Singing stars of the future celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Mrs Sunderland Festival, which began yesterday.
The bright voices and beaming smiles of 650 children filled the magnificent Huddersfield Town Hall as they took part in the 10-day celebration of local and national musical talent.
Huddersfield and Halifax junior schools were among the first to tread the boards in the competition, which was started in tribute to the famed Brighouse soprano, Susannah Sunderland, in 1889.
A host of special performances will mark the impressive anniversary event, which will also see chairman Michael Hampshire act in the role for the last time before stepping down.
Yesterday brought together 18 choirs of young people aged under 19 from 12 schools and community groups.Throughout the day they took part in five categories, which included a mix of classical hymns, pop hits and even Russian folk songs.
Junior school children wowed judge, professional singing star and former University of Huddersfield student, Sam Dunkley, in the morning.
Half of all the pupils from Lindley Junior School, entered in four choirs.
Pupil Emily Manderson, 11, said: “Although I’ve taken part all four years our school has been involved I was the most nervous this year because of the strong competition.
“It’s great to take part because it’s such an inspiring place to perform.”
Fellow student, Charlotte Margetson, 10, said: “I just love having the opportunity to be able to sing in public.”
Lindley Junior School teacher and choir conductor, Alison North, said: “The festival gives the children a great experience of performing and opportunity to listen to other choirs.”
For the first time this year a day dedicated to children with special needs will take place, to help give more youngsters the performing bug.
A gala concert on Saturday, February 22, will feature Huddersfield Choral Society, of which Mrs Sunderland was once a part.
Her great, great grand daughters Wendy Maas and Venice Arculus and great, great, great granddaughter Charlotte Arculus will also attend to present a silver teapot to the festival team, which was originally given by the Halifax Orchestral Society.
Mr Hampshire, who has been chairing the event for 10 years, said: “It is wonderful that the event is still running because it enables so many people to gain fantastic stage experience.
“I will be sad to step down but plan to continue to volunteer in the future.”
All events at the festival are open to the public for a small entrance cost.
The festival’s first winners: Lindley Junior School Choir won the Class 82 Junior School Choir Year Six and Under with their renditions of Bob Chilcott’s The Lily and the Rose and Rhythm of Life.
Wakefield Girls High School Junior School Choir came second with Queen Elizabeth Grammar School’s junior choir in third place.
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