THE highly acclaimed Warrington Competition for Young Musicians looks set to come to an end because of a lack of funding.
A 14-year-old boy from Lymm won what could be the last-ever competition which has been run by Warrington Arts Council Initiative for the Development of Music (WACIDOM) since 1998.
Clarinettist Elliot Gresty came first in the Upper Division of the competition, beating off the challenge of talented young musicians from all over the North West.
He was presented with his award by Lord and Lady Ashbrook after the finals took place at Arley Hall.
After the finals, WACIDOM chairman Norman Cutter revealed that this year’s competition could not have gone ahead without an unexpected donation of £2,000.
The cost of this year’s competition was more than £7,000 and it had left the organisation’s reserves almost completely exhausted.
He said in the past, the organisation had received Lottery funding on four occasions up to 2006 and had also received fairly regular support from Warrington Borough Council.
This year, however, the support was reduced because of the economic situation. Only £400 was received and but for the unexpected donation of £2,000 it could not have gone ahead.
Mr Cutter said it seemed the long-running and highly regarded venture, organised by a handful of volunteers, would come to an end, unless some other source of income could be found.
He urged supporters to act as “ambassadors” and raise money from individuals interested and willing to support the arts musically.
Other winners in the competition included: Upper Division: 2nd: Chloe Scott, 17, recorder, of Altrincham; 3rd: Sam Oliver, 18, tuba, of Norley. Lower Division: 1, Natasha Agarwal, 14, voice, of St Helens; 2, Rachel Hoffman, 12, ‘cello, of Hartford; 3, Emelye Ferguson, 15, clarinet, of Hale.
Picture shows Elliot Gresty receiving his award from Lord and Lady Ashbrook.
