Standard high as Arbroath Music Festival returns

Festival secretary Susan Kennedy is pictured with some of the entrants in the elementary snare drum class. (Wallace Ferrier)

Arbroath & District Music Festival returned this week after a two-year absence, with young people from across the county taking part in a variety of instrumental and vocal competitions at the town’s Webster Theatre.

Now in its 89th year, the event is still suffering from the effects of Covid-19, however, as the number of entries is down.

Susan Kennedy, festival secretary said: “Our festival provides a wide range of classes for all ages and we are pleased that one of our new categories, Makaton Choirs, has entries. While understanding the issues of teaching and organising music in schools, it’s a sad reflection on the diminished awareness of the value of expressive arts to well-being and mental health. We started with the delightful percussion classes, with violin and fiddles on Tuesday. The rest of the week is piano, vocal, brass, woodwind, speech and guitar.”

“Although the numbers are down the standard is high and the entrants value feedback and the opportunity to perform to an audience.

“We love the openness of our festival and tickets to view are available for all the sessions.

“As always supporting the festival in any way ensures we can progress with financial confidence to our 90th festival next year.”