39th Annual Convention – Association of British Choral Directors

From 10:30am on Saturday 25 October 2025
to 2:00pm on Sunday 26 October 2025

Venue: York St John Creative Centre

We’re delighted to be returning to York for our 39th Convention, at York St John Creative Centre, right in the centre of the historic city of York.

Join us for a weekend of workshops, repertoire, exhibition and networking for everyone who leads singing, whatever their experience. Catch up with colleagues, meet new ones, browse new repertoire, brush up on skills with leading practitioners and take part in debate. Come for the weekend – or just for a day.

Book your Early Bird place now!

Timetable details will be announced shortly, but booking is now open!

About the weekend

lots of opportunity to meet and network with fellow choral leaders, teachers, publishers, composers and more
three strands of sessions running through the weekend
a dedicated education strand
the latest repertoire to try out through the weekend
practical sessions for all leaders, covering technique, repertoire, running your choir and more
a full day of sessions on Saturday
sessions on Sunday morning, finishing with lunch
concert and informal dinner on Saturday night
our famous trade exhibition to browse over your coffee

About our venue

York St John Creative Centre was a very popular venue for Convention two years ago, so we’re delighted to be able to return there. It’s a modern, award-winning building built to house music, drama and other creative courses at the university, within sight of York Minster and the city walls, and around a mile from the railway station. There is no accommodation on site, but there is a good choice of accommodation in hotels, guest houses and self-catering within walking distance.

Travel to York

Getting to York couldn’t be simpler. York is ideally positioned in the heart of the country with direct rail links bringing you from London, Edinburgh and Manchester in around 2 hours. Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds/Bradford airports are all within easy reach. Plan ahead and check the i-Travel York website for the most up-to-date public transport and travel information.

Delegate fees

Delegate fees includes full access to sessions, our exhibition, online access to new repertoire listings, tea, coffee and lunch. abcd members get 25% discount on fees – find out more about joining us here.

Early Bird full Convention £235 (£176.25 abcd members), 1 September onwards £275 (£206.25 abcd members)
Early Bird Saturday only £140 (£105 members), 1 September onwards £160 (£120 members)
Early Bird Sunday only £110 (£82.50 members), 1 September onwards £125 (£93.75 members)
Saturday evening buffet dinner including a pre-dinner glass of wine or soft drink – £25, bookable separately