SONGFEST will fill the historic halls of Guildford again on the weekend of September 7-8 with more than 40 choirs and 500 plus singers taking part.

Guildford Association president Claire Scanlon said the festival would again showcase Perth-raised ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter Kavisha Mazzella, who will run a singing workshop on Saturday morning, open to everyone.

Choirs that will be coming to Guildford for the first time include Naya Chorale and Riversong from Margaret River.

Returning crowd favourites include Men of the West, the Lost Quays, A Cappella West, Echoes of Ukraine and Spirit of the Streets.

Swan Valley Voices, Espresso and the G Tonics will also sing their hearts out.

A first for the festival, which is in its seventh year, is a choir for people with dementia and their carers, who will perform on Saturday afternoon.

The Melodies and Memories Choir, directed by Margaret Grubb, meets in the Swan Valley and provides dementia sufferers and their carers with the opportunity to sing and socialise.

GA treasurer and festival organiser Yvonne Henderson said:

“Singing has well demonstrated physical and mental health benefits for everyone.”

The Songfest not only showcases choirs, it is an opportunity to explore the historic buildings in Guildford.

The Festival is organised by the Guildford Association and is sponsored by LotteryWest and Voice Moves.