History

The first idea of a Festival in Nuneaton and the general basis of a plan came from Dr. Forrest of the N.W.S.A. from a Festival of Music, Dance and Drama held in the Isle of Wight.

On 28 ^th September 1948 a meeting of representatives from societies and clubs interested in holding a Festival was held at the Central Public Library, Nuneaton. 

Mr D.C Whimster (N.C.A- Nuneaton Community Association) was the chair of the meeting.

After deciding that it was worth doing, even though previous attempts had failed, it was generally agreed to hold a Festival in May 1949, that it would be competitive and schools would form an integral part of the competitors.

The next step was to form a committee by inviting all societies and clubs to send one representative to a further meeting.

Thus the Nuneaton Festival of Arts was created.

In May 1949 the first Festival was held with 1,100 entries in the following areas:

• Instrumental
• Vocal 
• Elocution & Drama 
• Dancing
• Art & Craft

Following the Festival a concert was arranged where winners of various classes were invited to perform.

Although the first Festival was a great success in many ways, it made a small financial loss that first year and, over the next few years, finances fluctuated. However, having the full support of the local and county council, with grants and economies the Festival gradually gained financial independence and flourished into the Festival it is today.

Mr Whimster was Chair in the first year, Mr WHM Branston (who was a local history and English secondary School teacher) then took over and continued for 25years, retiring in 1973.

There are still several cups, trophies and awards in memory of Mr and Mrs Branston given out each year. Including in Original Writing, an inscribed pen set presented to a junior entrant and the Stella Branston Trophy in the adult section.

Mr Branston was succeeded by Mrs Margaret Plester until her sudden death in 1997. Mrs Plester had served on the committee for 40years, being the Vocal secretary before she took on the position of Chair.

The Dr & Mrs Plester memorial bursary is still presented in various sections today.

Mrs Beverly Attwood then became Chair. She first volunteered with the Festival in 1975 on moving to Nuneaton and visiting Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery and seeing the Art entries arriving. This year Mrs Attwood was made Honorary Life Vice president by the Festival committee and awarded her 50year service badge and certificate from the British and National Federation of Festivals at a ceremony performed by the Mayor and mayoress, Councillor Bob Hancox and his wife Sheila.

Since the role of Chair requires a big commitment, for the last few years we have had Chairs with limited numbers of years, including: Ms Eleanor Haddon, Mrs Jane Hanson and currently Mrs Gwyn Evans.

As well as the current sections the Festival has had many different sections over the years, including:

• Folk dancing/Country dancing
• Scottish Dancing
• Electronic organ 
• Floral/Flower Arranging

More information on the history of the Festival can be found in our History booklet produced for our 70 ^th Anniversary. Please contact the Publicity Officer for a copy.