HUNDREDS of talented young musicians are entertaining the crowds in a festival celebrating its centenary year.

Southend Music Festival was first held in 1911 and organisers say it is as popular as ever.

Young performers from south Essex are poised to take part in various categories, including strings, speech, drama and woodwind, until November 27.

Organisers said they were proud to have reached the milestone following 100 years of showcasing young people’s talent.

Annette Forkin, general secretary, said: “I think it is a testament to everybody who has worked on the festival over the years.

“The festival has had to move with the times as people’s tastes in music and drama have changed, but all the way through we have tried to keep the same standards up, while keeping entry fees down.

“There is always a huge element of forward planning which goes into organising the event each year and this hard work is always well appreciated.”

To celebrate reaching its special birthday, a book, Doughty Deeds of Musical Valour, has been written by Julie Lafferty, looking back over the years of the festival.

Performances started on November 11 with the string section and now the festival has moved on to the drama.

Ms Forkin, who first became involved with the festival as a nine-year-old recorder player in 1962, said 300 more entries have been received compared to last year.

The performances, so far, had been great.

Ms Forkin said: “The string section was wonderful and everyone who comes to the performances for this section is always surprised by the quality of the performers.

“We are looking forward to the other performances leading to the concert we are holding on the last night with all our winners.”

For details of category winners, visit musicinessex.info