Manchester Sacred Harp

Join Manchester Sacred Harp for an afternoon of uplifting social singing. Our door is open – sit and sing with us if you want to give it a try – or pop in to listen.

Sacred Harp event dates

All sessions are FREE, and drop-in*

Sunday 16 April, 2-4.30pm
Sunday 7 May, 2-4.30pm
Sunday 18 June, 2-4.30pm
Sunday 23 July, 2-4.30pm
Sunday 6 August, 2-4.30pm
Sunday 10 September, 2-4.30pm
Sunday 8 October, 1-4.30pm (NB. This is an extended session of 3hrs 30mins)

Location: Office of Arte Útil, the Whitworth

*We can usually accommodate everyone, however, please note that seating is limited. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

For the best first-time experience, we recommend arriving at the start of a session. We'll aim to seat you near someone experienced and make sure you have access to a songbook. 

We have a small number of loaner songbooks available, please ask for details at the session.

Participating is free and drop-in. There’s no obligation to stay for the whole session. It is very useful to have an idea of numbers though, If possible please let us know you're coming by email: sacredharpmanchester@gmail.com or let us know on Facebook: Manchester Sacred Harp

Sacred Harp Singing

Sacred Harp is an American choral tradition dating back to the 1800s. With its roots in the hymns and folk tunes of the time, it was created as an accessible way of singing in four-part harmony.

The four voice parts (treble, alto, tenor, bass) sit facing each other in a square formation, singing into the centre of the room. Together the massed voices make a massive sound.

Sacred Harp is sung for pleasure, not performance. It's about connection rather than perfection – so we don't practice, we just sing.

All voices are welcome, no experience is needed. People from all faiths and none are welcome, our focus is purely on the camaraderie of making music together.

Image: Manchester Sacred Harp Singer. Photo: Joyce Smith. Courtesy, Manchester Sacred Harp.