Shropshire music festival a resounding success
Young pianist Bertie Heasmer Jones was the youngest competitor to entertain the crowds at a youth music festival.
The six-year-old from Knockin captured the crowds when he played Jody's Cake Walk at the Oswestry Youth Music Festival.
Sunday's concert was the culmination of four days of competition involving more than 1,000 young singers and musicians. Three venues staged the competition – Christchurch, Holy Trinity and the Oswestry Methodist Church – and there were classes for instruments from piano to drums, brass, woodwind and strings as well as voices. Competition ranged from solos to duets, ensembles, choirs and bands.
Pianist George Fradley, 21, from Market Drayton, regained his title with the Oswestry Town Council Cup and was crowned senior champion at the winner of winners competition and concert at Christchurch on Sunday. The junior champion was brass player Elizabeth Mwale from Llangollen.
As well as taking the senior award George also won the mayor's award for excellence.
Mayor Peter Cherrington said: "This young man is not only excellent in music but also in his commitment to the festival, stepping in to act as an accompanist and give advice to younger musicians. He is a true ambassador for the festival."
Deputy Mayor Paul Milner, who along with the mayor and other councillors, volunteered at the event, said the standard was fantastic.
He added: "The church was packed for the finale concert and competition, and we heard from 12 of the winners."
