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Arts Festival Draws on Local
Talent of All Ages
THE Prescot Festival of Music and the
Arts, now in its 12th year, continues its long tradition of showcasing talented
writers, singers, artists and musicians of all ages from the local community.
Evelyn Community Primary School once again hosts the:- 'Young Instrumentalist of
Prescot' competition, on Wednesday, 22 June 2016, inviting primary and secondary students
to compete for the:- 'Reverend David Rose Trophy', named for the much loved Prescot
clergyman and businessman, who passed away in 2013. Children from across the
region will recite their own verse and that of others at St Mary and St Paul's
Primary's Schools' Poetry Showcase, on Monday, 20 June 2016. And for those
youngsters who are more at home with a brush or pencil in hand, a festival long exhibition at Prescot Parish Church will display a stunning range
of artwork from local schools.
There's still time for people to get involved. Do sing you a soprano, alto,
tenor or bass? The Prescot Festival Chorus invites choral singers to join it for
a performance of Mozart's renowned Requiem, conducted by James Luxton of
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, on Saturday, 18 June 2016. This annual
'Come and Sing' event has attracted over 100 singers in past years.
The festival is also eagerly standing by for entries from budding authors in its
Short Story Competition. Entrants are being asked to write tales of up to 1,000
words inspired by the theme 'in a pickle' a turn of phrase 1st recorded
in Shakespeare's The Tempest. And finally, if being in the limelight isn't your
style, there are lots of opportunities to volunteer behind the scenes as a 'Friend
of the Festival.'
"Hearing the chatter and seeing the smiling faces after a concert is a
fantastic feeling.
There's such pride in knowing you've been part of making it happen." said long time volunteer Dyane Basinger.
As former librarian of Cowley International College in St Helens, now retired
Dyane takes particular pleasure in seeing the amount of young people involved.
"It's inspiring to discover all this talent is right on your doorstep."
said Dyane.
As well as local performers and artists, the festival features acts from further
afield. Other highlights of the 2016 programme include a Swingshift Big Band,
Nigel Ogden of BBC Radio 2's The Organist Entertains, and Songs from the Shows
with BOST, the Birkenhead based theatre company whose annual productions at the
Liverpool Empire have included The Full Monty and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Artistic Director Dr Robert Howard said:- "While so many festivals decline
after just 3or 4 years, the quality of talent and support of the local community
has ensured the Prescot Festival is growing year on year after more than a
decade. As ever, this year we aim to include everyone in the community,
whether on stage, behind the scenes or cheering on in the audience."
The 12th Annual Prescot Festival of Music and the Arts runs from Friday, 17 June
to Sunday, 26 June 2016. The full programme, as well as more information on how
you can get involved, is all
online, and tickets will go
on sale from 1 May 2016, also on the same website. |
