HMF 2020 competitors photo: Mark Harrison 07952 916839

Hastings Musical Festival has extended deadlines for its Virtual Festival 2021

The Hastings Musical Festival (HMF) has already had almost 600 entries for its Virtual Festival. Teachers in all sections said they had hoped to use the January school term to complete teaching and recording of performances for uploading, but this is no longer possible given the new lockdown, writes Chris Cormack.

Tapdancing at the 2020 Festival photo: Mark Harrison 07952 916839

In view of the latest difficulties experienced with the lockdown and the wish to maximise participation, HMF will postpone adjudication until the Summer and extend the deadline from 31 January for entering the Festival and uploading videos. The closing date for entries and adjudication date will be confirmed when the outcome of lockdown is better understood, but it is hoped that adjudication will take place in June.

Jenny Griffiths, General Secretary said:

2020 HMF competitor , in dance class photo: Mark Harrison 07952 916839

“Maybe you have not entered Hastings Festival before but are looking for new hobbies during lockdown? Why not work towards entering the Festival? If you look on our website, you will see lots of classes in Speech and Drama or Singing that you might want to enter.

“You could enter a speech prose class reciting an extract from The Poisonwood Bible, or choose a piece of humorous verse or a Shakespearean monologue to declaim!  You could even write your own piece of original verse.

“Alternatively, perhaps you have taken up an instrument to pass the time – you could enter one of our instrumental classes as they offer opportunities for all levels of playing, involving a multitude of different instruments for solo players – or enter as a family ensemble?”

Why not use the time on your hands to prepare for the Hastings Musical Festival 2021?

For further information, please contact Jenny Griffiths.

Also in: Festivals