The City of Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir has a proud history rooted in North Staffordshire’s industrial heritage, community spirit and enduring love of music.

Founded in 1950 as the Parkhall Colliery Male Voice Choir, the choir began in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent’s mining community. While the city is famously known as “The Potteries” for its ceramics industry, coal mining was another vital part of local life — and it was from Parkhall Colliery that our musical journey began.

Made up of local miners and industrial workers, the choir quickly earned recognition, enjoying success at events including the Bournville Festival, where the choir won acclaim and built a strong reputation within the male voice choir tradition.

The year 2000 marked a major milestone. Under the leadership of long-serving conductor Bob Slinn, the choir celebrated its Golden Anniversary Concert and entered the second half of the programme under a new identity — the City of Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir — symbolising a new era while remaining proud of its roots.

Following Bob Slinn’s distinguished tenure, musical leadership passed to his niece Pat Mair, supported by her sister Cath as principal accompanist, continuing the choir’s tradition of musical excellence.

Beyond performance, the choir has always believed in the power of music to bring people together. We are especially proud of our support for young musicians, regularly sharing the stage with youth performers through partnerships with the City Music School and Performing Arts Service, including concerts at Victoria Hall, Hanley.

Over the years, the choir has represented Stoke-on-Trent across the UK and beyond, performing in places including Erlangen, Neath, Merthyr Tydfil, Llanfairfechan, Barnstaple, Blackpool, Morecambe and Hull, sharing our city’s rich musical heritage wherever we go.

Known by many as the “Boys in Blue”, we continue to support charitable and community initiatives while keeping the proud tradition of male voice singing alive.

75 years after our formation, one thing remains unchanged:

A Love of Music and Song

Whether you are an experienced singer, returning to music, or trying something new, we welcome new members to join our musical family.

Lads, dads and grandads — come and share our love of music and song.