THE centre of Bowdon was buzzing with young people as the third Bowdon Youth Festival made a triumphant return.

It saw more than 400 performances by a very talented group between the ages of six to 19.

Seven highly qualified adjudicators watched performances ranging from solo brass, piano, organ, strings and woodwind through singing, solo or in choirs, to drama and poetry. The judges commended the very high standards achieved by the performers and the Deputy Mayor of Trafford, Cllr John Holden, and Graham Brady MP were delighted to visit the event.

Steven Roberts is well known in Trafford as the music director of the renowned Altrincham Choral Society.

He said “It is very encouraging to see new Festivals thriving and Bowdon Youth Festival has achieved a great deal in a very short time. There is clearly a wealth of talent in the local area and such events enable young people to experience performance and receive supportive feedback to help them develop their skills.”

The event was held at St Mary’s Church and Parish Centre in Bowdon.

The Rev Roger Preece, vicar at St Mary's said: “We are delighted to welcome so many young people and their families to St Mary’s. As a church, we offer young people a very warm welcome in a range of activities, including our Duke of Edinburgh programme. Bowdon Youth Festival is a key part of our service to the local community”.

Susan Sinagola, chairman of the Bowdon Festival, said: “The third Youth Festival has built on past success and we are thrilled to see its growth and receive such wonderful feedback from performers, parents and teachers. One of our sponsors told us that “it is a privilege to be associated with such a successful and flourishing Festival””

* Anyone interested in finding out more about the Bowdon Youth Festival should visit bowdonfestival.co.uk.