Budding performers can start practising their festival pieces as the new syllabus for both the Music, and the Speech and Drama Festivals 2018 is now available.  The syllabi are packed full of information about the festival including the types of classes available, how to enter and details of our experienced adjudicators.

The Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival, which takes place annually (with Music in June and November and Speech & Drama in November) is now in its twelfth year, giving people the opportunity to perform and get invaluable feedback from expert adjudicators.

Music

This year, each section of the new music Syllabus has a ‘First Timers’ class to encourage those less experienced to come and perform. They will receive a constructive adjudication and certificate without the pressure of a mark or competitive element.  There are also classes available for singers, choirs (including school choirs), pianists, instrumentalists and guitarists. The music festival takes place between 22nd June and 1st July with the guitar section on 17th November. The music adjudicators are Jane Wilkinson, Rebecca Moseley-Morgan, Ruth Gerald and Andrew Hansford. Closing date for music entries is 28th April 2018 and for guitar entries, the 30th September 2018.

Drama

The new Speech & Drama syllabus for 2018 sees some changes due to the increase in number of festival entries last year, including the recruitment of an additional adjudicator. After the success of our new recital class introduced in 2017 we are now expanding to THREE recital classes where entrants can perform a selection of poetry, prose, acting and mime under one theme. In addition, in 2018 we will offer FOUR Novice Verse Speaking Classes, TWO Novice Solo Acting Classes, a Choral Speaking Class and Shakespeare class for younger performers. The festival will continue to film those entering its news reading class as entrants enjoyed this more realistic experience in 2017. The speech and drama festival takes place on 17th and 18th November. The closing date for entries is 30th September 2018.

In addition, The Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival has launched its new website, www.RWBArtsFestival.com. Here you will find all news, events, syllabi, dates, and other information about our Music, and Speech and Drama Festivals.

Miranda Shirnia Chair of the Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival said: “2017 was a truly exciting year for us. The Speech and Drama section of the festival grew enormously – we had 38% more entries than in 2017 with over 100 trophies and medals being awarded to the top performers. We want to continue to build this momentum and so urge performers to look at our new music and speech and drama syllabi and choose a class to try. With novice classes available in both festivals, beginners, as well as those more experienced, are being encouraged to take part. With the launch of our new website www.RWBArtsFestival.com it’s now easier than ever to find out what’s going on this year. Do have a look it is updated frequently with exciting news and blog posts. You can also contact us on RWBArtsFestival@gmail.com or on twitter @RWBArtsFestival, where we look forward to hearing all about your musical and dramatic achievements!”