By Isle of Wight Observer
Christ Church, Totland, was filled with music when the first West Wight Music Festival brought performers and audiences together for a day of live music earlier in the month. The non-competitive event, inspired and organised by composer Pam Wedgwood, welcomed musicians from across the Island to take part.
More than thirty entrants took to the stage, aged from under six to over 80, with a wide mix of performances, including piano, violin, harp, banjo and voice, along with duets, trios, and larger ensembles. Groups involved included West Wight Winds, the Elderberries, Fiddlestrum, and a Suzuki violin ensemble, showing the range of talent from young beginners through to seasoned players.
The finale saw the Freshwater Dementia-Friendly Choir, recent recipients of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, joins with the Bay Wailers from Freshwater Bay, as well as audience members and earlier performers, for a Big Sing that filled the church to capacity.
The Festival also raised £2,000 to support the creation of additional Dementia-Friendly Choirs on the Island. The total included refreshment sales and generous donations throughout the day.
Plans are already in motion for a second festival next year.