venue with amazing acoustics!

• Perfect for: Choirs, Bands and Performing Arts groups
• Repertoire: Mixed
• Performance times: During opening hours in April-November for a passing audience, or evening ticketed concert

Buckfast Abbey

Nestled in a tranquil haven on the edge of Dartmoor national park in a tranquil and serene Devonshire valley, Buckfast Abbey, is the only English medieval monastery to have been restored and used again for its original purpose. Celebrating its millennial year in 2018, the Abbey is a superb venue for a choir tour and is fast becoming a centre for the arts, particularly sacred music, in the South West, hosting a busy and successful concert series.

• Perfect for: Choirs
• Repertoire: Sacred
• Performance times: Visiting choirs are welcomed to sing at Sunday morning Mass

Festivals

Cornwall International Male Choral Festival Established over 15 years ago, this biennial choral festival for male voices welcomes choirs from all over the British Isles and overseas. Each successive Festival has gone from strength to strength with more participating choirs and performance venues added each time.  Venues range from small to large churches, Truro Cathedral, the Hall for Cornwall, local recreational events, as well as world famous tourist and eco attractions such as The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan, and newer heritage attractions such as Heartlands, the UK's first cultural playground.