about colsterworth festival
The Friendly Festival
The Colsterworth Festival of Performing Arts (also known as the Colsterworth Festival) first took place in February 1997. The aim of the Festival, which is open to performers of any age and ability, is to encourage people to showcase their talents in a friendly and competative forum, boost confidence and help them shine
The Festival takes place over 3 weeks during February each year. From small beginnings, it now attracts 3000+ performances from across the East Midlands regions.
We are known as the 'Friendly Festival', a title we are very proud of, which sums up our commitment to spreading joy and sharing our passion for the arts
FAQs
01. How Do I Enter?
If you would like to enter, please go to the Festival 2025 and follow the link to the event you would like to join. If you have any questions, please send us an email or contact us via Facebook and we will help you through the process
02. Is there an age limit?
Absolutely not! We believe that the arts are for all ages, and our categories reflect that.
03. Can I watch the performance?
Yes! We would love for you to come and support your child/family member friend! Just please remember no photography please as we need to think about safe guarding our entrants
04. Do I have to have taken exams to enter?
No, we encourage entries from everyone, of all ages and all abilities. We love to see everyone perform no matter age or ability. Our categories are designed to take into account people’s abilities
05. Where Can I Park?
This will depend on the venue. We have tried to ensure that our venues are accessible to all. Please check the venues maps, and contact us if you have any questions about the venue for your event
06. Can I enter more than one event?
Yes! You can enter as many events as you like. Just remember each event has a small fee to enter, this helps us to cover the costs of venues, adjudicators, medals and other admin costs. If you are interested in what your entry fee covers feel free to contact us
Our Committee
Julia Kerby – Chairman
Julia founded the Festival in 1997 with a group of friends and has been Chair ever since. She is particularly proud of how the Festival has grown & developed, attracting performers from a wide area. Julia is a qualified teacher with over 45 years’ experience in a number of schools, teaching a variety of subjects.
Neville Kerby - Treasurer
Neville is also a co-founder of the Festival and has been Treasurer for a number of years. Neville has worked in Local Government for over 50 years. His interests include sports, music &, most important, his family!
Tracy Seager - Secretary
Tracy has always worked in finance and administration but five years ago relocated from Kent to Lincolnshire. This gave her the opportunity to pursue a dream she has had since she was a little girl- to learn to play piano! Guess who her teacher is? Mrs Kerby! So there was no doubt Tracy would agree to help with the festival and she loves it!
Pam Harrison-Safe Guarding
Pam started going to ballet and tap at the age of five until her mid-teen. She has always loved dancing, and took up tap dancing again- carrying on for the next 40 years! She comes from a family who loves music too
Norma Carrick- Trophies
Norma has been involved in education for over 25 years. She has been involved with the festival for more years than she can remember and has been trophy secretary for five years. As a 17 year old Normal joined the Wrens for five years!
Simon Morley
Simon is the proprietor of East Midlands Sound & Lighting. He has been involved with the festival for over 20 years providing and setting up sound systems. Simon recently joined the committee and adjudicates the film festival
Kathryn Stafford
Kathryn is a retired Primary School teacher with many years' experience. She has been involved with the festival since 2020 and has loved every single minute!
Evie Pearce
Having had a long standing interest in piano, Evie initially thought it was too late for her to start learning. However, she decided to pursue it as an adult learner. This decision has deepened her engagement with music and motivated her to share her passion, encouraging others to explore and become involved in the world of music
Kate Hodgkin
Kate joined the committe in 2024. A psychologist by trade she has seen first hand the benefits for people of all ages and backgrounds getting involved in the arts. She loves drama and music and is looking forward to seeing the festival come to life in 2025.
get involved
Fancy joining us?
Our event can't happen without the help of our wonderful volunteers and we are always looking to welcome new members to our growing team.
If you have a passion for the arts and have some time to offer please contact us for more information