FARNHAM’S young stars came out in force last week for the Farnham Festival, which this year had a space theme celebrating 50 years since the first lunar landing.

There were sparkling performances from all the children who enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to perform at the Farnham Maltings.

This annual event involved young performers from 23 local schools and colleges and five music groups, with 750 children under 16 taking part as well as sixth form students from across the area.

The festival showcased eight concerts with an exciting and varied programme of music including two commissioned pieces specially written for them.

There were out-of-this-world performances from jazz bands, choirs, orchestras, soloists, rock bands and a ‘sing and sign’ choir, making this festival truly-inclusive.

Farnham Festival is run by a small group of local volunteers and is non-profit making.

The committee would like to thank everyone who came to watch and to the 52 volunteers who ensured the shows ran smoothly throughout the week.

A special thank you goes to the 34 teachers and accompanists who have given their valuable time, expertise and support to inspire the children, which for some, was their first small step into musical performance!

The first ever ‘Farnham Schools Festival of Music’ was founded in 1961 by the then-music master at Farnham Grammar School, Alan Fluck, and survives to this day.