Last updated at 16:02, Monday, 25 March 2013

CLEAR diction, subtle intonation and good eye contact were the order of the day on Monday when the region’s finest young orators took centre stage.

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Day 1: Opening day results
Day 3: Young pianists find their forte
Day 4: All the young dudes carry the festival tunes
Day 5: Grand finale to excellent South Cumbria Music Festival

The second day of the week-long South Cumbria Musical Festival saw 24 awards in total presented in the categories of speech and choral speaking.

The Coronation Hall in Ulverston rang out with performances of poetry, prepared readings, acted dramatisations and Shakespeare by primary and high school students.

The standard of entries across all categories was exceptionally high, with many competitors earning high scores from adjudicator Stephen Owen.

Ulverston’s Ben Lewis was one of several standout performers, receiving 91 marks for his rendition from Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice and 89 marks for his acted dramatisation.

These performances saw him awarded the prestigious Patrick Croskery Award for Meritorious speech.

Other major award winners were Rebekah Thompson, of Barrow, who received the Barrow Soroptimists Shield Bursary of £50 and Connor O’Hara, of Ulverston, who won the Julie Willis Bursary of £50.

St. James’ Junior Choral Speakers from Barrow received distinctions for both their choric and choral speaking performances.

It was adjudicator Stephen Owen’s first visit to the area and to the South Cumbria Musical Festival.

He said he enjoyed all the performances on the day and looked forward to the possibility of returning in the future.

First published at 16:24, Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk