The music section has had to evolve rapidly in the 21st century. The ways in which music is taught, the instruments the children choose and the styles of music they enjoy, have changed beyond recognition.

There used to be classes of 20 or 30 pianists in ‘friendly’ (or not-so-friendly) competition with each other, and similar numbers for strings and woodwind classes. Every school would bring a choir to sing in various categories, and there was always enormous support for the vocal classes among both adults and children. The Festival instigated much conversation and interest in the whole community, and audiences were full to capacity.

Today, festivals (or ‘Our Festival, at least) provides a platform on which people can perform and enjoy the performances of others, while the element of competition has almost disappeared. The adjudicator will always point out the strongest areas of a performance, and then give valuable guidance for improvement. It has become more relaxed; it’s enjoyable and entertaining, while providing memorable points of education for both performers and audience.

Over the last few years the Highbridge Festival has hosted acts such as an African-style drumming group, various rock/pop bands, brass and silver bands, and school bands with a multitude of classroom instruments. Soloists have ranged from singers, pianists and players of orchestral instruments of all kinds to harps, handbell and harmonicas. In 2022 we welcomed our first bagpipes.