LIVE PERFORMANCES will be returning to Woodley again this spring, thanks to a much-loved festival.
In March, the Woodley Festival of Music and Arts will be back in action, following a virtual event last year.
It lasts for three weekends, from Saturday, March 5, to Sunday, March 20, with a finale concert on Sunday, March 27.
With entries now closed, more than 560 performers and 19 choirs have signed up to perform throughout the month.
It is a competition, however organisers are keen to stress that the aim is to enjoy the performances.
“Many schools encourage their pupils to enter the wide variety of speech and drama, vocal, instrumental and piano classes and the well-supported choir classes are always particularly popular with the audience,” said Kuan Ang, publicity officer for the festival.
He said that the festival has provided a platform for young people to develop their talents during last 52 years.
“Last year due to the pandemic the festival was unable to run in its full format, but nevertheless organised a virtual festival for instrumental solo and ensemble performers,” he said.
“It was a great success and a new experience for all of us which have allowed us to carry on the annual event.
“For this year there appears to be a greater sense of hope in the air and the Festival Committee are delighted to be able to focus on providing performers of all ages the chance to perform live.”
Throughout March, parents, friends of entrants and residents across the borough are invited to view performances.
Tickets are available for each day’s events on the door.
Mr Ang said that the success of the festival year-on-year can be attributed to volunteers and the event’s sponsor for the last 17 years, Ann Manning, managing director of Manning UK Insurance Brokers.
Organisers are now looking for volunteers to help coordinate the event, which will run throughout the month.
Anyone interested in helping can email the Festival Committee at: [email protected]
For more information, visit: woodleyfestival.org.uk
