Mission Statement
The David Clover Festival of Singing exists to celebrate and elevate the art of vocal performance by providing a nurturing and inspiring platform for singers of all ages and backgrounds. Rooted in the legacy of Dr David Clover, the Festival is dedicated to fostering musical excellence, encouraging artistic growth, and promoting the voice as a vital and expressive instrument. Through inclusive competitions, educational opportunities, and community engagement, we aim to support emerging talent, honour tradition, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural life of Sheffield and far beyond.
DR DAVID CLOVER
1930 – 1979
MA, DMUS, GTCL, FTCL, LTCL
Welcome to the David Clover Festival of Singing, a unique festival in the British Federation as it is the only one just for singers.
The very first Festival was in 1980 with just 2 Classes and only 5 singers. There are now 39 classes in 2 sections and well over 100 entries each year.
Dr. David Clover (1930–1979) was a charismatic Senior Music Adviser for the City of Sheffield who profoundly transformed local music education and choral singing.
The Festival was the idea of the City of Sheffield Teachers’ Choir in memory of David, especially as singing was his first love. The annual “David Clover Festival of Singing” was founded in his memory as a unique national competition and showcase devoted entirely to vocal performance and young singers.
The Festival has been administered and organised every year by a team of volunteers and only exists because of the dedication of our team and friends.
It gives the opportunity to solo singers from the age of 7 to have a public platform and receive verbal and written feedback and support from our adjudicators, all of whom are experienced singers themselves. Several Sheffield and South Yorkshire singers have made singing their careers and we are very proud to have been a part of their development.
FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Chairman: Chris Hudson MBE
Deputy Chair and Adviser: David Heslop OBE
Secretary: Kathryn Wells
Treasurer: Georgina Hulse
Music Co-ordinator: Vivien Pike
Entries Secretary: Eric Barraclough
Venues: Valerie Littledyke
Festival Friends: Geoff Littledyke
Sponsorship: Vacant
Publicity and Advertising: Anthony Trippett
Marketing and Media: Georgia Hall and Ann Fooks
General Administrator: Georgina Hulse