Tauranga is set to come alive with the sound of young voices as The Big Sing: Waikato–Bay of Plenty Regional Festival returns to the city on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
Hosted at Holy Trinity Tauranga, the festival will see around 27 choirs from 16 secondary schools gather for a day of inspiring performances, finishing with a public Gala Concert at 7:00pm.
The Big Sing is New Zealand’s largest secondary schools’ choral festival, involving more than 8,000 students nationwide and attracting audiences of over 10,000 each year. The Tauranga event will feature 13 choirs travelling from Rotorua, Hamilton, Morrinsville, and Cambridge, joining four local Tauranga groups for a full day of music and celebration.
New Zealand Choral Federation Events Manager Emma Billings says the festival is about more than just music.
“Participation in The Big Sing gives young people the opportunity to share their voices on a professional stage, building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills that last well beyond the festival. It’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and the power of young voices coming together,” she says.
Over 700 students are expected to take part in the Tauranga festival, with more than 500 community members attending across the day and evening. With daytime sessions at accessible prices and a vibrant Gala Concert in the evening, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a choral enthusiast or simply looking for an uplifting community event.
Tickets for The Big Sing Tauranga, along with all Big Sing events around the country will go on sale in late May. Ticketing details will be published on the New Zealand Choral Federation website.
The Big Sing is renowned for its diverse repertoire, with choirs performing everything from classical works to contemporary pieces, waiata, and world music. In recent years, performances have included Samoan, African, Te Reo Māori, and Gospel traditions, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
The event also brings tangible benefits to Tauranga, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for the arts and contributing to the local economy as visiting choirs, staff, and supporters spend the day in the city.
Audiences can look forward to an engaging showcase of youth talent, with each choir bringing its own unique sound and energy. Volunteers play a vital role in making the day run smoothly, welcoming choirs and supporting the event behind the scenes.
Additional support aiding the Festival to take place in Tauranga is funding from the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund. The fund is a partnership between Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, TECT Community Trust, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, supporting events that bring people together and strengthen community connections.
Wayne Werder, Chief Executive of TECT, says events like The Big Sing are a fantastic example of what’s possible when our community comes together to support young people.
“By providing opportunities for secondary school students to perform on a professional stage, we’re helping to nurture the next generation of creative talent and build a vibrant, connected community.”
BayTrust’s Chief Executive, Alastair Rhodes adds that supporting events that bring people together and celebrate our region’s diversity is at the heart of what we do.
“The Big Sing not only showcases the incredible talent of our young people, but also offers a memorable experience for the wider community to enjoy and be inspired by.”
Key Details:
What: The Big Sing: Waikato–Bay of Plenty Regional Festival
When: Thursday, 11 June 2026
Performance Sessions: 9:45am and 2:00pm
Gala Concert: 7:00pm
Where: Holy Trinity Church, 215 Devonport Road, Tauranga
Tickets:
Tickets go on sale late May via Humanitix (with no door sales). Ticket information is available here.
Performance Sessions: $10.00
Gala Concert: Waged $25.00, Unwaged $20.00, Students $10.00
More information at www.nzcf.org.nz/events/nzcf-events/big-sing
