Guitar festival hailed a 'triumph'

Once upon a time in the 1960s, Bognor Regis hosted some of most inspirational guitar acts in the world including Pink Floyd who played the former Rex Ballroom.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Nov 2009, 17:05 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 17:43 BST

More than 40 years on, it is now down to younger players to carry on the tradition as the town is once again proving a magnet for aspiring musical talent.

The organisers of this year's West Sussex Guitar festival have hailed it a great triumph, after receiving nearly 200 entries across its adult and junior competitions.

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Held at the Regis School of Music in Sudley Road over the past two weeks, one of its major highlights was the opening concert from classical guitarist, Professor Gary Ryan of the Royal College of Music.

According to treasurer of the school, Terry Woodgate, the town 'briefly became the guitar capital of England' as hundreds of enthusiasts descended on Bognor Regis to watch and take part in the series of events.

He said the standard of playing from some of the teenagers in particular was especially impressive and made for some strongly-contended categories.

Prof Ryan adjudicated for the first weekend where performances were given by the under-18s, offering advice on technique and performances.

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The adjudicator for the senior classes was Hayley Savage, a well respected recitalist, composer and tutor.

Classes ranged from non-competitive beginners through to advanced players, ensembles including family ensembles, and guitars with other instruments and voice.

There were even composer and arrangers' classes.

Another of the highlights of the festival is the prestigious West Dean Scholarship which is awarded to a young person playing at grade 5 or above.

The winner receives non-residential attendance at the West Dean International Guitar Festival and Summer School 2010, courtesy of West Dean College.

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The runner-up receives a 200 bursary towards attendance at the college awarded by the West Sussex Guitar Club.

The judges had a very difficult decision to make, but after long deliberation chose Zak Habgood as the winner with Robert Mathias as the runner-up.

The classical guitar festival is run by the West Sussex Guitar Club at Sudley Road, Bognor Regis, which hosts around six concerts each year and holds six club evenings where members can come along and play.

For more details call 01243 866462 or visit www.westsussexguitar.com

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