Community Link Foundation
SOUTHPORT Festival of Music, Speech and Drama has been awarded a grant by Community Link Foundation to help with next month’s event.
Board members of Community Link Foundation awarded the festival £1,500, which will go towards the three-day event.
The event will be held at Greenbank High School on October 7, 8 and 9.
The festival, which started in 1907, provides local people aged from five to 80-plus with an opportunity to improve their performance through professional adjudication.
Organisers feel that music and drama are vital tools in developing rounded, sensitive adults, and are areas that are increasingly sidelined in the school curriculum.
They also hope the festival will raise the profile of music and drama in the community.
Enda Rylands, chairman of Community Link Foundation, said: “When we reviewed this application, the board wanted to support it as it’s an important event in the town’s calendar and we wanted to make sure that the committee are able to continue with putting it on.
“We wish them all the best with the festival.”
The festival helps the participants to develop self-confidence and social skills, as well as giving them the chance to perform in a public event.
Sue Dexter, honorary secretary of the festival, said: “The intended impact of the festival is to be as inclusive as possible. We reach all age groups in our competition, and we aim to include all ethnicities and abilities. We have several participants who are on the autistic spectrum, and some who have other disabilities.
“The event also provides opportunities for volunteering as stewards, announcers and scribes, many of whom are quite elderly.
“Through competition, we hope to inspire and motivate towards excellence all those who take part.”
For more details go to www. southportmusicfestival.co.uk and to find out more about Community Link Foundation go to www.clfoundation.co.uk