0
Image: harrogateconventioncentre.co.uk
← All Harrogate events
What's on in Harrogate
LABBS 50th Anniversary Convention
LABBS marks 50 years with a barbershop convention at Harrogate Convention Centre, 30 Oct to 1 Nov 2026, with US guests Smoke Ring and Parkside Harmony.
What the LABBS 50th Anniversary Convention is
The Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS) was founded in 1976. It now has around 2,500 members in more than fifty clubs, from Scotland to Cornwall. Its annual convention is the national gathering for women's and mixed barbershop singing. For the 50th anniversary it is at Harrogate Convention Centre, in the Main Auditorium, from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.
The programme includes quartet semi-finals and finals, a full chorus contest, education sessions, a marketplace and shows. The guests are two American groups: Smoke Ring Quartet from New York and Parkside Harmony Chorus from Hershey, Pennsylvania. LABBS says the event is open to everyone, so you can come for a day or the whole weekend.
Dates and times
The convention runs across three days, Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November. The chorus contest is on Saturday 31 October. LABBS has not published a full 2026 timetable on the pages we could see, and a printed programme with the running order will be at reception. Please check the LABBS convention page for session times before you travel.
Tickets and passes
Online registration closed on 4 September 2026. Passes are now sold at the event, and the Convention Centre accepts card and contactless payments only. LABBS's door prices for adults are:
All events £125, Friday £60, Saturday contest £60, Saturday show £35, and Sunday including the show £60. An all-events pass is £45 for ages 25 and under and £30 for ages 16 and under.
For visitors
Most people at a LABBS convention are singers, supporters and friends, and it is a sociable weekend. The contests are performed in costume with choreography, and non-competing choruses also perform. This year the convention is raising money for the LABBS Youth Chorus. Day passes make it easy to come for one session, such as the Saturday show, if you can't stay all weekend.
Getting to Harrogate
Harrogate station is about a 10-minute walk from the Convention Centre. LNER runs direct trains to London King's Cross roughly hourly, and Leeds is about 35 minutes away. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. If you are driving, there are over 1,200 car parking spaces in the centre of town.
Book early
An anniversary weekend with a large number of singers from across the UK will fill many rooms in central Harrogate. If you plan to stay for all three days, it is sensible to book your accommodation now.
Staying with us
Short Stay Harrogate is a family-run company with serviced apartments and townhouses in central Harrogate, many a short walk from the Convention Centre and the Royal Hall. A flat or townhouse suits a group of friends or a chorus travelling together. You get a kitchen, more space and somewhere to relax after a long day of contests.
After the event
Harrogate has plenty of choice for dinner and a drink within walking distance, from relaxed bars to full restaurants. If you stay on until Monday, the Turkish Baths are a good way to unwind after a busy weekend.
Staying for this event?
Your base in Harrogate, a short walk from the venue
Choirs travelling as a group can share a townhouse for the weekend, a short walk from the auditorium.
See available homesCentral and walkable
Our homes are spread across central Harrogate, many within a short walk of the Convention Centre, the Royal Hall and the station.
Room for the whole team
Apartments and townhouses that sleep groups, often better value than booking several hotel rooms for exhibitors or delegates.
Book direct, best rate
Self check-in for late arrivals, fast Wi-Fi and a local team on hand. Rated 4.9 from 1,500+ five-star reviews.
Getting there
Harrogate station is in the town centre, with direct trains to London King's Cross roughly every hour and to Leeds in about 35 minutes. The Convention Centre is around a ten-minute walk from the station.
Book early
Big shows and conferences fill the town quickly, especially multi-day trade fairs. Book your stay as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Make a night of it
After the event, Harrogate's restaurants, bars and Turkish Baths are on the doorstep. See our local guide for where we eat and drink.
More events in Harrogate
See what's onQuestions people ask
Where should I stay for LABBS 50th Anniversary Convention?
Somewhere within walking distance of Harrogate Convention Centre saves you taxis between sessions. Short Stay Harrogate has serviced apartments and townhouses in central Harrogate, many a short walk from the venue. They suit groups and anyone staying all three days. Book early, as the weekend is likely to be busy.
Is LABBS 50th Anniversary Convention open to the public?
Yes. LABBS says the event is open to all, whether you want to drop in for a day or attend the full weekend. You need a pass or wristband to enter, and these are sold at the event.
How much do tickets cost?
Online registration closed on 4 September 2026. LABBS's door prices for adults are £125 for all events, £60 for Friday, £60 for the Saturday contest, £35 for the Saturday show and £60 for Sunday including the show. The all-events pass is £45 for ages 25 and under and £30 for ages 16 and under. Please check the LABBS registration page for the latest prices.
Who are the guest performers?
Smoke Ring Quartet from New York and Parkside Harmony Chorus from Hershey, Pennsylvania, are the international guests.
Can children attend?
There are 16-and-under and 25-and-under passes. LABBS's registration terms say under-18s must be accompanied by a nominated responsible adult. Children aged five and under are not allowed into the competitions. Please read the current LABBS terms before booking.
How do I get to Harrogate Convention Centre?
The station is about a 10-minute walk away. LNER runs direct trains to London King's Cross roughly hourly, Leeds is about 35 minutes by train, and Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. The venue also has over 1,200 car parking spaces nearby.
