Oswestry Youth Music Festival is expanding to a week-long programme as entries climb once again this year.
The festival, running from 2-8 March across four venues in the town centre, will showcase 560 entries from 52 schools and colleges across England, Wales and Norway, plus home-schooled students. They will compete across more than 90 classes, from solo instrumental and vocal performances to choirs, bands and ensembles.
Performances will take place at Christchurch, The Hermon Chapel and the Methodist Church, with new addition Hope Church hosting the rock band classes. Each class winner takes home a trophy, while Sunday’s Finals Concert champions will also receive cash prizes.
As the festival is affiliated with the British and International Federation of Festivals, it will once again use adjudicators trained to the federation’s professional standards. They include Philip Dewhurst, Rhys Matthews, Andrew Padmore, David Hoult and Angela Rowley.
Entry to all performances is free and members of the public are very welcome along. The festival programme is available to download from Oswestry Town Council website, so please come along to support these talented young musicians.
Festival organiser Sue Turner said: “We go from strength to strength, and it is so wonderful to see more talented young musicians wanting to take part. Huge thanks as always to Oswestry Town Council for their continued support.
“We have already started planning for next year. As 2027 marks the festival’s 50th anniversary, it will be extra special. As well as the regular classes, there will be a special charity concert supporting Young Lives vs Cancer (formerly CLIC Sargent) and a commemorative brochure.”
Follow Oswestry Youth Festival Facebook page for the latest festival news. If you would like to volunteer at this year’s festival, email Sue: susanhturner@hotmail.co.uk or phone Oswestry Town Council on 01691 680222.
