The Big Sing Finale 2026

The Big Sing is this country’s longest running choral festival, engaging over 9,000 school students nationwide throughout 10 regional festivals. Over three decades, it has become a cornerstone of New Zealand’s youth arts landscape, providing a platform for rangatahi to develop vocal and performance skills, celebrate cultural identity, and experience belonging and community.

In 2026, the Finale returns to Ōtautahi in its four-city rotation. Following 10 regional and 3 Cadenza festivals, the top 24 secondary school choirs will perform at the Christchurch Town Hall across three days of adjudicated sessions and a Gala Concert, showcasing the highest level of youth choral performance in Aotearoa.

With the recent hit film Tinā featuring a fictional choir reaching The Big Sing Finale on this very stage, Christchurch now hosts the real event in the real venue.