Festival was "overwhelming success"

The 10-day event ended on Sunday with The Spookeymen Chorale, from Australia, packing the pavilion.

Plans are already in hand for next year's event, boosted by generous sponsorship from the United Arab Emirates' Technical Training Establishment.

In a joint statement, the Trust said: "The first Bexhill Festival of Music was an overwhelming success attracting over 5,000 people from Bexhill and the local region.

"Festival chairman Tony Mansi and Alan Haydon director of the De La Warr Pavilion would like to thank the Bexhill community for their fantastic support throughout a very full-on and exciting 10 days.

"We would also like to thank our sponsors Earl's Bakery, Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, the Bexhill Observer, Bexhill Old Town Preservation Society, Rother District Council, Bexhill Schools Consortium, the Local Area Network Fund and all our advertisers for their generosity. Additional thanks go the community groups and choirs who performed at all the Festival fund raising events.

"The vision of the Bexhill Festival of Music was to celebrate both local talent as well as presenting national and international stars in the town.

"This first festival proved that the partnership of the local community and the De La Warr Pavilion can succeed in delivering a fabulous and dynamic programme where the best music artiste in the UK can work alongside the cream of local talent.

"We are proud that we were able to attract jazz legends such as Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, international virtuoso pianist Peter Katin, national touring companies such as The London Mozart Players, artists from London's Royal Opera House as well as the extraordinary Australian group the Spookeymen Chorale who leapt at the chance to play at our Festival during their busy UK tour.

"Of particular note is the enormous contribution from the 500-plus young people that took part in the festival.

"Their talent and enthusiasm was overwhelming and very evident to those who had the privilege of attending their events.

"Highlights included the East Sussex Music Service's Wind at the Warr, the Bexhill School's Consortium Showcase, Live and Loud with young bands from Bexhill and Hastings and the spectacular Summer Sunday Sing which saw over 200 children on the auditorium stage.

"Special thanks must go to their schools and teachers whose commitment and hard work enabled so many young people to participate and the parents for their support."

Tony Mansi said : "The support from the Bexhill community and surrounding areas far exceeded my expectations, and was greatly appreciated, as was the support and hard work by all the staff at the De La Warr Pavilion.

"I would like to extend a big thank you to fellow committee members for their help and support '“ and anyone else I might have forgotten!"

Alan Haydon, said "This festival has shown what a successful partnership with high aspirations for the community can achieve in Bexhill. We hope that everyone enjoyed the Festival and many thanks to you all for your support"

On the back of this success, The Festival Committee and the De La Warr Pavilion are delighted to announce that discussions are already taking place for the Bexhill Festival of Music 2008, having received a gift donation from His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayan at the recent UAE Technical Training Project UK Graduation Ceremony in Bexhill.

Last Wednesday's piano recital by Peter Katin raised about 2,500 towards the purchase of a new concert grand piano for the De La Warr Pavilion.