HUNDREDS of young people from all over the county will converge on Devizes on November 26 for one of the area’s biggest celebrations of youth arts and music.

The organisers of Devizes Junior Eisteddfod have received almost 1,000 entries for the competitions 100-plus classes, covering everything from piano solos to choirs.

There are also classes for, among others, mime, news reading, painting, handwriting and poetry.

Frank Shipway, the internationally famous conductor who was last year’s director of the festival, has had to step down due to pressure of work and the post of executive chairman has been created and taken on by Simon Jacobs. His wife, Lisa, is secretary and former director Ken Morrison has taken on the role of treasurer.

Karen Hellewell, the former owner of The Wellwisher bookshop, has joined the committee.

Mr Jacobs said that the committee had responded to comments, both positive and negative, from teachers, parents and performers.

He said: “We have tried to make the awards criteria clearer, the concert shorter, the venues warmer and the rules more pertinent.

“Lots of work has gone on through the last few months to tighten up on the areas with which people were unhappy and it is my sincere hope that a difference will be noticed.”

The classes take place throughout the day at venues in the town centre, culminating in a winners’ concert in the Assembly Room at the town hall beginning at 6.30pm.