Another successful year for Whitby's Eskdale Festival with entry numbers up across several sections

Speaking at the festival’s Annual General Meeting, Secretary Sue Rowland was delighted to report another successful year.

This year, the festival received 92 Speech and Drama entries, up from 70 last year, while Music entries increased to 265, compared with 254 in the previous year.

There were also 10 Dance entries and 14 choirs for Choir Day.

Sue said: “It was particularly encouraging to see the consistently high standard of performances across all disciplines.

“The overall quality continues to improve year on year, with adjudicators praising many outstanding performances throughout the festival.

“While piano classes remain our largest category, it was pleasing to see increased participation in both the woodwind and brass sections, reflecting growing interest across a broader range of instruments.

“Band Day presented an unexpected challenge due to a double-booking of the venue, which meant the event had to be relocated downstairs.

"Thankfully, the situation was resolved smoothly.”

Adjudicators Susan MacKay, Steven Roberts, Richard Haslam, Kathleen Davis and Philip Dewhurst were all praised for their efforts.

Sue added: “Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the festival.

“Your continued enthusiasm and commitment make the event a success each year.”

Chair of the festival, Zena Bentley, said in her report: “The festival ran smoothly this year, with all operational systems working well throughout the event.

"Following this year's experience, a few improvements have been identified for next year's planning.”

Jan Reynolds and Tony Cross for thanked for their “excellent work” organising the team of stewards.

One of the standout moments of the festival was seeing all the Sleights School years four to six pupils performing with their instruments which was “a wonderful demonstration of the enthusiasm and talent of our young musicians”.

The committee also discussed the festival’s awards.

While generous sponsorship from the Rotary Club provides prizes for outstanding Pianists, Instrumentalists and Vocalists, and the Young Musicians' Trust sponsors the Senior Young Musician of the Year award, there are currently no equivalent senior awards in some other disciplines.

The committee will consider whether additional prizes could be introduced, such as a Best Actor award for Speech and Drama, to complement the existing Lewis Carroll Prize and Vicky Bradley Award.

Dance competitors continue to compete for the Barbara Benson Plate.

Choir Day was also rated as a major success, with an “outstanding standard of performance across all participating choirs.”

At the end of the meeting, the committee discussed officers for the new year and the following people were confirmed in place:

Chair: Zena Bentley

Vice Chair: David Rowland

Treasurer: Michael Ash

Entry secretary: Sue Rowland

Safeguarding: Theresa Wall

Stewards: Jan Reynolds and Tony Cross

Art classes: Jan Reynolds

Marketing: Lizzie Jeeves

National Choir Day: David Rowland

Certificates and medals: Steve Maltby

Dates for the 2027 festival are already confirmed:

Entry Deadline: January 15

Speech and Drama Classes: March 2 and 3

Senior Music (Secondary age and adults): March 4 and 5

Band Day: March 6

Jazz Lunch: March 7

Junior Music (Primary age): March 8 to 10

Gala Concert: March 13

National Choir Day: April 17

All classes take place at Whitby Pavilion.

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