A Brief History

Driffield Male Voice Choir....was formed in 1971 by Ron Crookes (the first MD) and Alan Bradshaw. The headquarters and practice venue was Highfield House Country Club until it was refurbished and sold, then the choir moved to the Old Town Hall, at the Bell Hotel.

Alan Binnington and Ralf Bateman (our first professional MD) led the choir until Ian Cockerline was appointed MD in 2001. Ian was followed by Christopher Thornton-Holmes until the current musical director and conductor, Liz Wilson took over in September 2014.

At it’s height the choir had over 50 members, with the only original surviving member, Percy Nicholson (Honorary Life Vice-President) passing away early 2023.

The choir currently has nearly 40 members, with many having been part of the group for 30 – 40 years. Recruitment continues as we try to bolster the ranks and swell each section.

The choir currently practices every Thursday evening at the Methodist Chapel in Driffield, 7.15pm – 9.15pm.

We have performed at many different venues across the country from the Royal Albert Hall in London to more local venues such as Beverley Minster, Bridlington Priory, Burton Agnes Hall, Sledmere House, Langton Hall and many local churches in the East Riding.

The choir has supported many local charities, which include MacMillan, Guide Dogs for the Blind, St Catherines Hospice and many other local charities and churches. We have often raised between £5,000 - £7,000 during our concert seasons.

Our medley of songs include ranges from classical male voice choir pieces such as Cwm Rhondda and Gwahoddiad, contemporary songs such as Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love and American Trilogy and Bette Midler’s The Rose, together with more modern pieces such as Fix You by Coldplay.