Once again, I am very happy, on behalf of the Trustees, to welcome you all to the Harwich Festival of the Arts, which features the usual wide range of events from across the arts world. We welcome back friends old and new, particularly for the first time, the Essex Police Choir.

This is a very special year for me, as after 14 years I am relinquishing the Chair of the Trust, and handing over to the new Chairman, happy and confident in the future for the Harwich Festival. Over the last 14 years the Festival has developed enormously, welcoming International Performers while still maintaining the community spirit. However, new ideas are due for the continued development of the Harwich Festival and I hand over with thanks to you all for support and encouragement. I have loved every minute!

As always, we extend our grateful thanks to our Sponsors and advertisers, and our ever-increasing number of Patrons, who make the Harwich Festival possible, and we welcome our regular visitors from across the UK and from further afield, together with all our own community. We hope there is something for everyone to enjoy.

With best wishes to you all,

Anna