Congratulations to Vikki Fielden on winning the John Birmingham Cup at Whitby with her song "April Fool" and to Kirsty Bromley, winner in the under-25 section with her song about a mother and child. There were some great songs in the final and it is good to witness such strong writing. The competition rules stipulate that the songs must be performed without accompaniment which encourages a focus on the words and language - and on a good tune too!

I hope more people will think about writing songs for next year's event - especially in the youth section.

Matthew