One of the region’s longstanding performance events returns for a week long celebration of music and drama.

The second oldest of its kind in the country, Carlisle and District Music and Drama Festival has been an annual event in the city since 1896. Now in its 117th year, the festival will return this March for a six day arts extravaganza, which will see over 3,000 performers take to the stage.

Taking place from 12 – 17 March, the week will host classes in every performance art imaginable, from choir and solo signing, to acting and verse speaking, to all types of instrument. And 2018 also sees the addition of new classes in recital and folk music.

With many local schools and community groups now involved, the amateur festival is receiving an increasing amount of interest each year. Entries are open to anyone and performers range from as young as five to 80 and upwards, travelling from all across Cumbria to take part.

Festival Chair, Avril Tisdall, said: “The idea of the festival is to offer a platform for people to perform, in any way, and to get some support and constructive criticism from our professional adjudicators.”

There are prizes given in each class and the best performers over the course of the week are invited to perform in a gala concert on the closing Saturday night. However, it is not all about the winning. At its heart, the festival is a celebration of local talent and the importance of the arts. Avril explained: “I think there’s always a place for the arts in society. They give people the chance to express themselves and gain confidence and there’s a healthy sense of competition.

“We’ve got some excellent teachers in Carlisle who get the kids to a very high standard, but the really nice thing about the festival is the warmth. Even if children don’t win, they are always appreciative of the performances, which are very good.”

Affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals, Carlisle and District Music and Drama Festival is a charity, run entirely by volunteers and committee members. Held in St Cuthbert’s Church, St George’s United Reform Church and Tithe Barn, classes are open to the public throughout the week, for as little as £2 a day.

Avril added: “It will be another week of fantastic ‘togetherness’. There is very much a camaraderie and a spirit of positivity, a celebration of everybody’s successes.”

For more information visit www.carlislemusicanddrama.com