WHAT TO EXPECT

A choir director standing in front of a male choir on stage, wearing a white shirt and vest, appears to be deep in thought. The choir members are dressed in white shirts with blue and green striped ties.
Half of an orange circle on a black background.
Half-circle shape in dark green color on a white background.

Welcome! Croeso!

At Brecon Choir Festival we believe in the unique power of choral music to bring people together, to create new friendships and lifelong memories.

​Some things you can expect to experience at the festival:

  • ​World renowned Welsh passionate singing culture combined with the finest of international traditions

  • ​Unique audience participation opportunities to experience the transformative power of choral music

  • ​Newly commissioned music from first class composers and fascinating discussion from leading academics based on our festival theme 

  • ​Opportunities to learn about and explore the incredible natural landscape surrounding Brecon which has inspired creatives for centuries.

​What to expect

Our festivals start with a Festival Chorus and ends with a "Cymanfu Ganu", a special Welsh tradition of communal hymn singing in both English and Welsh.

​Along the way, you can take part in the many free communal events including the Festival Hike, our Festival Choir Trail in locations around Brecon (see some of our venues here and finally our famous Afterglows where we sing the night away in true Welsh style.  

Our line ups appeal to the long-time choral aficionado as much as the ‘choral curious’ individual who may never have attended similar events before.

Wherever you are travelling to, from near or far, you will experience a weekend to remember here in this stunning part of the world. We look forward to welcoming you in 2026.

​What is a Cymanfa Ganu?

It’s a “singing festival” or “singing meeting”, where people come together to sing hymns, often in four-part harmony, and directed by a conductor.

How do you say it?

Easy. “kuh-MAN-vah GAH-nee”. Welsh is completely phonetic.

So you have to be religious?

Not at all. You just have to enjoy the sound of glorious Welsh hymns.

But you have to join in?

It’s not obligatory. But you’ll probably enjoy it even more if you do.

Let Carwyn Whomsley talk you through what a Cymanfa Ganu is.

But you do have to speak Welsh?

By no means. This Cymanfa is presented bilingually, and there are hymns in English as well as Welsh, and as well as

solo performances.

So why should I attend?

This is the beating heart of the Welsh choral tradition. There is nothing like Welsh hymn-singing, done properly. You will never forget it.

What’s it called again?

Cymanfa Ganu. “kuh-MAN-vah GAH-nee”.

Where and when?

Sunday 19 July 5.15 - 6.15

  • Aerial view of a quaint village with gray slate-roofed buildings, a church, green lawns, and distant rolling hills.

    Places to Stay

    Brecon has a range of B & Bs and small hotels.

    See the list
  • Cozy dining room with a rustic wooden table set for dining, surrounded by wooden chairs. A potted plant, glasses, and a pepper mill are on the table. A floral painting hangs on a red wall, and a wooden cabinet is near a small bar area with various bottles.

    Places To Eat

    Brecon has a mix of cafes, restaurants and pubs.

    See the list
  • Our Venues

    Our Venues

    Our venues range from cathedral to chapel.

    Find out more