The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) recently showcased a range of musical pieces at the association’s annual Choir Festival with over two hundred members taking part from ten different clubs across Northern Ireland. The event was held in Whitla Hall, Methodist College, Belfast on Friday 6th December 2024. This well-loved competition was kindly sponsored once again by Platinum Sponsor and Sustainability Partner, Power NI.
The competition saw entries from ten Young Farmers Clubs which were Coleraine YFC, Collone YFC, Crumlin YFC, Curragh YFC, Holestone YFC, Kilraughts YFC, Lisnamurrican YFC, Moneymore YFC, Moycraig YFC and Trillick & District YFC. The event did not just see a fantastic turnout in choirs but also spectators, who came down to support YFCU members on a wet and stormy night. John Trueman kindly adjudicated the event and guest speaker was Tina McVeigh, Director of the Belfast School of Performing Arts. John and Tina both gave the participating choirs the benefit of their expertise by relating some constructive and encouraging advice on their performances.
The award for ‘Best Solo’ went to Oliver John O’Hara (Moycraig YFC), ‘Best Choral Piece’ went to Moneymore YFC, ‘Best Accompaniment’ was awarded to Edward McKendry (Lisnamurrican YFC) and the ‘Best Newcomer’ award was presented to Lisnamurrican YFC. For the ‘Best Overall’ awards, Curragh YFC came third place, Moneymore YFC were presented second place and Coleraine YFC were awarded first place for the second year in a row.
Sarah Smyth, Secretary of Coleraine YFC said "Coleraine YFC were over the moon to hear their name called as winners of the choir festival, especially as we regained the title from last year. Our members were full of pride, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment as all the hard work and dedication put into rehearsals paid off".
Richard Beattie, YFCU President quoted; “The choir festival was a great success, the clubs that took part put a lot of hard work and effort into their performances which really showed on the night. It certainly got everyone in the festive spirit."
Amy Bennington, Marketing Manager from YFCU Platinum Sponsor & Sustainability Partner, Power NI, said: "Power NI is delighted to be back again to support the YFCU Choir Festival for another year- it’s always a joyful, festive event to be a part of. Well done to all the clubs that entered, it was great to see so many from across NI taking part, and a huge congratulations to winners Coleraine Young Farmers Club on another win, two years in a row!"
