Another Oldham Choral Speaking Festival proves a massive hit with schoolkids

This year, a recording-breaking year, saw 78 classes and more than 2,000 primary schoolchildren taking part in the Oldham Choral Speaking Festival

Yesterday (Thursday) marked the end of the spectacular three-day 38th Choral Speaking Festival, which is organised each year by Rotary Oldham Metro.

This year, a recording-breaking year, saw 78 classes and more than 2,000 primary schoolchildren taking part.

Children from reception year to year 6 recited 160 poems on stage from memory with energy and enthusiasm.

The poems were wide ranging from the traditional “Witches Spell” by Shakespeare to humorous favourites such as “Gran can you Rap” by Jack Ousby.

The renowned adjudicator, Hilary Henderson, thanked all the children, the teachers, assistants and parents for what she described as “an outstanding standard” and encouraged every school in Oldham to take part in future years.

Rotary Oldham Metro’s President, Michelle Greenwood, added her congratulations to the children and thanked all the teachers, assistants and parents for their preparation and performances.

She thanked all the event sponsors and everyone for their donations, which help Rotary maintain the event each year.

The final day welcomed Matt Bulmer, Director of Education Early Years and Skills for Oldham, who added his congratulations on this exceptional Festival, which is the second largest in the world, putting Oldham firmly on the Choral Speaking world map.

All the classes taking part receive a certificate of participation and a grading of their performance with suggested areas for improvement by the adjudicator.

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