Organisers of the Maldon Festival have announced a new 'Junior Programme' for this year's event, encouraging young people to experience dedicated performances and artistic projects.

The popular annual event, which will return from June 23 until July 9, is a celebration of the arts and culture on offer in Maldon.

Thanks to an award from the Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund, it will now offer dedicated sessions for children, led by the Festival's musicians and artists.

From the Children's Concert to the Festival's Coronation-theme finale, the 2023 Junior Programme follows the Festival's 14 concerts, recitals and exhibitions - providing children and young people with opportunities to get involved both on-stage and behind the scenes.

New Hall School and Plume Academy are supporting the development and delivery of these activities, led by Festival Director Colin Baldy.

He said: "We are delighted to receive this award from Essex County Council. 

"The Festival has always had a Family Concert at the heart of the fortnight and this funding means we can significantly expand this activity, providing a wider range of activities and experiences for our younger audiences."

Organisers hope to provide insight into how concerts are staged and promoted, along with providing new performance opportunities. The Essex County Council award means participating local schools can access free rehearsal materials, practice sessions, and provide students with the opportunity to perform. 

A young people's chorus and scholars' concert are also planned.

The Maldon Festival will adopt a 'Coronation' theme for this year's event in celebration of King Charles III's coronation.

Local schools, families and students interested in taking part in the Junior Programme can register via email or get in touch through the Festival's Facebook page.

The Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund aims to help organisations deliver a range of work and activity to bring residents together. The arts, cultural and creative projects supported by the Fund will contribute to the 'Levelling UP Essex' strategy.

For more information about the Arts and Cultural Fund, visit the Essex County Council website.

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