THREE days of competition with more than 200 classes and nearly 1,000 performers made this year's Devizes Eisteddfod the most successful in its 71 year history.

Youngsters from schools all over the county and some from as far away as Devon took part in the contest on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and produced some outstanding performances much to the delight of musical director Michael Johnson.

The children danced, sang, acted and played musical instruments to an extremely high standard at venues all over the town.

Mr Johnson said: "Covering three days the festival culminated with a two day festival of dance at Lavington School when 360 dancers entertained in ballet, tap, lyrical, character, modern, and song and dance classes. Performers came from as far afield as South Devon to dance during 24 hours of intense competition.

"Before this two days of music, speech and drama performances were held in Devizes town centre. Some 600 hundred performers under the age of 18 took part in choral, piano, string, brass, woodwind, organ, vocal, musical theatre, folk music, verse speaking and drama classes.

"We have seen and heard some outstanding performances this past weekend given by some very talented young people which makes organising this wonderful event so worthwhile. My small team of very dedicated people give up an immense amount of time to present what we hope provides a memorable opportunity for a large number of youngsters to perform in public."

But the music is not yet over as on Saturday (25) a total of 16 of the most notable performers will return to the Assembly Room at the Town Hall for the festival concert which starts at 6pm.

Admission is free with a retiring collection.

Then early in the new year two class winners’ concerts will be held on Sundays January 28 and and February 4 in the Assembly Room at 3pm, admission free.

Mr Johnson thanked main sponsors Winkworths estate agents, Devizes Town Council and other supporters.

Next year's Eisteddfod will be held from November 15 to 18.