Concert and busking dates announced for unmissable Project Zulu Choir

Visitors and residents in Bristol and Bath are once again asked to show their support to the incredible Project Zulu Choir, as the biennial tour returns to the region in May.

The choir of 20 children aged 11 to 14, from two township schools in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, will travel to Bristol on 17 May with their accompanying teachers.

Over three weeks they will tour the South West, showcasing their traditional Zulu song and dance in concert halls, schools, and busking in busy city centres.

Every penny will go back to their schools to improve educational facilities, including harnessing solar energy and installing learning and technology equipment to develop digital classrooms.

The last tour in 2023 was a record-breaking success, raising £32,000 through concert tickets sales, fundraising and donations.

This year, the UWE Bristol Project Zulu team hopes to beat that record, raising even more for educational development projects at this year’s touring schools – Sipheni Senior Primary School and Sithobelumthetho Primary School in Madadeni Township.

Choir member Siphesihle Gumede said: “I feel very great, nervous [and] excited at the same time. I’m the first one [in my family] to have a passport, and the first one to go overseas, and I’m the first one getting this opportunity, so it means a lot to me and my family.”

The tour will close with a gala concert at Bristol Beacon, marking 10 years since the choir’s last visit to the renowned venue. The performance features Britain’s Got Talent finalist and opera sensation, Innocent Masuku, who became a household name in 2024 after his performance on the ITV show. He will host the gala concert, perform solo and sing with the choir in what promises to be a truly unique collaboration.

The tour dates are:

Saturday 24 May: Central Bath busking day*

FREE EVENT, public spaces all day (location to be confirmed)

Thursday 29 May: Central Bristol busking day*

FREE EVENT, public spaces all day (location to be confirmed)

Friday 30 May: Central Bristol busking day*

FREE EVENT, public spaces all day (location to be confirmed)

Plus, a performance at Bristol Old Vic Family Day

Saturday 31 May: Bristol Bears Game
Pre-game performance in the fan village and a half-time pitch-side performance.
Ashton Gate Stadium, 2pm. Buy Tickets

Thursday 5th June: Gala Concert featuring Britain’s Got Talent Finalist, Innocent Masuku.
Bristol Beacon, 7pm. Buy Tickets

*Busking days are weather permitting. Exact busking locations will be released on Project Zulu social media closer to the day.

When they’re not performing, the choir will visit primary and secondary schools across Bristol, offering cultural workshops and exchange opportunities. Generous hosts in Bristol will open their homes to the choir members, providing a reciprocal hosting experience.

The choir children and their teachers will also visit Pembrokeshire for a well-earned break and will perform at two locations in St. David’s during their visit. For most of the children this will be their first trip to the seaside as their homes in South Africa are five hours from the coast.

Dr Benjamin Knight, Project Zulu Director, said: “The choir will bring boundless energy and charisma during their tour, projecting their incredible sound and thrilling audiences. But this tour isn’t just a must-see event – it plays a crucial role in supporting the children's schools and education. Every ticket bought and every donation made will directly impact young people’s futures.”

For more information, visit the Project Zulu website.