In June 2023, members of the South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus swapped the rolling hills of Wales for the stunning medieval city of Bologna, Italy, as we packed our bags full of sunscreen, choir uniforms, and plenty of excitement for the Various Voices LGBTQ+ Choral Festival.

Bologna, a city steeped in history and charm, was the perfect host for this international festival, which welcomed 110 choirs from around the globe. Having previously performed at Various Voices festivals in Munich and Dublin, we were thrilled to return for this vibrant event, held every four years.

The festival, which ran from 14–18 June 2023, was filled with opportunities to perform in beautiful venues across the city, from theatres to piazzas. The atmosphere was electric, with choirs coming together from all over the world to share their love of music and celebrate the power of inclusion and diversity.

Our first performance took place at the prestigious Teatro Arena Del Sole, where we were the very first choir to take the stage. Dressed in our finest performance uniforms, and accompanied by our five Welsh flags, we sang to an enthusiastic audience of fellow choirs. It was an exhilarating experience, followed by a full afternoon of performances from other choirs, each delivering 30-minute sets.

Evenings were spent at the lively festival hub, located just outside the city centre at the Dumbo Centre. This converted railway station provided a unique space for performances, food, and socialising, complete with a massive stage for the opening and closing ceremonies. 

While some of us found alternative spots to relax and enjoy a drink away from the crowds, the camaraderie of the group was always at the forefront. Our WhatsApp group became a lifeline, ensuring no one got left behind (unless they chose to enjoy a bit of solo time). Whether it was grabbing a coffee, exploring a museum, or cheering on other choirs, there was always something happening, and we shared it all together.

Our final performance was held in the beautiful Courtyard of Honour at Palazzo D’Accursio, right on Piazza Maggiore. In this more relaxed setting, we performed a lively set in our signature yellow T-shirts (kindly provided by our friends at Viridor), much to the delight of the audience. Videos of our performances are available on our YouTube channel if you’d like to take a look!

By the time the festival drew to a close, our voices were hoarse, and we carried home fond memories of one of the most joyous and inclusive events we've ever attended. While some of us returned to Wales on Sunday, others extended their trip to explore the nearby cities of Florence and Venice, keeping the spirit of the festival alive through our ever-busy WhatsApp group.

Back in Wales, we’ve been reflecting on what an incredible experience we had in Bologna. The next Various Voices festival will take place in Brussels in 2026, and we’re already planning to attend. But before that, we have Hand in Hand Bristol in August 2024 to look forward to—our very own UK version of the festival!

Being part of SWGMC isn’t just about singing; it’s about friendship, fun, and community. If you’d like to be part of our choir, we’d love to hear from you.