Competitors get ready to hit the right note at Mossgrove Festival

The festival, founded by Mrs Olive Watson to encourage members of her choir, The Mossgrove Girl Singers, is held largely at the Courtyard Theatre, Ballyearl. The only exception to this arrangement is the Choir Night which takes place in Glengormley High School on Friday, February 5.

The Festival Adjudicator is Donal McCrisken, Head of Music at St Malachy’s College, conductor of Cappella Caeciliana - one of Ireland’s most exciting choirs - and a qualified British and International Federation of Festivals’ adjudicator.

Accompanists will be Darren Baird for the Instrumental and Senior Vocal Classes, Sheelagh Greer for the Junior Vocal Classes and the Festival’s honorary accompanist, Mrs Betty McCartney.

Classes in piano, instrumental playing and singing for competitors up to the age of 25 will be held throughout the week. The evening sessions will begin at 7pm; on Saturday, January 30, they will be from 1pm, and on Thursday, February 4 from 1.30pm.

Choir Night is Friday, February 5, starting at 7pm in Glengormley High School. The choirs taking part will be Mossgrove, Holy Family, and Seaview Primary Schools and Ballyclare Secondary, Glastry College Ballyhalbert and Glengormley High School.

At the Gala Night, trophies and cheques of 50 will be presented to the overall champions in the Instrumental, Piano, Vocal and Choral classes. The overall best performance of the Festival will also be presented at this event which kicks off at 7pm at Ballyearl.

The Whiteabbey Cup from Whiteabbey Music Club will be presented to the competitor who, in the opinion of the adjudicator, shows the most promise in any class up to and including 15 years old.

On Saturday, January 30, in the evening session, a new award in the shape of a star, ‘Joanne’s Star’, will be presented for the first time by the Mossgrove Singers in memory of one of their members Joanne McClean. This will be competed for in a new ‘Light Entertainment’ class.

Special Schools - Thornfield House, Cedar Lodge and Hill Croft have their own special class on Thursday, February 4, starting at 1.30pm

Admission to all sessions is 2 (1 concession), and to the Gala Night 4 (2 concession).