THE Alderley Edge Music Festival is getting bigger and better as it moves into the 21st century.
It is now one of the country's most popular and successful festivals attracting more then 1,000 entries and this year's event is expected to be a record breaker.
There are several new classes to attract even more talent with the music section offering a vocal solo and accompaniment class for the first time and a non-competitive class for instrumental beginners.
The age limit for the string group has been increased and includes youngsters under the age of 11.
A new solo drama class for teenagers aged between 14 and 15 is set to attract the best budding stage performers in the region.
And prize money has been increased with the cash award for the Alderley Edge Singer of the Year now set at £100 and £50 to be awarded to the winner of the Adult Choir class.
As entries flooded in this week new chairman Barbara Armitage said: "Alderley Edge Festival has flourished and become an increasingly important event.
"Whilst other festivals around the country are ceasing to continue because of lack of support ours grows every year in popularity.
"If last year is anything to go by, the Alderley Edge Young Singer of the Year will provide several showstoppers.
"And there's an extra award as the winner will be presented with a silver plate and another singer will receive a prize for the best song.
"I believe that the festival is to be enjoyed and that winning in the competitive classes is not the most important thing.
"Taking part, enjoying the experience and learning from the adjudicators who are experts in their fields is what the festival is all about."
Barbara succeeds past chairman Anthea Skertchly.
Final entries must be submitted this week to meet the deadline for the competition which takes place from May 15-18 at various venues around Alderley Edge.
