We know that the performers, teachers and parents were disappointed that we have had to cancel the last weekend of the Festival. As organisers, we feel this pain too. Like the performers, a lot of work has gone into preparing for it.
We continually strive to make the event a worthwhile learning environment for the performers that from our end really starts when they enter the building and finishes when they leave, hopefully buoyed up and with the confidence that comes from performing in public. We encourage all of our volunteers to establish this atmosphere. The adjudicators too. This year it seems that we mostly got it right.
We don't often get much feedback, but this year is different. We have received more emails than normal due to the regular communications about the developing COVID-19 issue.
Personally, I have been really touched by the very positive feedback we have been getting about the value of the Festival, the atmosphere on the days and the obvious disappointment of loss.
Many of the volunteers/committee give up our time either because we just love Music and Drama, and/or as payback for what previous Festivals have done for us or our families. It is so nice to know that there is another generation that feel the same way we do, and one that may field the successors to the current organising team.
If you are reading this and already feel you can start to help now, you will be welcomed on board. The more the merrier in these times. We could do with spreading the roles a little wider and providing more resilience.
Here's to next year then.
Very touched
Derek
