Printer Friendly PageIn the late 19th Century, there were various movements towards broadening access to Education, the Arts, Science and Technology. The festivals movement arose out of this, and an Association was formed that in 1907 had 70 affiliated festivals. This later transformed into British Federation of Festivals (of which we are a member) in 1921.
Our festival was founded in 1923 and had taken place every year since, with the exception of several years during WW2, and 2018 (legal uncertainties) and 2021 (Covid). The festival was registered as a charity in 1994.
It has used various names but in 2002 the current name was chosen, and a website opened. Over the past couple of decades it has moved from a paper-and-pencil operation to a digitally-based one with online entry and management.
Over this time the entry numbers have gradually fallen from around 900 to around 300, but those who participate enjoy and benefit so much from it that the committee is undaunted and each year strives to run a professional event. We are all volunteers, some serving for a few years, some for much longer. Three of the current committee have been here for over 20 years, and a recently retired member for much longer than that.
In recent years finance has been a major problem. Previously grants and awards were generally forthcoming but this has become an increasing problem. Members of the committee have worked hard in this respect and the 2026 festival would not be possible but for two recent major grants.
The current festival logo was first used for the 1985 festival. It was the winner of a competition for school children won by Maria Thompson, then aged 15. She later had children of her own, and is proud that they also entered the festival and received certificates with her logo on them.
In 2007 the logo was modified to bring it up to date and reflect the dynamic and innovative nature of the festival.
A press cutting for 1985 indicates that the festival had a record number of competitors – 2000, an increase of 200 on the previous year. The Bedford Room of the Barnfield Theatre had to be booked for an extra day and an additional adjudicator appointed to cope with the large number of vocal and choral competitors.
Harp classes were introduced for the first time that year, the adjudicator being a professional harpist, Jean Price, who had once been a participant in the festival.
The festival has been held in various locations, including the Barnfield Theatre, United Reformed Church and we moved to South Street Baptist Church in 2006. The kindness, help and unfailing support of their staff and management committee have been a major factor in the festivals success.
