Windhoek to host ATKV-Applous regional choir showdown

The Namibian regional festival of the ATKV-Applous choir competition will be held in Windhoek on 5 and 6 June, bringing together 15 school choirs competing for a place in the 2026 national finals.

The ATKV-Applous is the oldest school choir competition in South Africa, and this year a total of 314 choirs entered the competition. Regional festivals were held at 19 destinations across South Africa and Namibia during May and June to identify the top 40 choirs that will advance to the final round.

The ATKV Applous delegation attending the Windhoek festival includes Johan Esterhuisen, ATKV Manager: Youth Projects, as well as organisers and adjudicators Bessie Keun and Rieke van Aswegen.

The festival begins on Friday, 5 June, at NG Eros Church with the Primary School Junior Choirs at 13:30, followed by the Primary School Senior Choirs at 16:00. The High School Choirs will perform on Saturday, 6 June, from 11:00 at the same venue.

Tickets are priced at N$50 and will be available at the door.

Following the completion of all regional festivals, the choirs progressing to the ATKV-Applous 2026 finals will be announced. The final competition will take place from 29 July to 1 August 2026 at the Cape Town City Hall.