Chris Dodd
Stewards Co-ordinator

Now a retired teacher of Economics I can devote even more time to my hobbies: natural history, walking , travel and music. Having been a member of Lytham Operatic, Preston Opera and various other musical groups – but being too long in the tooth for the romantic hero – I enjoy helping others find a musical and dramatic outlet for their talents within the Festival of Performing Art.

Steph Heney
Chair Person & Drama Co-ordinator

After several years of entering her pupils in the festival, drama teacher and Lamda examiner Steph was persuaded onto the committee. It is a decision she has never regretted and one which has given her much satisfaction and pride in belonging to such a worthwhile and joyful event.

Sylvia Howard
Music Co-ordinator

I have been associated with this Festival almost all my life. I loved competing as a child and then I trained as a music teacher myself entering very many pupils as well as my own children and grandchildren. I can honestly say that it has been a wonderful influence on all our lives.

Anna Cross
Deputy Chair Person/Dance Co-ordinator/One Act Plays Festival Co-ordinator

Anna has been interested in performing arts for as long as she can remember, starting at the age of 3 with Wyn Hodge. She has performed in numerous plays, musicals and pantomimes up and down the Fylde Coast whilst completing performing arts examinations and studying acting at Mountview in London. She then started teaching and over the years has entered many pupils in different aspects of the festival. She now runs her own theatre school; ACross the Boards, in St Annes. Anna can’t wait to be involved in the continuing growth and progression of such a fantastic festival!

Pippa Kirk
Music Co-ordinator

Pippa has recently retired after teaching clarinet and saxophone in the Fylde for many years. She has always been an enthusiastic supporter of music festivals, entering many pupils in this wonderful local festival. Although she no longer teaches music, she supports the Heyhouses Community Choir as its accompanist and also sings with The Lidun Singers.

Mary Park
Minutes Secretary

Alan Cantor
Child Protection Officer

I have always been very interested in drama, poetry and particularly in music. Having found great joy in all of them, I am proud to support a Festival that enhances what others can get from the performing arts. My career has been on the financial side and I’m pleased to be able to put my experience from it to such an aim.

Linda Hookham

Treasurer

Having first experienced the festival as a steward in 2019, I was delighted to see the enthusiasm and enjoyment of both the participants and the audience members. It is rewarding to know the skills acquired by the participants will benefit them throughout their lives and help them better appreciate the arts. Helping to manage the accounts is a small part to play in the team required to put on the festival throughout the year.

Sue Ireland
Assistant Treasurer

My experience of the Festival has been as a parent spectator.  My daughters have competed at the Music Festival since they were seven and, like so many others, continue to enjoy the friendly competition and the opportunity to perform.  I decided to become involved because the Festivals are such an incredibly positive experience for people of all ages.  My daughters are the fifth generation of musicians in our family and I have to say the most dedicated!  The Festival gives them a great reason to explore different styles of music, practice hard and has most definitely boosted their confidence.  Maybe one day I will perform with them!  

 

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Phil Hookham

Syllabus/Programme Co-ordinator

Tom Holmes
Advertising/Sponsorship Co-ordinator

My name is Thomas since retiring as a burnt clay artist. Having time on my hands instead of clay of all descriptions, leisurely pursuits became my interests.  So, when Pippa mentioned at a choir rehearsal the festival was looking for helpers I volunteered. So I help my wife Julie (CEO) with promotion of the festival and advertising, because she lets me!!.

Julie Holmes
Advertising/Sponsorship Co-ordinator

Hi I am very pleased to be involved with such a friendly group of people. I am not wonderfully talented musically, but I like being part of a of a festival which helps to showcase our local talent. I know music and drama has enriched my life. I was proud to be asked to promote the festival and arranged for advertising. I believe it is so important to have events like this so young people can gain confidence. I try to use my people skills anyway I can.

 

John McVitie

Photographer & Newsletter

John joined the team back in 2004 when he moved from corporate communications in London to a second occupation as press photographer on the Fylde. He joined the Festival committee where both mother and father had been heavily involved and becoming secretary. His present role also involves editing the newsletter and photography and video and enjoys being a part of an ever expanding and thriving Festival.

Take a look inside our festival...

MUSIC

MUSIC

Our Festival was founded 1901 and each year offers a platform for hundreds of amateur musicians, actors and dancers in and around the Lancashire area to perform in front of an audience and benefit from expert critical advice.
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DRAMA

DRAMA

The speech and drama section comprises two parts; dramatic skills and the spoken word. Most classes are divided into age categories so competitors will be performing with people of a similar age.
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DANCE

DANCE

Through our Dance Festival we hope to advance the education of the public in the performance, appreciation and the practice of the Art of Dance.
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