The John Birmingham Cup
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Ever wondered what the big silver cup above the bar is for? Well, its for this competition! We'v had a wee hiatus since covid but 2026 is the year we're bringing it back to The Cumberland!
John died on the 17th January 2005 and by his will set up a competition to encourage the art of unaccompanied singing – a cappella - and song writing. He adopted the Cumberland Arms, Newcastle upon Tyne as his final home in the few tragically short months prior to his diagnosis. He quickly became a well loved member of the pub community, with his sense of humour and gruff honesty. He could be heard many nights in the back bar, singing his songs written from his broad experience of life.
Here are the Rules!
Rules of the competition:-
-There shall be two entry groups for the competition; one under 25 and the other over 25.
-Songs written must be sung a cappella singly or as a duo.
-The song sung at the competition must be written by the singer or must have been written for the singer; this is in order to promote the art of song writing.
-Performance times maybe tailored to fit in with competition time frames, but competitors will be notified of this prior to the start of the competition.
-The style of singing and the nature of the song shall be suitable for the songs to be appreciated in a pub, at a folk session, on a street corner, or round a campfire.
-The prize money will be for two places for over 25’s and for under 25’s. In place of third place special mention can be made of a singer at the judges’ discretion.
-The winner of the over 25’s shall have his or her name engraved on the Cup which will be presented at the competition but kept at the Cumberland Arms, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne and shall receive a small cup, as shall the winner of the under 25’s, theirs to keep.
-There may be other prizes for those placed as above at the discretion of the organisers.
-The entrance fee will go directly into the running of the competition.
John died on the 17th January 2005 and by his will set up a competition to encourage the art of unaccompanied singing – a cappella - and song writing. He adopted the Cumberland Arms, Newcastle upon Tyne as his final home in the few tragically short months prior to his diagnosis. He quickly became a well loved member of the pub community, with his sense of humour and gruff honesty. He could be heard many nights in the back bar, singing his songs written from his broad experience of life.
Here are the Rules!
Rules of the competition:-
-There shall be two entry groups for the competition; one under 25 and the other over 25.
-Songs written must be sung a cappella singly or as a duo.
-The song sung at the competition must be written by the singer or must have been written for the singer; this is in order to promote the art of song writing.
-Performance times maybe tailored to fit in with competition time frames, but competitors will be notified of this prior to the start of the competition.
-The style of singing and the nature of the song shall be suitable for the songs to be appreciated in a pub, at a folk session, on a street corner, or round a campfire.
-The prize money will be for two places for over 25’s and for under 25’s. In place of third place special mention can be made of a singer at the judges’ discretion.
-The winner of the over 25’s shall have his or her name engraved on the Cup which will be presented at the competition but kept at the Cumberland Arms, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne and shall receive a small cup, as shall the winner of the under 25’s, theirs to keep.
-There may be other prizes for those placed as above at the discretion of the organisers.
-The entrance fee will go directly into the running of the competition.
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Where is it happening?
James Place Street, NE6 1LD Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherThe Cumberland Arms
