Chairman's Introduction to the 2008 Festival

The Devon Performing Arts Festival (DPAF) continues to exist as a platform for performance for young people and adults before professional adjudicators. It is always a joy to see and hear the performances which are brought to the Festival by those who take part - at whatever stage they are – individuals or groups - as they develop their talents. DPAF 2008 is the 81st Festival and we have encouraged many young people in their performance through the years and continues that proud tradition again this year.

Once again we are grateful to Graham Parkinson, his staff and to all the trustees for allowing us the use of the South Street Baptist Church.

As in previous festivals I would like to thank everyone who helps in many different ways to make the festival happen including families and friends, teachers, schools, helpers, volunteers during the festival, committee members. There are always many jobs to be done, so if anyone would like to help then please let us know.

This is the third year of the on line booking system and the web site which is becoming an important part of the booking process (although entries can still be made by post). We have extended the date for entries into January 11th 2008 but if you can put entries in before then then please do so. As we have moved the closing date this will have to be an absolute deadline for entries and details of this change are in the syllabus. For details please see page 14.

Following last year’s Festival, we sought some “customer feedback“ which, added to our own observations, has led to some significant changes to this year’s syllabus.

• We have in recent years had many single entries to solo classes which has reduced the element of competition. We have therefore amalgamated many instrumental solo classes.
• Small choirs were often matched against much larger groups, so we have reorganised the classes so that competitors are more evenly matched.
• Drama Workshops have been introduced - please see here.

So, again, my thanks to all of the hardworking and dedicated committee and section co-ordinators who work throughout the year so that the Festival will happen in 2008. Some committee members have retired this year – to you a special thank you. I would also like to thank the group of volunteers who come together to help during the time that the Festival is running. Thanks too for the support of the Co-operative Group, Otter Nurseries and all of our other advertisers.

Let’s make our 81st Festival the best ever !!

Thank you for your support.

Rev Philip Wagstaff
Chair, DPAF Committee