THE sixth annual Guildford Songfest will take place this weekend September 9 and 10 when up to 40 choirs are due to perform in Guildford’s historic buildings.

Choirs visiting for the first time include A Cappella Go, the Perth Male Voice Choir, Phoenix Contemporary Choir and feminist pop choir the Hengequeens.

A highlight of the weekend will be a massed choir event in Stirling Square led by award winning local singer songwriter Kavisha Mazzella, who will be holding a workshop on Saturday open to everyone to learn the songs to be performed.

She will also appear in a Saturday night concert in the Town Hall along with Tuxedo Junction, Men of the West, Lost Quays, Rhythmos and Quorum Chamber Singers.

Many crowd favourites are back, including Spirit of the Streets, the South African Gospel Choir and local duo Espresso. Echoes of Ukraine will also return – members include people who have fled the war to live in WA.

The Guildford Songfest is also an opportunity to explore the historic buildings in Guildford. Heritage venues include the Town Hall, Mechanics Institute, St Matthew’s Church and Hall, and Wesley Chapel.

The festival is hosted by the Guildford Association  and sponsored by the City of Swan and Voice Moves. Tickets are available through Trybooking.

A weekend pass is $30, individual concerts are $10. For full details of the programme go to www.guildfordsongfest.com