Chairman predicts choral expansion

The first day of the Kinsmen Band Festival was an unqualified success, according to its organizers.

Duncan Cameron, chairman of the band festival said the first day went extremely well.

“I have been on this committee for eight years and this has been the easiest year yet.” he said.

He attributes this to the hard work of the people on the committee. He said the committee has not run into any problems but will probably see one or two before the weekend is over.

The swing choir competition Wednesday evening was a sellout, compared to about a hundred last year. He said the probable reason for this is because the public is becoming more aware of what is involved with this aspect of the festival. Because of its success, he said, there is the possibility that the competition might expand next year.

“We might have more separate competitions to encourage more participation from local groups.” he said. Advance sales for the rest of the festival have been excellent he said. Tonight’s show is 60 per cent sold in advance and he expects a total sellout.

Friday has sold out in what Mr Cameron called the largest sales ever for the Friday event. Saturday has gone about 70 per cent advance.

He said there have been a couple of minor logistical problems but they have been easily ironed out. The biggest problem he can forsee is the possibility of the parade being rained out. If this happens though, he does not feel that it will hurt the visibility of the festival.

“The idea is to not have any problems on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. If you are going to have any problems, have them before.”