I have been very fortunate over the last few years to have experienced festival4stars from a number of angles: with performers from my own groups and soloists, and as a judge. To say that I am a fan is an understatement.

Where some 'talent' competitions appear more interested in promoting themselves and getting entertainment out of ridiculing and destroying competitors f4s has set itself up with a truly positive approach to assisting in the creation of our entertainers of the future (and present!!!). F4s has an ethos of encouragement, support and education for those who wish to become part of the industry and it doesn't just stop after you walk out of the door.

F4s guidelines to judges are about honesty, integrity and giving positive comments to those who perform to enable them to improve no matter what level they are performing at. F4s acknowledges ability and development and encourages both. We don't all develop at the same rate and we aren't all the finished article, so why should someone decide that you have failed based on one or two viewings?

I have also watched the team at f4s finding and creating opportunities for their talented performers (and notice I didn't just say winners) to perform at prestigious events, auditions and even to obtain show or T.V. contracts and record deals.

As a judge it has been an immense pleasure to meet such wonderful performers and judges from all over the U.K. and to see the wealth of talented individuals and groups that this country has.

Over the last few years f4s has also been a great source of encouragement as our company has developed through its birthing process to become a professional production and promotions company. We can't thank festival4stars enough.

Calum Campbell
Artistic Director
Mt3 (OneVision) Ltd