THE future of performing arts is safe and well here in Hampshire! That’s the verdict of all involved with Southampton Festival.

One of the oldest and most highly regarded events of its kind in the UK, Southampton Festival of Music and Drama continues to hit the high notes year after year – and this year is certainly no exception.

Hundreds of talented children and adults have been judged on performances in everything from bands to brass and pianos to percussion.

A host of schools impressed in the choir contest and composition classes that were added for the first time last year.

Vocal, speech and drama, guitar and chairman’s classes have also taken place ahead of a spectacular, celebratory concert finale for all the winners which takes place next Saturday March 20 at Thornden Hall.

Organisers agree the standard at this year’s festival was extremely high with some excellent performances.

Festival Chairman Shelagh Lee said:“With over 1,000 entrants taking part in classes as diverse as creative writing, tabla, and musical theatre as well as accordions, brass, woodwind, strings, vocal, piano, guitar and speech and drama, we were truly treated to a memorable occasion.

"Thornden Hall really felt like it was buzzing with the future of Performing Arts in the Hampshire Area. I never fail to be amazed at the dedication of the young people, parents and adults who take part. To achieve the standards we saw at the festival means hours of practice.

"This year at the festival we saw one of the highest marks ever awarded at our festival – 94 and Honours – to a group of Year Three Children from Sherborne House School for their Choral Speaking.

"What an amazing achievement for children of seven and eight years old. They of course, have been asked to perform at the concert.”