SUPERB singers from schools across Inverclyde hit the high notes at yesterday’s official opening of the 92nd Inverclyde Music Festival.

Festival president Isabel Lind took to the town hall stage donning special gold ‘musical shoes’, inset, to officially open the 2017 festival.

During her speech, she paid tribute to the festival committee, volunteers and Anne McGregor, the festival secretary, who have worked hard to organise the event.

Isabel said: “I want to thank every single one of our active committee because without that committee we would not have a festival at all.

“I also want to give a special mention to our secretary Anne McGregor who has refused to succumb to an accident.

“Really she should have been taking things easy but she has done more than she should have under very difficult circumstances.

“I also want to thank the Tele — if you have been reading your Tele you would’ve seen the lovely coverage so far and beautiful pictures.

“I must also give the most special welcome to Donal McCrisken who has came all the way from Belfast to adjudicate here for the first time.”

The contests began with the primary three and four school choirs, and Inverkip Primary School were the winners after putting in polished performances of ‘The Cat and the Fiddle’ and ‘Little Spanish Town’.

Eight-year-old John Nicolai Hunt was ecstatic to be on the winning team.
He said: “I’m really happy.

“This is the first time I’ve ever won something.”

Depute head teacher Mhairi Crossan added: “We are extremely proud of their wonderful effort.

“They did a fantastic job in what was quite a competitive group.

“We want to thank Gemma McLean, who leads our choir.”

Hot on the heels of Inverkip Primary were the pupils from St Patrick’s who were placed second.

The festival continues over the next few weeks and culminates with a concert on Saturday February 4.