Upcoming
Dalston Christmas Concert
Annual Christmas concert in the choir's home community.
Further details to be announced.
Registered charity no. 1119093
A Male Voice Choir rooted in community, tradition, and musical warmth.
Dalston Male Voice Choir performs and promotes the enjoyment of male voice singing, with concerts across Cumbria, a strong charitable tradition, and a friendly welcome for new members.
Founded in February 1985
Started by sixteen local enthusiasts in February 1985, with founder members still singing today.
Charities supported include
NSPCC, Macmillan Nurses, Eden Valley Hospice, Christian Aid and many local causes.
Open to all sections
1st Tenors, 2nd Tenors, 1st Basses (Baritones), 2nd Basses.
Next concert
Dalston Christmas Concert — 12 Dec 2026
Concert Diary
Come and hear us sing.
If you would like to book the choir for a concert, please contact the Choir Secretary or ask any choir member.
Recent reviews
What audiences and reviewers have said.
10 Dec 2023 · Holme Cultram Abbey
Uplifting Christmas Concert with the Gala Trio
Holme Cultram Abbey provided the setting for an uplifting Christmas concert given by Dalston Male Voice Choir, with guests The Gala Trio. Under the expert baton of Michael Deakin and with sensitive…
Review by Avril Tisdall Read the review →
8 Oct 2023 · Wigton Rd Methodist Church, Carlisle
A Haven of Harmonious Voices
The audience thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon celebrating Male Voice Choir singing. Dalston Male Voice Choir has previously presented a number of excellent concerts at the church and this was no…
Review by Susan Kydd Read the review →
6 Nov 2022 · Christ Church, Silloth
Songs by the Sea
Sunday afternoon’s concert was a real treat for the sell-out audience. Dalston Male Voice Choir, conducted by professional musician Mike Deakin and ably accompanied on the piano by Lorraine Gash…
Review by Carolyn Fyfe Read the review →
The Choir
A choir with deep local roots and an outward-looking musical life.
Dalston Male Voice Choir was formed in February 1985 by sixteen enthusiasts, and founder members still sing with the choir today. Members come from Dalston, Carlisle and a wide surrounding area, giving about eight concerts a year across Cumbria and beyond.
The choir’s early development was shaped by Hilary Hodgson, Musical Director from 1985 until December 2011. Today the choir is led by Michael Deakin with accompanist Lorraine Gash.
Gallery
Photographs from concerts, rehearsals and across the years.
Updates
News from rehearsals, anniversaries and choir life.
The choir resumes rehearsals each September and new singers are welcome throughout the season.
6 Mar 2026
Welcome to the new season
Dalston Male Voice Choir continues its programme of concerts, rehearsals, and community performances from its North Cumbrian base.
Read more →
15 Nov 2025
Forty years of singing and community
The choir celebrates four decades since its founding in February 1985 by sixteen local enthusiasts.
Read more →Community and heritage
Singing for causes, churches, festivals and the community.
The choir has long supported charitable fundraising and local organisations, and regularly invites young local musicians to perform as guest artists at its concerts.
The choir exists not only to perform well, but to encourage the shared enjoyment of male voice singing, its camaraderie and to have fun, while supporting the life of the community around it.
Join Us
Interested in singing with us? You will be warmly welcomed.
We rehearse at Dalston Methodist Church (Sundays, 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.).Auditions are not necessary, and there is no requirement to read music before joining. New members are supported into the section that best suits their voice.