THIS year marks the 103rd year of the Taunton Festival of the Arts, one of the oldest in the country.

Music, drama and dance classes and several prestigious competitions for young musicians of the year, as well as a Gala concert in June, will be taking place in various venues throughout the year.

From January 30 to February 9, a great variety of music classes see the start of the festival events.

Over 700 entries have come in for the piano, wind, strings and vocal days.

Adjudicators will be involved, who are said to be adept at putting young performers at their ease with tact and skill, often laced with humour.

It is an entirely different experience from the often unnerving atmosphere of an examination room.

Music classes take place at the welcoming Temple Methodist Church, except for the choirs day which will be held at Queen’s College.

The Taunton junior young musician and Taunton junior young singer competitions take place on February 25, at Temple Methodist church.

Taunton young musician and Taunton young singer competitions will take place at Queen’s College on February 26, the Taunton young music theatre singer competition is on March 12 at Taunton School.

Members of the public are warmly welcomed to attend any events, classes and competitions and their support is very much valued by the young performers and organisers.

Programmes will be available to purchase at Note-Orious, 20 High Street, Taunton, TA1 3PJ or found on the website: tauntonfestivalofthearts.org.uk