ORGANISERS of a popular music festival for young people have promised that 2023's event will be 'bigger than ever'.

Oswestry’s Youth Music Festival will be held from March 1-5, across three venues in Chapel Street at Christchurch, Hermon Arts and the Methodist church, the festival is a 'true celebration' of youth music.

The festival has been running for more than 40 years and includes a broad range of classes including string, woodwind, brass, piano, percussion, instrumental, vocal, choir and band.

Vocal classes have become increasingly popular over the past 10 years and in 2023 there will be new classes for ‘Pop and Easy Listening’ which includes Rock, for ages under 12, 15 and 18.

A spokesman for Oswestry Town Council said: "The 2023 syllabus is available to download on the Oswestry Town Council website and the closing date for entries is Friday, January 20 at 1pm , so please enter in good time.

"There is also a children’s 2023 logo competition.

"The winner of this year's design will be selected by the festival committee and will be presented with their prize by Oswestry Town Mayor.

"Entry forms can also be downloaded from Oswestry Town Council’s website and should be submitted no later than Friday, January 20.

"There is no entry fee for this competition.

"In these difficult financial times, it has been decided once again not to increase the entry fees, although there is a small increase in the fee for requesting an official accompanist.

"Adjudicators for 2023 are Rhys Matthews, Philip Dewhirst and Alan MacLean, all of whom have proved to be excellent adjudicators in previous years.

"The adjudicator for the Finals Concert is Stephen Roberts, the chair of the British and International Federation of Festivals.

"We look forward to a great festival and good luck to everyone."