UK Women’s barbershop celebrates milestone 50th anniversary

In celebration of 50 years of the Ladies Association of Barbershop Singers, the group’s chair Jill Cook walks through the group’s present, past and future – including their upcoming anniversary celebrations featuring some very special guests.

50 years of harmonious singing

If you think barbershop singing is all about four American men in boaters and waistcoats, think again. Women’s barbershop singing is flourishing across Great Britain and in 2026 the Ladies Association of Barbershop Singers (LABBS) is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Founded in 1976, LABBS has grown into a nationwide community united by close four-part harmony, shared purpose, and enduring friendships. As one member puts it ‘I joined for the singing, but I stayed for the community – it’s given me a real sense of belonging.’ 

From just seven original clubs, LABBS today is an association of around 2,500 members in over fifty clubs stretching from Scotland to Cornwall. Women’s barbershop singing takes place in choruses of between 10 and 80 singers, performing rich four-part harmony unaccompanied a cappella singing in the barbershop style. With the Lead carrying the melody and Tenor, Baritone and Bass weaving harmonies around it, the sound is thrilling – and the experience of creating it together is what keeps members coming back week after week.

Every year barbershop singers gather for a convention, where choruses and quartets take part in open competition judged to international standards in Singing, Musicality and Performance. But convention is about far more than scores: it’s a joyful get together of friends who support everyone’s achievements, while celebrating the winners who go on to represent LABBS on the global barbershop stage in the USA.

LABBS is an inclusive association and registered charity, run entirely by volunteers who generously give their time and expertise to support others. A packed programme of educational events throughout the year help singers develop their skills, while every few years a national Harmony College brings together more than 350 participants to learn, sing and perform together in an unforgettable experience of community music-making.

Beyond rehearsals and events, LABBS clubs are deeply rooted in their communities. Members perform at local concerts and festivals and share their music in schools, care homes, and hospitals, using singing to bring joy, connection, and a sense of well-being to others. Many clubs run welcoming introductory courses, offering women of all ages and backgrounds the chance to discover the pleasure of singing harmonies together.