Buckingham really

 

  has got talent!

 

That’s the resounding message from the 36th Buckingham Festival of Music and Drama, which took place on 14th and 15th November 2008 in venues throughout the town.

Over 350 children, adults and groups took part in a huge range of classes - ranging from poetry speaking to solo instrumental to ensembles and choirs - in two days that celebrated the best of local amateur talent. Record numbers of spectators turned up to watch and listen, and judging by the buzz and excitement, they had a fantastic time. But those taking part had even more fun - the atmosphere in the choir classes was electric as the results were read out in reverse order, with kids cheering and punching the air in delight. Who needs the X-factor? Everyone who took part had their performance assessed by a professional in their field, and went home with a written appraisal and a smart certificate. Winners of their classes received medals, and for some categories there were coveted cups and trophies to win. One singer told us: “I was pleased with my certificates but more than that, I got what I was looking for - the opportunity to sing in public and some independent and professional feedback. I even got a mini master class from the adjudicator, which made it even more worthwhile.”Graham Holiday, chair of the Festival Committee (who also runs The Duke’s Music in the Town) said: “I am so proud of this year’s committee. The Festival has never gone so smoothly - and of course, a huge thank you goes to the volunteer stewards who turned up on the day to manage the doors, support the adjudicators and help the entrants feel at ease.”

This year’s Festival was sponsored by Rockhopper, Buckingham’s mobile recording studio (not forgetting the free samples of beef jerky from Jack Link’s which went like hot cakes, and the sandwiches kindly provided for our hardworking volunteers by Waitrose).

 

Watch this site for details of an even better Festival in 2009

Volunteer for 2009 and be part of this great FestivalThe Festival couldn’t happen without our volunteers. If you’d like to help out next year, whether on the committee or just on the day, do contact us!

  

The Festival is a registered charity supported by The Aylesbury Vale Arts Council and is part of the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech.

PS Don’t forget to support our local sponsors!

  

 

 

 

Registered Charity No.1041206