Vienna 2026

 
 

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are pleased to share further details regarding the choir’s upcoming summer tour to Vienna in 2026.  This exciting opportunity will see our singers participate in Season II of the prestigious World Peace Choral Festival, held from 23rd to 26th July 2026.

This is a unique opportunity for the choir to perform in a festival recognised as one of the most influential international choral festivals globally.  Attended by many outstanding choirs and choral enthusiasts from over 20 countries, FYC will have the opportunity to perform in some of Vienna’s most iconic venues, including the United Nations Headquarters and the Golden Hall.

Travel & Accommodation

Cost & Payment Schedule

The final cost per singer is £1,175.

  • Deposit: £185 due by 1st November 2025

  • 1st March 2026: £250

  • 1st April 2026: £250

  • 1st May 2026: £250

  • 1st June 2026: £240

Payments should be made by BACS transfer to the normal FYC Bank account:

 Sort code: 30-93-20

Account number: 00054740

Account name: Farnham Youth Choir

 Please use your singer’s name suffixed with ‘VIE’ so that finance know where to allocate the payment.

Singers not taking the return flights with FYC will have a different total and payment schedule which has been communicated to them via email.

Alternatively, the full amount may be paid in one lump sum.  Please note that payments are non-refundable (see Tour Payment & Refund Policy).

Next Steps

  • Please ensure you have paid your deposit.

  • Please read the Information Sheet.

  • Please ensure that your singer’s passport is valid for at least 6 months after 27th July 2026.

  • Please start to investigate any visas needed if your singer is not a European Passport Holder.

We are grateful for your support and look forward to sharing this memorable experience with your singers.

Information Sheet

Festival Overview

The 15th World Peace Choral Festival (23–26 July 2026) brings together 40 choirs and 1,700 singers from over 20 countries.

More info: www.wpcf.at.

See attached documents for festival overview and schedule.

Itinerary

22 July: Depart LHR 07:00, arrive Vienna 10:20. Free afternoon.
23 July: Concerts & Opening Ceremony.  Possible free morning.
24 July: Rehearsals, Workshops, Concerts.
25 July: Competition & Concerts.
26 July: Gala Concert & Award Ceremony.
27 July: Depart VIE 11:00, arrive LHR 12:30.

Flights & Travel

Flights with British Airways.  Flights are booked and deposits paid.  Until the final payment is made, the prices may vary slightly due to the fluctuating tax element.

BA722 (22 July LHR–VIE 07:00–10:20)

BA723 (27 July VIE–LHR 11:00–12:30)

Includes 1 cabin bag and 1 checked bag (23kg). 

Singers to make their own way to Terminal 3 at Heathrow and meet at designated meeting place which will be confirmed nearer the time.

Singers to be collected at Arrivals in Terminal 3 on return.

Accommodation

A&T Hostel Vienna, Leibnizgasse 66 • A-1100 Vienna

 https://www.athostel.com/home_en/#Zimmer

2, 4 or 6 per dormitory, ensuite bathrooms.

Towels not included. Singers should bring their own towel.

Hostel located near Reumannplatz metro on U1 line(11 mins to city centre).

We believe the hostel will be used exclusively for the festival but will do our safeguarding checks as we receive more information.

We will aim to room all singers with at least one of their preferred friends. 

Important hostel information:

  • Upon arrival, a cash deposit of €20 per student is required

  • Towels: singers should bring their own towel

  • Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas

Meals

Breakfast buffet provided at hostel. 

Lunch (2-course) and Dinner (3-course) at restaurants near concert venues. Water included. 

Packed meals or Fast Food will be provided if the schedule is tight.  

Allergy/intolerance info is pending.

Transport in Vienna

Singers will travel between 2 or 3 concert venues each day via Public transport and walking. 

15s and under travel free with ID during July and August. 

16s and over will use  a Vienna City Card.

Cost & Payment Schedule

Final cost: £1,175.  This is subject to minor changes until the final payment due to fluctuating government taxes.

Deposit  and staged payments (see email). 

Bursary Support

Bursary support available (contact Kat at fycbursary@fyc.org.uk). 

Consideration for financial assistance will take into account your singer's attendance and commitment to FYC.  Before any financial assistance is given, your singer must formally commit to attending all rehearsals (including weekend training afternoons) and concerts.

Cancellation Policy

Please ensure you are able to meet these payments before committing, as payments are non-refundable if you cancel (see attached Tour Payment & Refund Policy).  

It is important to note that accepting a tour place and failing to meet payment commitments could have financial implications for the choir therefore, if you pull out of the tour, you will remain liable for the full cost.  

Failure to pay the full cost may result in your singer being asked to leave FYC.  

Fundraising

It is vital that all families help with fundraising to reduce the final costs.  

It is expected that everyone will play their part and contribute to the fundraising effort.  

For more information about how you can help please contact Oz at oz.austwick@fyc.org.uk

We will monitor the fundraising amounts and will communicate the revised costs prior to the final payment being made.

A final review of costs and fundraising will be done in July and any refunds of overpayments will be made by end July 2026.

Family Attendance

A number of our choir families have independently attended previous competitions and festivals where they have been able to watch competitions, ceremonies and concerts.  You are welcome to talk to Louise Todd and Donna Coxon about their experiences.

Tickets for concerts for parents may be available via the festival committee.  We will confirm details as we receive them. Parents will have free access to all the concerts apart from the competition.  The competition is choirs only.

Parents may attend the festival independently but singers must remain with FYC at all times.  Singers will not be able to spend time with their families during the festival.

Independent travel will reduce the cost slightly.  The reduction for singers taking their own flights will be in the region of £300.  The reduction for singers taking only one flight will be in the region of £150.  (subject to change until flights are finalised)

Singers travelling to Vienna independently must be dropped off at the hostel by midday on 22 July (to be confirmed).

Singers staying on after the festival must be collected by 6am on 27 July.

Safeguarding

There will be 5 adults accompanying the choir: 

  • Music Team

    • Patrick Barrett

    • Matthew Rickard

  • 3 experienced chaperones

    • Louise Todd (Senior Liaison)

    • Aggie Paintin

    • Lizzie Post 

Further safeguarding checks will be made as more information is received.

Passport and Visa Information

Passport requirements for Austria

  • Passports should have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least 3 months’ validity beyond the day you plan to leave the Schengen Area.

  • Check expiry dates now and renew early where needed.

  • Keep a printed copy and a digital copy (photo) of the passport photo page while travelling.

Visa requirements — quick summary (start applications early if required)

  • British passport holders: no Schengen visa required for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180‑day period).

    Irish passport holders (EU citizens): no visa required; travel freely within the Schengen Area using your passport.

    Latvian passport holders (EU citizens): no visa required; travel on passport or national ID card.

    Chinese passport holders: Schengen visa required — apply via the Austrian embassy/consulate or VFS centre serving your area; allow time for appointment booking and document preparation.

    Ukrainian passport holders: many Ukrainian nationals require a Schengen visa (exceptions depend on passport type and current EU measures) — check Austrian embassy/consulate guidance and apply early.

    Hong Kong SAR passport holders: typically visa‑free for short stays (tourism/business) up to the Schengen visa‑exemption period; confirm passport type and current rules before travel.

    Other nationalities: requirements vary — check the Austrian embassy/consulate in your country; Schengen (C) visa applications typically require travel medical insurance, proof of accommodation, return/onward travel, and evidence of sufficient funds.

EES and ETIAS

  • EES (Entry/Exit System) records entry/exit data (including biometrics) for non‑EU/EEA nationals entering the Schengen Area; be prepared for biometric checks if asked at the border.

  • EU citizens (for example, Irish and Latvian) are not processed under EES when travelling within the EU/Schengen as citizens of a Member State.

  • ETIAS is not yet fully operational for most travellers; current guidance anticipates rollout in 2026 (expected late 2026) so ETIAS authorisation will not be required for travel in July 2026, but this timing is subject to EU scheduling and short delays are possible.

    • Once ETIAS is live, visa‑exempt third‑country nationals (for example, many British and Hong Kong SAR passport holders) will need to obtain an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation linked to the passport they travel with before entering the Schengen Area.

    • EU citizens (for example, Irish and Latvian passport holders) will not need ETIAS and will continue to travel freely on their EU passports or national ID cards.

For the Vienna tour 22–27 July 2026, you do not need to apply for ETIAS now; however, check official ETIAS updates before final travel documents are issued in case the operational date or transition arrangements change.

GHIC / EHIC / health cover

Apply here: https://overseas-healthcare.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/get-healthcare-cover-travelling-abroad/start

  • British citizens: apply for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) to access state‑provided healthcare in Austria for medically necessary treatment; the GHIC is free from the NHS — apply early (aim by May 2026) to ensure the card arrives in time.

  • EU/EEA citizens (for example, Irish and Latvian): bring your national health insurance card or EHIC where applicable.

  • Non‑EU/EEA citizens (for example, China, many Ukrainian, Hong Kong SAR nationals): there is no UK GHIC equivalent from the UK; check whether your home country issues a reciprocal healthcare card for Austria, but rely primarily on comprehensive travel insurance for medical cover.

  • GHIC/EHIC do not replace travel insurance — they only cover part of state‑provided care.

  • Although FYC is arranging group travel insurance, we also recommend that singers take out their own travel insurance.

Group travel insurance

  • The choir will arrange group travel insurance. Full policy details and emergency contact numbers will be circulated once finalised.

Practical checklist and timings

  • Now: check passport expiry/issue date; renew if needed. Send copies of your singer’s passport and GHIC card to Donna.

  • By March 2026: start any required Schengen visa applications and book appointments.

  • By May 2026: apply for GHIC (UK citizens) or confirm EHIC/national card validity (EU/EEA citizens). Apply here.

  • By June 2026: Arrange your own travel insurance and provide details to Donna.

  • Ongoing: keep printed and digital copies of passport photo page, visa, GHIC/EHIC (if held), insurance policy and emergency contact details.

VIENNA 2026 - PACKING LIST

ESSENTIALS

  • Passport plus a photocopy of your passport 

  • EHIC / GHIC card

  • Visa (if relevant)

  • Painkillers and personal medication (these should be in a named envelope and handed to Louise Todd (if under 16 or kept in your bags if over 16). Even if you are over 16, we would be grateful if you could let Louise, or another tour adult, know if you are feeling unwell or if you take medication. 

  • All relevant music in named folder 

  • Please have a decent meal before you arrive at the airport and bring flight-friendly snacks for the journey.  

FLIGHT BAG

  • Please use a small backpack for both cabin baggage and daily use when we are in Vienna.

  • Snacks for the journey (no fresh food / bring items in sealed packets)

  • Essential toiletries in small containers e.g  toothbrush and small toothpaste, deodorant.

  • Spare socks/ underwear / t-shirt.

  • Headphones.

  • Neck pillow (if needed).

  • Ear plugs and eye mask (if needed).

  • Antibac wipes & a small bottle of hand sanitiser.

  • A book, cards, travel games. 

  • British Airways information about cabin baggage can be found here: https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/baggage-essentials

UNIFORM 

All clothing must be clearly named - particularly items like t-shirts and hoodies as they all look the same!  Please pack in a wheeled suitcase and be mindful of the luggage allowance!

  • Purple embroidered FYC t-shirt - ironed and named 

  • Smart black choir uniform, ironed & named and hanging in a dress bag. Shoes must not be stored in the dress bag, but packed separately in the suitcase. Your dress bag should be folded carefully at the top of your suitcase. 

  • Smart black trousers - not 'skinny', not jeans, not ripped, straight-leg. They must be ironed and then carefully rolled before packing. 

  • Tour t-shirts & hoodie.

  • Other past FYC tour t-shirts (if you have them) 

  • Black shoes and black socks or black pop socks. Please ensure that you have underwear (bra/vest) that can be worn invisibly underneath your black uniform, purple t-shirt and under your tour t-shirt

INFORMAL CLOTHES

  • Blue FYC hoodie (named).

  • Comfortable clothes for travelling on the plane.

  • Enough comfy trousers, leggings, shorts, or skirts for five days.

  • Enough t-shirts (the more FYC branded of these, the better), tops and jumpers for five days 

  • Underwear and socks 

  • Towel

  • Comfy shoes or trainers (we will be doing a lot of walking in Vienna!)

  • A waterproof, warm coat with a hood in case of rain.

OTHER ESSENTIALS 

  • Sleepwear and slippers for inside the accommodation 

  • Toiletries - including soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, shampoo etc. 

  • Phone charger, named (where appropriate), 

  • Plug adapter for Europe (UK to EU plug adapters (UK 3-pin Type G plugs to EU 2-pin Type C, E, and F sockets)

  • One small extension lead per room 

  • Named water bottle 

  • Plastic bag for dirty laundry

  • A pencil (or two) 

  • A small padlock

  • Travel sickness pills (if needed)

  • 20 Euros for the Hostel deposit

REPERTOIRE

Give Me the River - Toby Young

Gaudete   - Suzie Vango

Lilies of the Field - Errolyn Wallen

The Water of Tyne - Michael Neaum

Panta Rhei - Jim Papoulis

Take This Gift - Suzie Wong

Ave Maria - Cecelia McDowall

Wahbadabadoobee - Ivo Antoghini

Popule Meus - Javier Busto

May the Road Rise to Meet You - Michael Higgins

La Foi - Rossini