THE WOODLEY Festival of Music and Arts began 54 years ago, its aim to inspire and encourage youngsters from Year 1 onwards to explore the performing arts.
It takes place each March at the Oakwood Centre, Woodley.
Fiona Fisher, co-chair of the organisation, said: “The adjudicators have been stunned by the level and ability of the young people who entered this year’s festival.
“There were so many Distinctions and Outstanding awards given out, with children of all ages at the finale representing all five sections of the festival: pianoforte, instrumental, vocal, speech and drama, and choral.”
The emphasis of the festival is very much on the enjoyment of performance and the appreciation of others’ efforts.
“We believe that performing in front of an appreciative and encouraging audience helps to build confidence, a skill that is so beneficial when navigating life,” Ms Fisher continued.
“At the finale we had primary school youngsters who had only performed for the first time the day before, alongside older teens who were obviously very experienced.
“The event they gave us was both intimate and elegant.”
Festival classes allow beginners as well as accomplished performers to take part, and children can enter individually, or with others.
The Gala performance brought to a close three weekends of performances.
“This years festival has been a delight,” continued Ms Fisher.
“We have welcomed so many first time performers from Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 from local schools who took part in the speech and drama section.
“And our Pianoforte, Vocal and Instrumental sections all proved very popular this year.”
Some outstanding 2024 performers were:
Avaneesh Ramasubban, who won gold, and the Ronald Hughes Rosebowl Trophy in the piano recital class for 18s and under.
Aaron Gordon-Walker, who gained first place with distinction in the piano solo section for 12s and under, and a silver medal in the musical theatre class.
Jonah Gordon-Walker came first with distinction in piano solo for 7s and under, and won silver in the musical theatre section.
Amiya Pawa won the musical show solo for 14s and under.
Milly Dawkes was awarded outstanding winner for musical show solo for 10s and under.
Elysia Ang won the public speaking class and was invited to the finale concert to perform her piece again.
Malaika won the verse speaking class.
And Aadhya Kaja left the festival with a fist full of medals, having entered the solo acting, musical theatre, public speaking, and solo mime sections, the last of which she won.
“We’ve been bowled over and so encouraged by the confidence and performance level of all the young people this year,” said Ms Fisher.
“We can’t wait to see them again at next year’s festival, to discover how they develop their skills even further.”
Woodley Festival organisers would like to thank Sonning Flowers for providing the floral display for the finale performance.
For more information, visit: www.woodleyfestival.org.uk and www.sonningflowers.com
