BRIDGWATER College had one of its most successful years to date at the Mid-Somerset Music and Drama Festival with both the Level 3 Performing Arts Year 2 students and the college’s show choir gaining first place in their respective classes.

The festival, at the Guildhall, Bath, is one of the oldest, most reputable amateur music and drama festivals in the UK with people attending from as far away as London.

It offers a wide variety of classes for all ages, abilities and experience, from keyboards to voice, musical theatre, choral and orchestral groups.

A judge said of the Bridgwater performers: “The show choir gave a vibrant performance which was very well prepared with splendid movement.”

The judge praised the “resonant sound and considerable power” of the soloists portrayed from the Year 2 Performing Arts ensemble, and complimented the group on their “total performance”.

Kathryn Stevens, choral director at Bridgwater College, said: “The students worked extremely hard in preparing pieces for the festival and were delighted to achieve such positive recognition of the standard of their work.

“The quality of performance in all the classes was very high so we are thrilled to know our students are working at such a competitive level.”

Both ensembles will showcase their work alongside other choirs in the region in The Festival of Song at Bridgwater Town Hall on Wednesday, May 14, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from Ruth Cook on 01278-441262.