Birmingham Male Voice Choir

Earlier this year, Birmingham Male Voice Choir got in touch with us, facing a lovely problem: two proud choirs with two proud histories, coming together as one — and needing a look that honoured both without picking a side. The result was a fresh start for the newly merged choir: new blazers and new ties, chosen together as one group rather than inherited from either side.

We loved that from day one, this wasn’t a decision made by just one person but the whole choir wanted to be part of it. We visited the choir with a range of blazer styles and colours, along with tie options to pair alongside them, and let the members handle the fabrics and see the colours — and the ties against the jackets — in person. There’s really no substitute for that hands-on moment when a group tries something on and you can see it click.

We had a fantastic time working with Birmingham Male Voice Choir, and it was a privilege to help two histories find a single, shared look in their new blazers and ties.

Here is their story of working with Keltic:

“When two esteemed Birmingham Choirs joined forces in 2024, we needed a fresh identity and a smart modern new look. The Birmingham Icknield Male Voice choir had been established out of the Quaker Saturday Schools bringing education to adults back in 1901. The Birmingham Canoldir Choir was established 60 years ago, from the Welsh Rugby fields by Welsh exiles in Brum. Icknield sang in Green Blazers and Canoldir in Blue. It was time for a change.

We sought the help of Keltic ties to establish a new look for the Birmingham Male Voice Choir (full name The Birmingham Canoldir and Birmingham Icknield Male Voice Choir). Blazers were smart but dated and we needed a new style and colour that would move us forward as a joint choir. Amanda Timmis from Keltic ties provided a number of styles and colours, including three grey jackets with black and Navy options. Everyone in the choir got a chance to comment and experience the various styles and fabric available. When we settled on light grey jackets with a pale blue lining, it was transformative. Amanda suggested a narrow yellow tie to complete the image. Something none of us would have come up with but everybody really liked. The grey of the jacket is really offset by the yellow and can cope with a bold colour.

With black trousers, white shirts and shiny black shoes the ensemble is complete. Many of our members have been in the choir for more years than they can remember. In that time, I think we have rarely received the kind of praise and comment that has come recently, from our new style.

One of our members, Richard Grundy, is an art and design specialist. He designed our new joint logo and Keltic ties did an amazing job of embroidering it onto each jacket breast pocket. They have been supportive and creative throughout the process. They have helped us relaunch our new choir with a style and image that helps us grow and attract the next generation of choristers”

Francis Beirne (Birmingham Male Voice Choir)

Ready to give your choir a new look? From ties and blazers to full rebrands and uniform replication, Keltic Ties is here to help you stand out. Contact Amanda today on 01922 612 888.