Young People's Festival is a success (From Salisbury Journal)

Young People's Festival is a success

1:29pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Elizabeth Kemble

TALENTED youngsters took to the stage at the weekend at the Salisbury Young People’s Festival drama and dance event.

Performances at Studio Theatre in Ashley Road ranged from modern and contemporary dance to tap dancing and Shakespearean monologues.

Festival chairman Barry Matthews-Keel said: “This element of the festival was a huge success and it was a delight to watch so many young talented people.

“Working in partnership with Studio the festival offers the chance to experience performing in a theatre – the objective is to foster the young participants' enjoyment of the theatre and of performing and the confidence they gain from taking part.”

This year the music element of the festival was cancelled after it became unviable.

“It was with regret that the committee had to make this decision – it was not taken lightly and we apologise for the disappointment it may have caused,” Mr Matthews-Keel said.

“We are currently in the process of reviewing all aspects of the festival, with the aim of introducing a new look festival that will offer all young performers, be they musicians, actors or dancers, a fitting platform on which to proudly exhibit their particular talents.”

The committee is also actively seeking to recruit additional members to assume a range of important roles to enable the rejuvenation to be successful.

Anyone interested can email chairman@sypf.org.