On behalf of Craig Lees (MD), Stefan Wardale (accompanist), Trustee’s, Committee and all members of Knot Another Choir we would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Many thanks for all your support in 2025.

Knot Another Choir go competitive in 2026

Two Years ago, we took part in our first big competition! The Choir received fantastic comments and we were awarded the runners up trophy, so we have made the decision to enter three competitive festivals in the Spring of 2026. I hope some of you who enjoy our performances on a regular basis  will come and support us. They are as follows:-

The Manchester Annual Choral Competition

After receiving the runner up trophy in 2024 we will be returning to the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) on Sunday the 1^st of February 2026 to take part in this prestigious competition for the second time, we’ll perform a varied set for 15 minutes on the fantastic, tiered staging they have there. We’re all very excited!

The Mrs Sunderland Festival

On Sunday the 21^st of February 2026 we will be entering another large festival  for the first time; this time it’s in Huddersfield West Yorkshire. The festival has been going for 136 years since 1889, and it was started by Mrs Sunderland who was a famous mezzo soprano. Once again, we’ll hire coaches and head off for the day, we will be entering the following classes:-

The Community Choir – class 96: where we’ll perform 2 contrasting songs lasting 8 minutes.

The Adult mixed age – choir class 97: where once again we’ll perform two contrasting songs lasting 8 minutes.

The Eskdale Festival of the Arts- National Choir Day

This fantastic event will take place on Saturday the 18^th of April  2026 in our home county of North Yorkshire, on the coast in Whitby. It takes place at Whitby Pavilion, a beautiful setting on the cliff top. We’ll be entering two classes. This is the first time we’ve taken part in the Eskdale Festival and we will be entering the following classes:-

The Mixed Voice Choir – class 213: where we’ll perform for 8 minutes.

The Choir Recital – class 216: 2 or 3 contrasting pieces lasting 12 minutes.

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We performed to a packed church at St Andrews Starbeck where we welcomed friends, family and members of the wider community for our fantastic end of year performance. Craig’s words to everybody, about the meaning of Christmas were particularly moving.

We had a fantastic evening at the URC in Knaresborough and raised £1,100 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

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We were delighted to be invited, by The Dales Community Pop Choir, to perform at their 10th Anniversary celebratory concert, which was held in the magnificent Ripon Cathedral.

The two choirs came together to perform a few songs together

For a full list of our performances in 2025/2026 please look at our “New Events” page.

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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."

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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. 

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 September and January. 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.

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Knot Another Choir CIO

Registered Charity Number 1182311