FOREWORD

On behalf of the Committee of Dudley Festival of Music, Drama and Dance, I present our 2024 Syllabus in preparation for our 64th Festival.

2024 will be a poignant and emotional year for us as we host our annual event with an empty chair in our Festival office. The sudden, unexpected loss of our Chairman, Colleague and above all, good friend, Mary Burns, has left us bruised and shaken. Mary was passionate about Dudley Festival and contributed many years and hard work to its success and there is no doubt that she would want us to continue to deliver and provide a platform for all our wonderful performers.

We will endeavour to do so.

Dudley Festival is affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals. The Committee is always seeking ways of developing talent and to provide an opportunity for competitors of all ages and abilities to perform in front of an audience. Each competitor or group will receive constructive comments, and advice on how the performance may be improved from an experienced Federation adjudicator. This will be invaluable when preparing for examinations and future festivals, and will give vital experience and confidence in facing challenges in life.

Trophies are awarded in most classes and are retained for a year. Certificates are given to competitors who are placed first, second and third. A first place medal is given to the winners in classes where the specified age limit is up to 18 years.

Please take time to browse, and we look forward to receiving your entries for our range of classes.

Dudley Festival does not receive sponsorship or grants from Societies or Companies and has to generate its own income from entry fees, admission fees, the sale of programmes and a small income from advertising.

Some years ago there was a Friends group which helped to raise money towards the costs incurred, but this has now disbanded. If anyone feels they could form a new Friends group for this purpose please contact the Chairman.

The Festival is very grateful for the support it receives from local people and organizations. The members of the Rotary Club of Dudley have helped in many ways over the years, and without this we would be struggling to continue. For a Festival of our size we do need lots of help, especially on Festival Days. We need adjudicators’ stewards, door stewards, file collectors and office staff in order to provide sufficient cover and to ensure the safety of all who attend.

We have a small team of volunteers with great commitment, so if you are able to spare some time to help with one of the many jobs, before and on the day, please get in touch with us.

The Festival is for everyone, so if you enjoy the Arts, please come and join us either as a competitor or as a supporter. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces and to meeting new ones. We can assure you that you will all be very welcome.

Mandy Philpott, Music Secretary