It has been another great year for Oswestry Youth Music Festival with a record-breaking number of talented young musicians taking part – 553 entries involving 45 schools and more than 1,100 musicians.
During the six-day festival, there were over 90 competitive classes ranging from solo singing to rock bands and choirs, and solo instrumental to instrumental ensembles.
As well as musicians from Shropshire, there were entries from other parts of the West Midlands including Birmingham and Telford, Wales and Norway.
Festival organiser Sue Turner said: “It was a great festival and we’re all very happy with how well it went. The feedback from performers, teachers, parents and the adjudicators has been overwhelmingly positive. It was a true celebration of youth music.
“There is a huge amount of talent which shows the dedication of teachers, pupils and parents. Well done to everyone who took part and huge congratulations once again to the winners.
“Thanks must go to all the volunteers and to Oswestry Town Council for helping to make it such a success.”
There were five special awards at this year’s festival. Kit Fisher playing drums won the Young Performer of the Year Award. Kristin Alstad Rukke playing saxophone won the Oswestry Town Council Junior Cup. Ceirion Hughes playing tuba won the Oswestry Town Council Cup. Zac Mason won the Mayor’s Award for commitment to and determination in the festival and Mike Willis won the Metcalfe Award for his work as a volunteer.
Next year’s festival will run over a full week from Monday 2 March to Sunday 8 March. Closing date for entries Friday 23 January 2026 at 1pm.
Kit Fisher (pictured right) won Young Performer of the Year Award, Kristin Alstad Rukke won the Oswestry Town Council Junior Cup, and Ceirion Hughes won the Oswestry Town Council Cup.
Zak Mason won the Mayor’s Award for commitment to and determination in the festival.
Mike Willis won the Metcalfe Award for his work as a volunteer.
