The Gisborne Competitions Festival

Talented performers from throughout the district, along with others from outside, competed in the Gisborne Competitions Society's forty-fourth annual festival which ran for a week in the Opera House during the August school holidays.

Good audiences followed the festival, which had entries exceeding 2000 in number. A feature of the competitions was the Grand Aria award of £100, for vocal soloists, which was being held for the first time. The winner was Miss Joan Kennaway, of Auckland, with Mrs Leone Small, of Gisborne, second, and Mr Eric Warr, of Palmerston North, third.

Special prize winners assembled on stage with their trophies during the final night demonstration concert. In front is the president of the society, Mr J. W. Randle, and the patron, the Mayor, Mr H. H. Barker.

Some of the downstairs audience who attended the final night concert

Grand Aria award winner, Joan Kennaway of Auckland

Miss Janet Parker, Gisborne, received high praise for her humorous recitation.

Ann Bothamly, a competitor in the dance duo, nine and under 12 years.

Junior Scotties John and Barry Ladd (Patutahi) with Wendy Oliver (Napier)

Carryne Compton.....the junior dancing scholarship winner

Trophy winners: Michele Larkin, Georgina Thorpe, Robin Mcknight, and Diane Cleaver

Colleen Anderson combing Diane Cleaver's hair before the 12 to 15 years tap dance

Fourteen-year-old Doreen Rocard, who recently won the summer school ballet scholarship, being attended to by her teacher, Miss Regency Blair.

Ann Brodie has her shoe adjusted by her mother before competing in the 5 and under 8 years Highland Fling

Looking after each other are Janet Priestley and Carol Climo, entrants in the 12 to 14 years Irish Jig.

Teacher Valerie Penny giving Avon Paulson final instruction for her barefoot ballet

Janet Zame and Jennifer Berridge, all set for their 5 and under 12 years dance duo

Other competitors in the dance duo 5 and under 12, were Gaynor Saxon and Heather McKay of Napier

In their dressing room, Mrs Haskin prepares her daughter Robin, for her Action Song and Dance

A collar adjustment for Susan Oliver (Napier) by her mother

Sheryl Clayton... a 9 and under 12 " years demi-character contestant

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 99 : September 6, 1962

The Gisborne Competitions Festival