There are many Music Festivals, or Eisteddfods, taking place in the area, but none in Nailsea or surrounds. In 2005 a group of four Nailsea residents decided to start such an event, to see if there was sufficient support for this to be run on an annual basis.

The first Festival was held on 16 November 2006 in Nailsea, mainly at the Methodist Church, but with some classes also held in Christ Church. There were classes for piano, strings, voice and woodwind, and these were well supported by local teachers. Since then, we have moved to Nailsea School, and there has been a steady increase in entries.  Although strings and woodwind are no longer featured, due to lack of support, speech and drama has been added and is extremely popular, and classes are also offered in creative writing and music composition.

The Sixth Festival was held on 19 November 2011 in Nailsea School and saw a record number of people pass through the doors, with six adjudicators working hard all day.  There were some stunning performances, with two people attaining 90 marks.  We were delighted to welcome Rod Lees, the Chairman of Nailsea Town Council, who presented medals to some of the winners.

Next year’s Festival will take place in the same venue on 24 November 2012.