Tenby Arts Festival finished with a flourish last weekend with a glittering array of talent on the last two nights. Friday's Gala Evening at the De Valence Pavilion, provided a star-studded concert packed with young vibrant musicians. Rahki Singh, Elin Manahan Thomas, Anthony Stuart Lloyd and Jonathon Paulson all enhanced their burgeoning reputations, enchanting the appreciative audience with their verve and polish. In quite a different mood, the following night, Abba Magic illuminated a packed Folly Farm Theatre with a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, bright costumes, genuine Abba choreography, and the truly authentic sound of the chart-topping supergroup. Later that same evening, a late night trad jazz experience provided by the Memphis Seven brought the festival another full house and a toe-tapping climax. These three events underlined the quality and variety on show during the eight days of this year's festival. Significantly, Rosemary Rhys Davies, chair of the festival trustees, confirmed the high appreciation index of festivaliers by confirming that "This was the best festival ever in terms of quality, variety and audience response." She should know, as she has been with the festival since its birth 15 years ago. According to audience reaction, the festival provided a cascade of sparkling events rippling over Tenby during eight days filled with joy, laughter and pure entertainment. What were the highlights? Music lovers would claim that Noriko Ogawa, with a piano recital programme of Debussy, Mozart and Chopin, was the star who shone the brightest, but others may have preferred the subtlety of the Mezin String Quartet or the 'cracking performance' of the Tempus Vocal Group. Then there was Ember who imbued their large audience with a fine glow fired by their contemporary folk music. In choral music, festival regulars Tenby Male Choir and Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir played to full houses and sustained applause, while the Quaynotes were very well received by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic audience. Tenby Players' presentation of Don't Dress for Dinner by Marc Camoletti was a smash hit here, just as it was in Paris, and Raymond Sargeant's Two Victorian Tales held its audience spellbound with its stories of strange happenings enhanced by atmospheric sounds and music. Further drama was added by Dave Ainsworth, accompanied on stage by son Will, in his stage production of the life of Robert Recorde, the Tenby-born polymath who invented the equals sign. A constant and important strand in the festival each year is the spoken word and this year was no exception, except that this time that category astonishingly played to full houses. Tim Egan gave a densely-packed and riveting account of the association of Graham Sutherland with Pembrokeshire; Elizabeth Haines promenaded through her exhibition at Art Matters; the music critic, Paul Griffiths produced a champagne cocktail of a talk on the conflicting themes of music and Marco Polo; local author Sara John bewitched her large audience with readings from her newly published, Seven tales of Centrix; and Brother Gildas from Caldey Abbey opened the minds of his followers with his account of Tenby's place in history and its people's belief in the spirituality of the sea. In addition, the ever popular Pauline Allen and Laurie Dale demonstrated their talent to amuse, a tango workshop gave romantics the chance to improve their skills, a candlelit cascade of Celtic story and song took place on two evenings at Gumfreston, while the art trail was in place every day for all to follow. The mini film festival featured three Ealing comedies, but what film buff could choose between The Lavendar Hill Mob, Kind Hearts and Coronets and The Ladykillers? A snap poll produced no consensus! If it was difficult to choose from a crowded and diverse programme, the solution was, of course, to try and see everything! To produce such a successful event and maintain a high standard against ever-increasing costs, the festial needs the support of local residents and businesses. Without such help the festival could become an endangered species, therefore its future is in your hands. If you would like to become a Friend of the Festival, ring the secretary now on 01834 842974. The annual subscription is only £15. To become a sponsor, ring the chair on 01834 842523. There are benefits for both individuals and organisations! Why not take a note of next year's dates now: September 23 to 30, 2006.
