A PRESTIGIOUS music event has been hailed as a great success by one of the key organisers, writes Lisa Heritage.

Bromsgrove Festival chairman Mary White has already put her thinking cap on as to what to organise next year after the great response she received from the spring events, which ended in May.

The highlight of the festival, according to Mary, was The Band of the Lifeguards, who performed at Bromsgrove Rovers' Victoria Ground, in Birmingham Road.

Mary said: "We always aim to bring something new and different to Bromsgrove and something which will appeal to a wide variety of musical interests.

"Bringing the horses out of London to Bromsgrove for our curtain raiser was something special and I was delighted so many people turned out for the event."

The musical extravaganza brought many top acts to town including The Black Dyke Mills Band, a piano recital from Simon Trpceski and the popular garden concert Kew for Music.

The festival also focussed on the younger generation with many ensembles taking part.

Concerts were given by North Bromsgrove High School, in School Drive, and South Bromsgrove High School, in Charford Road, as well as the International Young Musicians' Platform.

"I'm always keen to listen to feedback and believe the International Young Musicians' platform is enjoyed by young people who appreciate the opportunity to perform and compete," Mary added.

"Although nothing has been confirmed yet we expect to hold the 43rd year of the Bromsgrove Festival around the same time next year."