GUILDFORD Songfest will again fill the heritage town’s historic halls on the weekend of September 13-14 with more than 48 choirs and 600 singers taking part.

Songfest organiser Yvonne Henderson said the festival continued to go from strength to strength, with eight new choirs for 2025, and groups travelling from as far afield as Kalgoorlie, Albany and Bunbury to perform.

The event, now in its eighth year, will again be headlined by Perth-raised ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter Kavisha Mazzella, and The Lost Quays. Mazella will also hold a singing workshop on Saturday morning, which is open to everyone.

First-time choirs travelling to Guildford include the Danube Chamber Choir, St Anne’s Street Singers, Cottesloe Crooners and Baskerville Community Choir.

Returning crowd favourites include Men of the West, Echoes of Ukraine and Spirit of the Streets.

After debuting at last year’s Songfest, the Henley Brook-based choir for people with dementia and their carers, Melodies and Memories returns to perform on Saturday afternoon.

The choir, under director Margaret Grubb, meets weekly and provides dementia sufferers and their carers an opportunity to sing and socialise.

Ms Henderson said many of the festival’s top singers made a special effort at last year’s event to support Melodies and Memories.

“People came specifically to be there for them,” Ms Henderson said.

“We had many performers who joined the audience, and they sang along to the songs, very softly, offering support to the dementia choir.

“It was incredibly special.”

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

For further information visit the Guildford Songfest webpage.