Fears for future of Devizes Junior Eisteddfod (From This Is Wiltshire)

Devizes Junior Eisteddfod, one of the longest running youth arts festival in the west of England, is in danger of being cancelled if more volunteers do not come forward to help.

The event’s secretary, Lisa Jacobs, said they would have no alternative but to call it off unless they can find more people to lend a hand.

She said: “Many of our helpers have been involved for a lot of years and, understandably, would like to step down.

“This leaves us with a big hole to fill, and while we have some on board, we desperately need more people to help for the event to run.”

The Junior Eisteddfod is a one-day performing arts competition for children under 17 and will be held on Saturday, November 17, in six venues around the centre of Devizes including, for the first time, the Bear Hotel ballroom.

Roles on the day include adjudicators’ secretaries, helping organise the paperwork for the adjudicator and making sure the classes run smoothly; door stewards, keeping waiting competitors quiet outside venues and controlling entrance during performances; and runners, who collect the adjudication sheets and return them to the admin office.

Mrs Jacobs said: “All these roles are vital for the smooth running of the event, so if anyone can help please call me on 07979 542042 or email fcooper1@btinternet.com “Entries are already coming in for this popular local event and it would be a real shame if it were unable to go ahead.”