Knot Another Choir go competitive in 2026
The Eskdale Festival of the Arts National Choir Day
Double Win at the Eskdale Festival
We’re thrilled to share some more exciting news — we did it again!
On Saturday 18th April 2026, we took to the stage at the prestigious Eskdale Festival, held at the iconic Whitby Pavilion on the stunning West Cliff in North Yorkshire. With glorious sunshine and breath taking views, it was the perfect setting for an unforgettable day of music. After years of wanting to take part, this was finally our time to debut at the festival — and it couldn’t have gone better.
Two Performances. Two First Places.
We entered two competitive classes and delivered performances packed with energy, emotion, and musical flair:
Mixed Voices Class
Featuring Happy Together and a powerful, moving interpretation of Run (Snow Patrol)
Recital Class – The Festival Finale
Our showstopping set included Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and a stunning arrangement of Steal Away (Mark DeLisser)
The competition was fierce, with outstanding choirs from far and wide — making the results even more special.
🏆 First Place – Mixed Voices Class
Awarded the beautiful silver “ETS” trophy, presented by Sir John and Lady Harrowing
🏆 First Place – Recital Class
Winners of The Eskdale Tournament of Song Norman Strafford Memorial Trophy (dating back to 1919), along with a £100 prize
More Than Just Winning
What made the day truly unforgettable was the incredible feedback from adjudicator Philip Dewhurst, recognising not just our performance quality, but the passion and connection we bring to our music. This success is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and spirit of our choir, which continues to go from strength to strength under the leadership of our Musical Director, Craig Lees. We were expertly accompanied on the piano by our talented young accompanist, Stefan Wardle — and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved.
A huge thank you to our supporters who joined us on the day — your presence meant a great deal to us.
Want to hear us live?
Come and experience the energy, the sound, and the joy for yourself — we’d love to see you there.
Knot Another Choir will be performing at the Harrogate Community Choir Festival at the Royal Hall in Harrogate on 9th May. Tickets are available via the Harrogate Theatre Box Office.
Wonderful Success at the Mrs. Sunderland Festival
Triple Win at the Mrs Sunderland Festival
On Saturday 21st February 2026, we proudly stepped onto the stage of the renowned Mrs Sunderland Festival in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, marking our very first appearance at this historic celebration of music and performance. Founded in 1889 by the celebrated mezzo-soprano Mrs Sunderland, the festival has inspired artists for 136 years and stands as a beacon of artistic excellence.
We are absolutely thrilled to share that our debut was met with outstanding success: we won both classes we entered: Community Choir – All ages and Adult/Mixed Age Choir and were honoured with two magnificent trophies: The John Crowther Trophy and The Joseph Hancock Trophy. In the evening we were astounded to be awarded the Huddersfield Centenary Trophy for the choir singing the single best piece in the festival which was “Steal Away” This unforgettable achievement is a testament to our dedication, passion, and love of music, and it marks an exciting milestone in our journey.
For a full list of our performances in 2026 please look at our “New Events” page.
Written by choir member Natalie. "Over the years I have watched the men in my life go through the highs and lows of life that most of us will experience at different times. A few months ago a friend at choir told me how singing in the choir had saved his life. He said that he now literally lives for his Thursday evenings. He told me just how much being part of the choir had changed his life and it had really improved his mental health. “it’s a ripple effect” he went on to say, “I’ve noticed my outlook on life has really changed and I feel so much more positive.” Men's Mental Health isn’t just a #hashtag or something that is this weeks trend. It affects millions more men than we realise. Being part of a choir like ours (Knot Another Choir), that proudly welcomes all singing abilities and embraces diversity, just fills my heart with joy. Singing has a very powerful effect on both the mind and body. Whether it is singing at a footy or rugby match, belting out a favourite song on karaoke or at an open mic night. On Thursdays choir night you’ll sing with a hundred others in a church hall, singing great songs with gorgeous harmonies, you’ll be led by the best. Singing will always have a positive effect on both your mood and self esteem. So what do you have to lose? We have some spaces left for basses. What’s stopping you taking that first step and sending us an email? You don’t need to be able to read music, as we have everything set up so that you can practice at home using the resources on the choir website. You don’t need to be brimming with confidence or be the next Tom Jones. You just need to turn up and let your voice go. Yes it might sound scary but I promise you, within 10 minutes you will start to feel a change. If there is one piece of advice I would give anyone, but especially men who might be a little more reluctant, it would be to give singing a try, you might find it’s a life changer."
Who are we?
We are a large mixed community choir based in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, we have over 100 members. In 2019 we were delighted to be granted charitable status and also we welcomed Craig Lees as our MD.
How are we funded?
We are funded through membership fees and donations.
When and where do we meet?
We practice on a Thursday night at 19:30 at Trinity Church Hall, off Briggate, Knaresborough.
How do I join?
We normally run two taster sessions at the start of term in January and September. For further information please email us at iwanttojoin@knotanotherchoir.co.uk
Our Musical Director
Craig Antony Lees is a contemporary vocal coach, choral leader and arranger. He is Principal Lecturer on the Popular Music Degree at Leeds College of Music where he founded the LcoM Contemporary Pop Choir in 2014. Craig is the Musical Director behind Leeds Contemporary Singers, a nine piece vocal harmony group that recently rose to fame as the winners of BBC One’s Pitch Battle. (Check them out here)! Craig coaches for Smith’s record label (Nigel Martin-Smith) and has also had the pleasure of working with chart-topping artist Will Young (whilst on Pitch Battle) and internationally acclaimed artist Marc Almond.
Craig runs regular large workshops throughout the UK and abroad. He has delivered projects for leading voice technology manufacturer TC-Helicon and teaches on the Performance Academy Program at ‘Mind The Gap Theatre Company’ (England’s largest learning-disability theatre house). He has presented internationally on the topic of choral pedagogy.
Many thanks to the Waugh Trust for their generous donation in 2026. The Waugh Trust was set up in 2021 after former teacher Alan Waugh left money to Knaresborough Rotary Club in his will. The late Mr Waugh had said he hoped the money would be used for improvement of the town, restoration of public buildings exterior décor, town regeneration and education.
Many thanks to Howdens Joinery Knaresborough for their sponsorship in 2025
Many thanks to the Two Ridings Community Foundation for their sponsorship in 2024
Many thanks to Knaresborough Town Council for sponsoring our trip to compete in the Manchester Annual Choral Competition (MACC) at The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) on the 3rd March 2024 where we were delighted to be awarded second place.
Many thanks to the trustees of The George A Moore Foundation for supporting KnAC.
Knot Another Choir CIO
Registered Charity Number 1182311