The Vocal Group founder, Neil Firth, has become a double British Champion yet again, only this time, winning both awards in the same year. Neil from Bramhall, Cheshire, who sings baritone in the barbershop quartet Crossfire, came first out of a staggering 43 quartets who entered this year’s competition. Neil also directed the winning chorus, the 55 strong men’s chorus The Cottontown Chorus from Bolton, who beat 32 other choruses to gain the coveted Gold Medal in the same weekend.
Neil says ‘It’s remarkable to win either of these competitions, but to win both as a quartet singer and as conductor of the winning chorus in the same year has to be the ultimate achievement.’
Neil has been involved in a cappella singing for over 28 years and this is the second time he has picked up the national quartet gold and the chorus gold as a director/conductor.
Neil is now looking ahead to represent the UK in the World Championships in Portland, Oregon, USA next July if both groups can secure sufficient funding to make the trip overseas.
Any companies or individuals interested in sponsoring either or both groups to help them get to the World Championships, should contact Neil direct to discuss things further.