A major regional music event is set to return to Tauranga, showcasing some of the best secondary school choral talent from across the Bay of Plenty.

The Big Sing Waikato–Bay of Plenty Regional Festival returns on June 11.

The event will be held at Holy Trinity Tauranga, bringing together about 27 choirs representing 16 secondary schools for a full day of performances.

The festival will conclude with a public gala concert at 6.30pm.

The Big Sing involves more than 8000 students across the country and draws audiences of more than 10,000 people each year.

It is recognised as New Zealand’s largest secondary school choral festival.

In Tauranga, the programme will include 13 visiting choirs travelling from Rotorua, Hamilton, Morrinsville and Cambridge, alongside 10 local Tauranga groups.

New Zealand Choral Federation events manager Emma Billings said in a media release the festival was about more than just music.

“Participation in The Big Sing gives young people the opportunity to share their voices on a professional stage, building confidence, teamwork and leadership skills that last well beyond the festival.”

She said it was a celebration of creativity and connection, “and the power of young voices coming together”.

About 630 students are expected to take part in the Tauranga event, with more than 500 community members anticipated to attend across the daytime sessions and evening concert.

The festival is known for its wide-ranging repertoire, with choirs presenting everything from classical works through to contemporary music, waiata and global traditions.

Recent performances have featured Samoan, African, te reo Māori and gospel pieces.

The event is supported through funding from the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund, a collaboration between Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, TECT Community Trust and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

TECT Community Trust chief executive Wayne Werder said in a media release that events like The Big Sing highlighted the impact of community support for young people.

“By providing opportunities for secondary school students to perform on a professional stage, we’re helping to nurture the next generation of creative talent and build a vibrant, connected community.”

BayTrust chief executive Alastair Rhodes said supporting events that brought people together remained a key priority for the trust.

“The Big Sing not only showcases the incredible talent of our young people, but also offers a memorable experience for the wider community to enjoy and be inspired by.”

Tickets for The Big Sing Tauranga will be released in late May, with full details available through the New Zealand Choral Federation website.