Evolution relies on discarding the obsolete, retaining the valuable and making room for innovation.  Nowhere is this more true than in the scrutiny exercised by the Committee of the Harrogate Competitive Festival for Music, Speech and Drama.

The Old Time Music Hall class was a great success last year, and appears again in the 2012 Syllabus.  Also, as the standard of string playing was particularly high last year there are two new classes for string chamber music groups of five or more players.

When the Borough Council ceased organising the Festival in the 1970s (yes - there were budget cuts in the last century), a small group of us took over the running of the Festival in the old Royal Baths and Lounge Hall.  Since then the Festival has been faithfully supported each year by a grant from the Borough council for which we are most grateful.  At the same time a gentleman called Richard Thomas took over as Chairman and worked tirelessly for 30 years, retiring in March 2011.  Under his care the Festival has expanded and earned an enviable reputation amongst audiences, competitors and adjudicators across the north of England and beyond.  At a time when some festivals are ailing, ours is flourishing, thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of the Committee and volunteers who run it.

We look forward to the 2012 Festival, working as ever to promote musical and dramatic talent from performers of all ages.  Meanwhile if you have any ideas about the running of the Festival or the classes it offers, or would like to be involved, I would like to hear from you.