Get to Know Us
Folk Music, Friendship and the Joy of Singing Together
Yorkshire Folk Choir is a friendly, welcoming community of singers who love folk music and the simple joy of singing together.
We started in September 2024 with a shared idea: that singing should be something everyone can enjoy, whether you've sung in choirs for years or have never sung in public before.
Since then, we've grown into a lively group of people from across Yorkshire, brought together by a love of folk song, good company and making music together.
Why Folk Music
Yorkshire has a long and proud tradition of folk music and singing.
From traditional songs and ballads to sea shanties, spirituals and songs passed down through generations, folk music has always been about people coming together to tell stories and share experiences.
Folk songs can be joyful, funny, moving, thought-provoking or simply great fun to sing.
More Than Just a Choir
Of course, singing is at the heart of what we do, but it's not the only reason people come back each week.
We're a friendly bunch, and getting to know other people and socialising together is an important part of being in the choir.
Our members come with different musical backgrounds and different reasons for joining. Some have sung in choirs for years, while others are completely new to choir singing.
There are no auditions and no expectation that you have to be a great singer. We learn together with Matthew's expert guidance, we support each other and, most importantly, we enjoy ourselves.
Our choir isn't about getting every note right. It's about creating a place that people feel comfortable, included and part of something.
Our Journey So Far
Yorkshire Folk Choir may still be a young choir, but we've already packed quite a lot into our first couple of years.
September 2024
Yorkshire Folk Choir was established, originating from Dewsbury Community Choir.
April 2025
We gave our first ever performance at a charity event hosted by Batley Singing for Fun where we were very well received.
2025
We continue to grow our repertoire and perform at local community events, including Dewsbury Food Festival and Christmas in Dewsbury.
2025-26
Our choir continues to grow as more singers discover us, we enjoy more opportunities to perform and record some of our music at St. Austin's Theatre in Wakefield.
October 2026
We begin a new chapter, with rehearsals moving to the charming Tong Village School Room in Tong.
We're excited to see where the next part of our journey takes us.
Our Musical Director
Matthew Lazenby
Our Music
We sing a variety of styles of folk music and learn new songs every term.
Where and When We Sing
We rehearse on Thursday evenings during term-time.
From 8th October 2026, we will be moving to our new home in the heart of West Yorkshire. Rehearsals will then take place at the Tong Village School Room in the charming village of Tong.
Testimonials
"I was made to feel included and welcome from my first visit. Lovely group of supportive people who like to sing and laugh together."
Irene - Member
“All new members are made to feel so welcome. We also have social evenings and events but there is no pressure to take part, it is entirely up to you."
Tracy - Member
"I feel that I have an extended family with my choir friends, they always give support when needed. I always leave rehearsals feeling great."
Janet - Member