The Prebendal School Choristers to Take Centre Stage at Southern Cathedrals Festival 2026
The Prebendal School in Chichester is delighted to celebrate the return of the prestigious Southern Cathedrals Festival 2026, as the schools choristers prepare to take an active role throughout this years programme of concerts, services and performances.
Hosted this year in Chichester, from 16th 19th July, the festival brings together the combined choirs of Chichester, Salisbury and Winchester Cathedrals for a remarkable celebration of sacred and choral music, centred around Chichester Cathedral and other historic venues across the city.
For The Prebendal School, the festival represents far more than a landmark musical occasion. It reflects the schools wider commitment to nurturing childrens talents in an environment where confidence, creativity and character are developed alongside academic achievement.
As the Cathedral Choir School, Prebendal choristers will be fully immersed in the festival experience; performing, collaborating and worshipping alongside some of the countrys finest cathedral musicians.
Alison Napier, Head of The Prebendal School said:
The Southern Cathedrals Festival is a highlight of the musical calendar, and we are immensely proud of our choristers who will be taking part this year. Opportunities like this sit at the heart of what we believe education should be, immersive, inspiring and rooted in real experience.
At Prebendal, we are committed to nurturing each childs individual strengths, whether in music, sport, drama or academic endeavour. The festival is one example of how children are given the chance to thrive in areas they are passionate about, building confidence and a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond their time with us.
A Prebendal chorister shared their excitement ahead of the festival:
Im really looking forward to singing in the festival with my friends and meeting other choirs. It feels special to be part of something so big, and I love performing in the Cathedral, it makes all the rehearsals worth it.
While the festival highlights the schools exceptional musical tradition, Prebendal emphasises that this is just one strand of a much broader educational experience.
Children are encouraged to explore and develop their unique talents through termly productions, speech days, outdoor learning, sport, and a wide range of creative opportunities. The schools approach ensures that every child is known as an individual and supported to build confidence in their own way.
Set within the historic Cathedral Close, The Prebendal School offers a distinctive environment where tradition and modern education meet, helping children grow into capable, curious and confident young people.
