Wells Cathedral Advent Carol Competition 2026

Wells Cathedral Commissions is calling all composers to create a new, original unaccompanied SATB choral work (up to five minutes) for use in the Advent service at Wells Cathedral. The competition is free to enter and open to composers of any age. Winners receive a £1,500 cash prize, a world‑premiere performance by the Wells Cathedral Choir during the Advent procession on 29 November 2026, and UK travel plus one night’s accommodation to attend the performance. Judges include composers Joanna Marsh and Owain Park, along with the Cathedral’s Director of Music and Assistant Director of Music. Submissions are made via an online form, and the deadline is 20 September 2026 at 5 pm BST.

World‑premiere performance, £1,500 cash prize, UK travel, one night’s accommodation

Open to composers of any age