PREPARATIONS are under way for one of Huddersfield’s most prestigious contests.
Musicians and performers are warming up for the 120th Mrs Sunderland Music Festival.
The nine-day extravaganza will kick-off on February 20 with performances from vocalists, choirs, musicians and poets.
And this year’s festival promises to be even bigger and better with record numbers taking part.
Vice-chairman David Hirst said: “After a slightly disappointing year last year, the entries are very encouraging.
“The number of adult choirs has doubled – we have 36 this year compared with only 18 last year.
“And the junior choir entries have set a record at 35. I think the highest number we had was 21 in 2002.
“It really is a big boost for us to get these entries and it promises to be an exciting time.”
Mr Hirst believed television singing contests had made an impact on choirs wanting to take part.
The traditional festival takes place at Huddersfield Town Hall and Huddersfield University’s St Paul’s Hall.
It is open to public audiences for just £1 entry on the door.
Around 1,000 entries – made up of 200 pianists alone – will compete in 130 classes this year
Woodwind, piano and African drumming are just some of the musical instrument categories.
While dialect speaking and poetry verses will be read in the speech and drama sessions featuring 200 entries.
Operatic solos and the tones of tenors will impress the vocalist judges. While the choirs and small ensembles will entertain audiences with their music during the vocal weekend starting February 20 until 22.
A gala evening will provide a grand finale to the contest on February 28 from 7pm.
The event – hosted by Kirklees organist Gordon Stewart – will showcase outstanding performers from the festival.
Prize-winning choirs will also battle it out in the Choir Challenge.
There will also be a performance from the newly-crowned Kirklees Young Musician of the Year.
Tickets for the gala evening cost £7.50 and are available from Huddersfield Information Centre. Call 01484 223200.
Festival programmes are also available from the centre or at Dolphin Music, Market Street, or Octave Above at Moldgreen.
