History

The festival began in 1920 and has functioned annually except for a gap during the Second World War. The purpose of the festival is to "Advance, promote and encourage generally, and by means of the Competitive Festival Movement in particular, the study and practise of the arts of Music, Speech, Drama and Dance in all their branches."

The festival is affiliated to the British Federation of Festivals which has the same aims. It is a Registered Charity (Registration No. 278363) and is managed by an Executive Committee, which is responsible for ensuring that the festival is an "ongoing organisation."