Two years after forming, Stoke-on-Trent’s own barbershop chorus, Six Town Sound, is celebrating a landmark achievement after winning silver at the Barbershop of Iberia Association (BIBA) Convention 2025 in Calpe, Spain — with an outstanding score of 82%.
In doing so, Six Town Sound has become the first choir from Stoke-on-Trent to achieve a result of this magnitude on the International Barbershop stage, and their score qualifies them to represent Stoke-on-Trent at the World Championships at the Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention in St. Louis, Missouri in 2026.
This historic result marks a major milestone not only for the chorus but for the wider Stoke-on-Trent musical community.
Musical Director Duncan Whinyates said:
“We are absolutely thrilled. To come away with a silver medal and a score like this is beyond anything we imagined — and to be the first barbershop choir from Stoke to reach this level makes it even more special. We’re proud to be flying the flag for our hometown.”
Held annually, the BIBA convention brings together choruses and quartets from across Europe in a celebration of close harmony, camaraderie, and sunshine. This year’s competition also saw Sheffield’s Steel City Voices take gold and Silver Lining Chorus from Coventry win bronze in the International competition — a fantastic showcase of vocal talent and community spirit.
With their qualifying score secured, Six Town Sound now looks ahead with excitement as they await the opportunity to be invited to represent their chorus, their city, and their country on the world stage in St. Louis. However, before then, the chorus is very excited to confirm that they are heading to Harrogate in October to compete in the national competition at the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS) annual convention.
Photo Credit: Eric Idler