2021 SFYP Programme

WELCOME FROM THE FESTIVAL CHAIRPERSON

Dear students and parents, After the troubles, we all faced last year it is a great pleasure to welcome you to the 2021 Somerset Festival for Young Performers and thank you for joining us for this important weekend in our Performing Arts calendar. 2020 was a year that gave everybody the chance to find new ways to achieve our goals and moving the 2020 Festival to a virtual event was a great example of this. It was a year that showed us what we can do! As the name implies, this is a festival, a celebration of the achievements and talents of those who have nominated to be a part of this wonderful weekend. All the students involved this weekend have dedicated themselves to prepare for their performances whilst still fully involved in their normal school programmes. This is no mean feat, and we believe this time is well spent and congratulate them on being prepared to challenge themselves and for many to face their fears when it comes to performing in front of an audience and adjudicators. We hope the relaxed atmosphere at the Festival will encourage all participants to develop their talents and skills and give them the confidence to take the next step in their performing arts journey. No festival like this can proceed without our adjudicators. Each year, they play a vital role in ensuring the participants receive feedback and encouragement. We are indebted to them for assisting so graciously and thank them for all their efforts. Many hours of planning and preparation are required to bring the Festival to fruition. On behalf of all participants and their families, our sincere thanks go to the Festival Programme Director, Mrs Helen Little and her band of helpers, especially the Somerset College Events Team, for their hard work. We especially thank the speech, dance, music and drama teachers of Gold Coast schools for their support both in entering students in the Festival and for working tirelessly to develop the talents of our Gold Coast students. Similarly, I thank all members of the organising committee who have worked to ensure the smooth running of the Festival again this year. I extend sincere thanks to the many volunteers, skillfully organised by Mrs Sue Roberts, who have contributed to make the Festival a success. To our participants, do your best and make the most of the opportunities! For further information and to subscribe to receive e-news updates, click here. Again, I thank you all for your support. John Bacon Festival Chairperson

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