Foden’s Launch Non-Competitive Youth Festival

In May 2016 Foden’s were successful in an application to Arts Council England through ‘Grants for the Arts’ for a ‘Three Year Strategic Music and Audience Development Plan’

Included in the application was a plan to run a non-competitive Youth Festival (for 3 years) where 6 invited Youth Bands would perform individually during the day as well as being able to attend various masterclasses and fringe events delivered by leading brass performers.

This is the first non competitive Youth Festival of its kind in the UK.

To conclude the day there will be a gala concert featuring Foden’s Band as well as each invited Youth Band being involved in a sectional performance with members of other Youth Bands (led by a Principal Player from Foden’s).

This inaugural festival will take place at Sandbach School on Sunday 22nd October between 10am and 6pm.

Discussions are already taking place with major UK conservatoires and universities about hosting and extending the festival in 2018-19 to become a full weekend event and it is hoped that the Festival could become a major annual event to develop Youth Bands in the UK.

Speaking about the festival Mark Wilkinson told A4B: ‘The non competitive festival is the next stage in our Youth Development Programme which already includes running our own Youth and Junior Bands, annual Solo Contest as well as partnerships and coaching days with various local Youth Bands.

Foden’s Youth and Junior Band, Lions Youth, Stockport Schools, Poynton Youth and Keele University will each perform a 20 minute concert set where feedback on each performance can be provided. Bands have been asked to consider performing a piece that has been especially arranged or composed for them and a financial award will be given to the winning composer / arranger as well as to the respective youth band. The object of the festival is to provide a fun and friendly event without any competitive pressures.’

Mark continued: ‘Demand on tickets for the event is expected to be high so audience numbers will be limited with entry only being allowed via purchasing a ticket in advance (not on the day) via the below link’

https://www.priorbooking.com/e/fodens-youth-festival-2