HUNDREDS of Horwich residents will make music this weekend as the town's famed festival gets into full swing.

Scores of people -- both young and old - have entered the Instrumental, Piano and Vocal sections of the popular event.

And delighted organisers have cause for a double celebration with the festival marking its 50th anniversary and the Vocal section's revival after a gap of two years.

Thirty entrants, including two primary school choirs, hope they will be in fine voice for judging in the Vocal section.

More than 100 instrumentalists will take to the stage and nearly 30 pianists will tinkle the ivories.

But organisers have stressed the event will not be a direct competition. Instead entrants will be judged on an individual basis before being presented with a certificate.

Festival secretary Ian Ronson said: "We hope there will be a good audience of families, friends and local people to see the achievements of the participants.

"We're very pleased to have the vocal section back in place after an absence of two years. We just didn't have enough entrants to stage it.

"The festival aims to promote arts and culture in Horwich. It certainly encourages the entrants to improve their musical knowledge and skill.

"There is no competitive edge. The intention is to play your instrument and have your performance judged by a professional who will be able to tell you how good you are and how you can improve."

All three sections will be staged on Saturday at Rivington and Blackrod High School's Albert Street annexe and the adjacent Lord Street Primary School.

And there will be more chances for Horwich folk to display their artistic talents with a Poetry section due to take place on April 24.

Organisers are also looking for more entrants in the Speech and Drama Festival due to take place on March 20. Anyone interested should contact 01204 697975.

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