THE prestigious Luther Greenwood Memorial Festival drew in crowds of talented youngsters and adults from across the North during its opening weekend.

Young musicians flocked to the popular event to take to the stage and dazzle the judges with their talents.

The 150-plus competitors made the most of the spectacular weekend, with Colne Municipal Hall hosting music classes and the speech and drama taking place at St John's Methodist School rooms, Colne.

The festival, which was established in 1947, was named in honour of a conductor of the Orpheus choir in Colne after he died.

Sponsor secretary for the festival, Kathleen Bannister, said it was pleasing to note the encouraging number of local entries as well as the number of people who travelled from out of the area to participate in the friendly competition.

She said: "The day was most successful and the helpful and encouraging adjudicators very pleased with the standard of the work presented, much being of a very high standard indeed."

The Silverman Shield and a cash prize were awarded to Evonne Beardsworth of Colne for the highest marks overall and Theresa Wright, of Preston won the Nelson-in-Pendle Orchestra Trophy and a bursary of £30 for the most promising ability.

Naomi Warren, 12, of Colne scooped first prize in the piano class up to 12 years.

Next Saturday, December 6, is the turn of the adults with a wide variety of music.

Classes include Rose Bowl, operatic, oratorio, Victorian ballads and choir singing.

Classes will again be held in the Municipal Hall and St John's Methodist School room, with the evening session of finalists and choirs from 6pm.

Anybody interested in sponsoring the event can contact Mrs Bannister on 01282 843708.