That smile says it all. Be part of it. Young Benjamin Golding-Sebitia certainly was part of it in 2011 and his day at the Mrs Sunderland Festival was a winner in so many ways.

He not only won a trophy, for Bible reading School year 6, but clearly had a great time.

And that is exactly what the Mrs Sunderland Festival is all about. People of all ages, young and old, from every background and interest, sharing their skills whether it be in music, speech or drama.

This year’s festival opens at Huddersfield Town Hall next month and there’s already a buzz about this year’s event.

For this hugely traditional part of our arts calendar is marking a big milestone. Its 125th anniversary.

And it is doing it in the style which has surely helped ensure its survival over those many years.

Take a look at the Sunderland programme and you will see why this year offers not just a spectacular celebration but more than a few indicators of where this forward looking festival aims to go in the future.

It’s not bad thing to do what Paul Whittaker will be doing at the Sunderland this year, Reaching For The Stars.

Paul, founder of the Huddersfield-based charity Music and the Deaf, will be working with another town-based arts organisation, theatre company Dark Horse, leading an exciting day of workshops for children with special needs.

There is a singing workshop for local primary schools and poetry workshops led by local author Christine Gabbitas.

A pop ballad class is new for 2014 as are sight reading classes for children under 14.

The festival is also holding a special class for readings of the war poets, paying its respects alongside the national events which this year will mark the outbreak of World War One.

The festival always attracts knowledgeable and supportive audiences and they are in for a treat again this year.

Among the major events to look out for are the concert on the evening of Saturday February 15.

That’s when past festival winners, including Jonathan Fisher, Sarah Ogden, Rachel Spencer and Emma Williams, will join Colne Valley Male Voice Choir and Lindley Junior School Choir for an event that promises first class music-making.

The week will end with a Gala concert featuring Huddersfield Choral Society who will perform Elgar’s The Music Makers.

The presence of this well-loved and much applauded choir couldn’t be more appropriate in this anniversary year as one of its founder members was none other than Mrs Sunderland.

Many festival supporters wouldn’t miss the annual Kirklees Young Musician of the Year contest.

It’s on Friday, February 21 and will see music students who are hoping for a career as professional musicians compete for a prize of �1,000. The winner will then perform at the Gala Concert.

The Festival has recently developed a new web site and entries can be accepted on line.

Details of the different classes and workshops are on the web. Go to www.mrssunderlandfestival.com .