THE annual Reigate and Redhill Music and Drama Festival kicks off in a fortnight's time.
On Tuesday, May 7, the first of the competitors will perform in the borough's biggest opportunity for amateur musicians, youngsters and adults, to show off their musical talents.
From then until Saturday, May 18, halls and churches will be resounding with all kinds of musical instruments, choirs, and solo singing and drama as nearly 2,000 performers take part.
This all comes to a climax with a gala concert at the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, on Thursday, May 23 at 7.30pm, when the best players present a selection of the festival highlights.
Many of the competitions will take place from 4pm on weekdays and 9am on Saturdays at Redhill United Reformed Church, Shaw's Corner; Reigate Park United Reformed Church, Park Lane East; and Reigate Baptist Church.
One programme costing £2.50 admits to all sessions, available at the door or from Potters Music Shop, 12 High Street, Merstham, telephone 01737 645065.
And this year there's a special piano masterclass, open to the public, when promising pianists display their skills and receive instruction from accomplished pianist and professor Timothy Barratt. This is in the Reigate Grammar School Recital Room on Saturday May 25, at 7.30pm.
Further information is available on the festival's website: www.reigate-redhillmusicfest.org.uk
