Artwork and crafts by children and students were viewed by hundreds at this year’s Whittlesey Festival.

Cambs Times: Schools showcase artistic talent at Whittlesey Festival. Junior second place: Charlotte Sao Pedro, New Road SchoolSchools showcase artistic talent at Whittlesey Festival. Junior second place: Charlotte Sao Pedro, New Road School (Image: Archant)

The Schools Art Exhibition was on display in the Whittlesey Christian Church in Broad Street on September 10.

Local schools including New Road, Alderman Jacobs, Coates, Park Lane and Sir Harry Smith Community College took part in the exhibition.

Marija Lysak, who organised the competition on behalf of the festival, said: “This year it was great to have every local school taking part.

“Both the standard of work and the number of entries which totalled nearly 150 surpassed all our expectations.

Cambs Times: Schools showcase artistic talent at Whittlesey Festival. Senior second place: Jack Dryland.Schools showcase artistic talent at Whittlesey Festival. Senior second place: Jack Dryland. (Image: Archant)

“What a fantastic opportunity for others to see first –hand the creative talents of our local young people.

“On behalf of the festival committee I would like to thank everyone who entered – they should be extremely proud of themselves and we look forward to next year.”

Comments from visitors included “wonderful talent from both the junior and senior categories, such a variety, best I’ve ever seen” and “absolutely superb efforts. Some brilliant pieces of artwork from Whittlesey Schools; real artists in the making and beautifully set out”.

One mum said “brilliant exhibition. It was lovely to see my daughter’s artwork on display.”

One of the competition judges added: “The standard was exceptional and we had an extremely hard task choosing the winners.”

Prizes were awarded by the Deputy Mayor of Whittlesey Councillor Julie Windle on the day.

The winners were:

Primary: Age 4-7 years category

1st Harrison Grant –Park Lane School

2nd Lois Bayford Alderman Jacobs School

3rd Thomas Stott Coates School

Highly Commended: Charlotte Attridge - New Road School

Primary: Age 8-11 years category

1st Taylor Jordan -Park Lane School

2nd Charlotte Sao Pedro- New Road School

3rd Ellie Mayo – Coates school

Highly Commended – Hannah Cameron - Park Lane School

Senior Age 11-14 Years category- Sir Harry Smith Community College

1st Emily Sayer

2nd Jack Dryland

3rd Ruby Fitzjohn

Highly Commended: Victoria Fox

Senior Age 15-18 Years category – Sir Harry Smith Community College

1st Eleanor Boughtwood

2nd- Sophie Hobbs

3rd Scott Moores

Highly Commended: Rebecca Freeman

For more information or to find out how you can get involved with next year’s festival (September 9, 2018) contact Brian Smithyman on 01733 752093 or email brians@whittlesey.cc or call Jenny Parker on 01733 351005.