COLNE was turned into the music capital of the North on Saturday when musicians burst into song for the popular Luther Greenwood Memorial Festival of music, speech and drama.

Competitors from all over the North West made the most of the spectacular at Colne Municipal Hall.

The festival, established in 1947, was named in honour of the conductor of the Orpheus choir in Colne.

Sponsor secretary for the festival, Kathleen Bannister, said it was pleasing to note the encouraging number of people who travelled from out of the area to participate in the friendly competition which last week featured young people and this week adults.

She added: "On Saturday it was the turn of the adults and we were not disappointed.

"The festival is always well known for its friendly, comfortable and happy atmosphere, a point noted by our knowledgeable adjudicators, Robin Mundy and Vivien Pike. They were delighted with the amazing variety of songs chosen by the contestants and the high standards achieved."

The Municipal Hall and St John's Methodist school room became the venues for some of the finest musical talent from Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Although the festival saw around 150 participants, only Colne Ladies Choir and Trawden ladies Frances and Alice Wilkinson took part from Pendle.

Mrs Bannister added: "No area can boast so much musical talent as we find on our doorstep. Yet our area was only represented by the faithful Colne Ladies' Choir and Frances and Alice Wilkinson.

"We hope that next year we shall hear more of our home-grown talent.

"However, the large number of musicians who came from far and wide provided us all with a feast of music."

Anybody who is interested in sponsoring the event is asked to contact Mrs Bannister on 01282 843708.