Following its centenary celebrations in 2022, the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & Drama will begin its second century in style this Saturday (4 March) with the launch of its annual eight-day event, showcasing over 1,500 musicians and actors, performing in over 250 competitive classes.
This year’s Festival will shine a spotlight on the finest musical and dramatic talent from across the county and beyond, giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to perform on the stages of the Corn Exchange, Howard Room and Harpur Suite and receive feedback from some of the country’s most eminent experts in music, speech and drama.
Audience members can attend any of the sessions throughout the event for just £2.50 and those under 10 are free. A season ticket to attend an unlimited number of classes throughout the week costs just £13.
On Friday 10 March, the Festival will host the Bedford Music Hub Showcase – a performance opportunity for groups from the Bedford Music Hub organisations, of which the Festival is a member.
The Bedford Music Hub’s focus is to ensure that all children and young people across Bedford Borough have access to high-quality, inclusive and varied musical experiences and progression routes.
The performances will take place from 6:30pm on Friday evening in the Corn Exchange and are open for all to attend. Performances will include the Bedfordshire Youth Choir, Intermediate Strings and the London Celtic Youth Orchestra, Jazz, Chamber music and compositions. It promises to be a very special event.
The prestigious Gala Concert concludes the Festival at the Corn Exchange on Saturday 11 March, where the most outstanding performers from across the eight days will return to compete for the overall Festival prizes for Speech and Drama, Music, Piano, Senior Singing, Junior Singing and Choral Singing.
Although competitive in nature, the Festival is an annual celebration of the talent that can be found in Bedfordshire and the surrounding area and gives young and old alike the chance to share their passion for the performing arts.
Classes will be held at the Corn Exchange, Harpur Suite and Howard Room in Bedford Town Centre from 4 to 11 March and tickets are available to purchase on the door. A programme detailing all of the classes can be bought in advance at the Corn Exchange box office for £4 or at the Festival Box office during the Festival week.
To find out more about the Bedfordshire Festival, visit bedfordshirefestival.org.uk
