What is Sounds of the Church?

Sounds of the Church is a national performance competition taking place as part of Church Resources Exhibition (CRE) 2026. The competition invites church choirs, worship bands, Christian music groups and singer-songwriters from across the UK to submit a recorded video or audio link for the chance to perform on the CRE Music Stage, sponsored by MTS Live.

Two winning acts will be selected to perform at the event, in front of church leaders, worship teams, and media.

Sounds of the Church has been created to celebrate the musical talent within churches, showcase different worship styles and denominations, and bring a live music feature to the CRE visitor experience.

ENTRY DEADLINE: 23 SEPTEMBER 2026

Submit Your Entry (opens in a new tab)

 

What is the process?

Entrants are invited to submit a recorded video or audio link featuring up to three songs.

We welcome a diverse range of performances, from original music to creative interpretations of existing songs, including Christian songs and popular worship favourites.

Entries will be reviewed by a judging panel using criteria such as musical quality, originality, style, suitability for live performance in an exhibition environment and the ability to engage an audience.

In order for your audition to be considered you must:

  • Submit a recorded performance video of up to 3 songs of your choice
  • Include basic information about your group and associated church
  • Confirm your availability to perform live at CRE if chosen 

Why should you get involved?

If you are part of a church choir, worship band, Christian music group or are a singer-songwriter, Sounds of the Church is an opportunity to share your music with the CRE community.

The two winning acts will perform live at CRE 2026, giving them a platform to share their music with visitors, church leaders, worship teams and media attending the event.

CRE brings together people who are passionate about church life, worship, ministry and community. Sounds of the Church adds a new live feature to the event, celebrating the music being created and shared by churches across the UK.

Submit your entry today for the chance to perform live at CRE 2026.

ENTRY DEADLINE: 23 SEPTEMBER 2026

Question? Email Rebecca McConnell

Sounds of the Church Competition – Terms & Conditions

By entering the Sounds of the Church competition, participants agree to the following:

  • Entrants must be available to perform live at Church Resources Exhibition (CRE) in October should they be selected as one of the winning acts.
  • All travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the entrant.
  • Winning acts must arrange their own transport to and from the venue.
  • Performers are responsible for bringing their own instruments. 
  • CRE will provide basic staging, power supply and standard sound and lighting facilities. 
  • Entries must be submitted by 23 September 2026. Late entries may not be considered. 
  • By submitting an entry, participants grant CRE permission to use submitted recordings, images and performance footage for promotional and marketing purposes.

Competition organisers reserve the right to amend the competition format, judging process or performance arrangements if necessary.