The Cambridge Contemporary Choir Festival will return to Cambridge Corn Exchange next Summer and you won’t want to miss it!
On Friday 17th until Saturday 18th July 2026 there will be a programme of fun singing events and workshops; exploring many different genres and an evening concert showcasing contemporary choirs from across the UK.
For the first time Friday evening will host The BIG BIG Collab hosted by Carrie Rawlings and other expert vocal coaches from The Collaboration Choir alongside a LIVE band. Come and party the night away at our ultimate bandeoke experience with your friends. No previous singing experience is needed just the urge to expose your inner diva and sing out loud and proud!
Then, on Saturday evening, the stage will be reset for a celebration of all things ‘Choir’. This will be a night to remember hosted by the one and only Mark DeLisser. It will feature Sing Space Cambridge, Strictly A Cappella, The Collaboration Choir, Julie Stark and The MDL Singers. Vibrant original arrangements of well-known hits will feature as part of this amazing choir showcase. It is not to be missed!
Our Saturday daytime workshops will begin with a family-friendly Song Squad Workshop at 10am. Then we’ll explore Gospel, Musical Theatre, A Cappella and Jazz. Our five fabulous vocal coaches are Lisa Martin, Lizzie Deane, Carrie Rawlings, Helen Lappert and Anni Delger.
Cambridge will be alive “with the sound of music” as part of this special event. There will be free pop up performances from local singing groups happening in Cambridge Market Square throughout Saturday daytime.
Carrie Rawlings, curator of the festival says: “If you sing in the shower, in a choir or just love contemporary music you won’t want to miss this event. Come to beautiful Cambridge next summer and celebrate the amazing human voice. Be part of the action!”
The Schedule for 2026
FRIDAY: 7:30pm-10:00pm (Doors at 6:45pm)
Anyone aged 10+ is welcome at this event. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
SATURDAY: 10am-11am (Doors at 9:45am)
Children aged 4+ are welcome. Each ticket is for this workshop covers 1 adult and 1 child. An adult (aged 18+) must be present and taking part throughout.
SATURDAY: 11:30am-12:45pm (Doors at 11:15am)
Anyone aged 10+ is welcome at this session. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
SATURDAY: 1:15pm-2:30pm (Doors at 1:00pm)
Anyone aged 10+ is welcome at this session. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
SATURDAY: 3:00pm-4:15pm (Doors at 2:45pm)
Anyone aged 10+ is welcome at this session. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
SATURDAY: 7:30pm-10:00pm (Doors at 6:45pm)
Adults and children of all ages are welcome at this concert. Please note all acts will perform subject to availability.
TIMINGS TBC
Anyone aged 10+ is welcome at this session. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
7:30pm-10:00pm (Doors at 6:45pm)
The Cambridge Contemporary Choir Festival culminates in a professional showcase of choirs on hosted by the charismatic and passionate host Mark DeLisser (Gospel Choir Of The Year, BBC Songs Of Praise).
Sing Space Cambridge, Strictly A Cappella, The Collaboration Choir, Julie Stark and The MDL Singers will all feature. All acts will take to the iconic Corn Exchange stage for a celebration of all things ‘choir’ to be remembered.
These talented soloists and ensembles will be performing vibrant original arrangements of well-known hits as part of this amazing showcase. If you sing in the shower, in a choir or just love listening to contemporary music you won’t want to miss this event. Come and celebrate the human voice with us. A great night out for all the family in Cambridge this summer!
Hosted by Mark DeLisser
Our Showcase Performers
Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir
Strictly a Cappella
Strictly a Cappella is an award-winning, British mixed vocal group in South Herts led by the inspirational Helen Lappert. They have performed internationally in Prague, Dublin and Berlin. They sing a range of contemporary and classic audience favourites.
The Collaboration Choir
The Collaboration Choir is a collective of community pop choirs across the UK founded with the goal of bringing people together through music and supporting local causes.They offer a welcoming and inclusive space for singers of all levels, focusing on uplifting and popular music, and fostering a sense of community and musical growth. Members of Bedford, Cambridge, Huntingdon, Milton Keynes, St Neots and Woburn Sands will be taking to thestage at CCC-Fest this year and they just can’t wait!
The MDL Singers
The Mark De‑Lisser Singers, led by the charismatic choral director and vocal coach Mark De‑Lisser, are a dynamic gospel‑infused choir based in the UK. Originally founded in 2005 at the Academy of Contemporary Music as the ACM Gospel Choir, they quickly rose to prominence, reaching the semi‑finals of BBC’s Last Choir Standing in 2008 and winning the Urban Music Award for Best Gospel Act in 2014. Under Mark’s direction, the choir has performed at high‑profile events including the King’s Coronation Concert and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and has collaborated with artists such as Beverley Knight, Olly Murs, and Robbie Williams. We are excited to welcome them as our headline act for this year’s Cambridge Contemporary Choir Festival Showcase.
Julie Stark
Julie Stark is a versatile British singer and actress with a powerful soprano voice and standout stage presence. Trained at Mountview Academy, she has starred in major productions including We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Sister Act, and Les Misérables. Julie has also fronted soul, disco, and rock bands, and appeared in The Music of Queen and ABBA tribute shows. Her screen credits include EastEnders and various voice-over roles for games and audiobooks. Whether on stage, screen, or in concert, Julie brings energy, talent, and professionalism to every performance. You will be wowed by her vocals as part of our evening showcase.
Mark DeLisser
Mark De‑Lisser is a renowned choral director, vocal coach, and charismatic host known for his warm, engaging presence on screen. He has hosted and appeared on major TV productions including Our Dementia Choir (BBC), The Masked Singer (ITV), Children in Need, Songs of Praise, and Meet the Street at Christmas for the BBC. Blending musical expertise with a natural ability to connect, Mark guides participants and audiences alike with empathy, energy, and professionalism. Whether coaching choirs or leading live televised events, he brings heart, clarity, and inspiration to every role. We are honoured that he has agreed to host this year’s showcase. You’re in for a treat!
Visiting Cambridge
We love the Cambridge so if you fancy making a weekend of it whilst attending any part of the festival here are our Indie Cambridge recommendations…
Accommodation
B&Bs
Hotels
Food & Drink
Independent spots for brunch or lunch
www.bridgescambridge.com
www.cafeabantu.co.uk
www.thelockercafe.co.uk
www.gastronome.co.uk
www.copperkettlecambridge.co.uk
Independent restaurants for supper
www.rajarestaurant.com
www.pintshop.co.uk
www.butchannies.com
www.efes-cambridge.co.uk
Supermarkets
Tesco Express, Christ’s Lane, Cambridge, CB1 1NP
Sainsburys, 42-45 Sidney Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HX
Parking
The Grand Arcade Car Park, Corn Exchange Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QF
Castle Hill Car Park, off Castle Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AT
To avoid driving into the City info on all 5 of our Park & Ride Car Parks can be found here: https://cambridgeparkandride.info/