Pianists have taken part in the Kent Competitive Festival at St Edmund’s School, Canterbury, another successful event, with more entries this year than last.

A wide age range of performers presented a large selection of piano music from across the spectrum.

Adjudicator Lora Dimitrova gave thought-provoking but supportive advice to all the entrants, from either the relaxed workshop classes or the competitive ones.

Spencer Payne, chairman of the senior piano section, said: “It was a full day, truly dedicated to the celebration of piano playing, enjoyed by both performers and the audience alike.

"Anyone interested in entering for next year should look out for the new syllabus, published about mid-May.”

The winner of the junior section was Eliot Watkins, who took the title Kent Young Pianist of the Year, with George Needham second. In the senior section the winner was Benjamim Michaels, with Cosmos Fung and Nathan Hudson-Peacock joint second and Joshua Michaels third.

Sponsorship for the event was given by Pharon and Canterbury Christ Church University.

Other winners were: First award-winners (junior) Tang Tang Ng, Luke Whitehead, Joe Parrish, Freya Rhodes, Jacinta Mallon, William Michaels, James Genders, George Needham.

Cup winners (junior): Upsall Cup Freya Rhodes; Ramsey Cup David Stanley; Whitstable Cup James Genders; Pye Cup Eliot Watkins.

Other first award-winners (seniors) were Callum Magill, Laurence Long, Ben Parrish, Cosmos Fung, Timothy Ellis, Frederick White and Paul Carrick.

Trophy winners (senior): Laurie Plaque Joshua and Ben Michaels; Laurie Twin Cups (duet) Ana Vandepeer and George Inscoe; Peverley Bowl Cosmos Fung; Freddy Kempf silver plate and bursary Nathan Hudson-Peacock.

Competition dates for next year are: Solo singing at Kent College, Canterbury, Saturday, March 7; instrumental music at Kent College, Saturday, March 21; speech and drama at Cobham Hall, Rochester, Saturday, June 6 and piano (junior and senior), St Edmund’s School, Canterbury, Saturday, November 14.