Last night I attended the Prestwich Festivals’ Prestwich has Junior Talent Contest.

This year it was moved from St.Mary’s Park, with a small makeshift stage, to the Longfield Suite. When I attended last years event there were perhaps 100 people at best, this year I was almost blown away when I walked in to find 300-400 and the place was packed.

There were a number of acts from local schools interspersed with performances from High School students. I have to say I was amazed by the standard of all those performing. It was great to watch and a great entertainment in its own right. And the audience – many of which were from local schools, with parents/family etc greeted every act with wild applause and tremendous support and encouragement throughout.

I think special congratulations must go to firstly the trio of singers from Park View School that came out as the overall winners. secondly Butterstile School must be congratulated for their effort. It seemed like every other act was from Butterstile – throwing down the gauntlet to other Prestwich schools next year.

But overall the success of the evening meant everyone was a winner.

I asked one performer from Parrenthorn what she thought of the event. She replied that it was “great”. When I asked what was so special? she simply replied, “You get a chance to perform, in front of an audience”. And I guess that’s what its all about, not so much the winning , but the performing.

Last year this event was my high spot of the festival, this year it’s even more so.

For details of upcoming events go to www.prestwichfestival.net