ORGANISERS of the Swindon Music Festival have said their latest event was the best yet, with the calibre of entries at an all-time high.

The annual festival, held at the Arts Centre, came to an end on Saturday, with performers across all disciplines competing for the Supreme Champion-ship.

Sisters Yuriko and Akane Gonda took the title after stealing the show first in the piano duet under- 16 category and then in the final with a performance of Moritz Moszkowski’s Spanish Dances.

Chairman Geoff Walters said the pair were worthy winners ahead of a talented group of competitors.

“They stole the show, no question – they were outstanding,” he said.

“We have got great singers in Swindon but I just felt that the piano classes were good this year. The adjudicator was blown away by them.

“It was a very successful festival this year and the standard was quite remarkable.

“We had 600 entries and the Arts Centre was busy throughout the week.

“The last concert was one of the best we have ever had, certainly in the ten years I’ve been chairman. Other members of the committee also said it was one of the best they can remember.”

Other festival highlights included William Forty winning the senior vocal championship on Saturday night and Helena Tuck taking the crown in the junior vocal section.

William, 26, who sings with the Kentwood Show Choir, said he was pleased to have won for the second time in three years.

He said: “I was surprised and honoured to win considering the standard was so high.

“It’s an accolade I will keep with me and the recognition is great.

“The two girls were worthy winners. I sat through the supreme championship and there were children as young as nine or ten playing piano in a way I can only dream of.

“It was a shame more people couldn’t have seen it.

“People watch Britain’s Got Talent and think that’s talent but there is better than that right here in Swindon.”

Results for March 23 Girls’ Folk Song – 10 and 11: Matilda Wale Boys’ Folk Song – 8, 9 and 10: Harvey Cullis Boys’ Folk Song – 11, 12 and 13: Thomas Newton/George Le Coyte - joint winners Boys’ Folk Song – 14, 15 and 16: William Pearson Girls’ Folk Song – 8 and 9: Kitty Pearson Girls’ Solo – 10 and 11: Matilda Wale Girls’ Solo – 8 and 9: Kitty Pearson Songs From Shows And Films – 9 and 10: Tamara Lee Songs From Shows And Films – 11 and 12: Helena Tuck Girls’ Folk Song – 12 and 13: Lucy Jones Girls’ Solo – 12 and 13: Helena Tuck Boys’ Solo – 8, 9 and 10: Harvey Cullis Boys’ Solo – 11 and over (Unchanged voice): George Le Coyte Boys’ Solo – 16 and under (Changed voice): Andrew Johnson Songs from Shows and Films – 13 and 14: Bethany Mangham Songs from Shows and Films – 26 and over: Becci Benson JUNIOR VOCAL CHAMPIONSHIP: Helena Tuck Results for March 24 Song for Voice and Instrument (both to be judged): Caroline Pitt & Claire Beaton Mature Class (over 50): Margaret Bett Soprano & Mezzo Soprano Solo: Catherine Welch Contralto Solo: Caroline Pitt Male Solo: William Forty Ladies’ Voice age 17-21 inclusive: Natalie Chequer Any voice – Amateur or Professional: David Phillips German Lieder/French Chanson: Margaret Bett 20th Century British Composer: Margaret Bett Recital – Time limit 15 minutes: Natalie Milne Gilbert & Sullivan: Dominic Morgan Oratorio (including arias from major religious works): Beverley Bobb Light Opera: Margaret Bett/Cheryl Loxton – joint winners Duet – Songs From Shows And Films: Jill McCrae & Becci Benson SENIOR VOCAL CHAMPIONSHIP: William Forty SUPREME CHAMPIONSHIP: Yuriko and Akane Gonda