Double the MPACS, double the demand

With double the number of entrants and the revival of competitive categories in 2025, next year’s Marlborough Performing Arts Competition organisers need a hand to keep the momentum up.

Despite flu requiring two local legends to step into the convenor’s chairs, with Pam Logan KSM and Robin Randall called up as last minute replacements to adjudicate the Speech and Drama and Vocal, Piano and Instrumental sections respectively, Music section convenor Jessie Sawers and dance section convenor Kate McDougall were thrilled by the quality of competition throughout the five days.

“This year was really successful, with nearly 900 entrants across the four categories – double the amount of last year which is showing how popular this competition is”, said Kate.

“Having adjudicators stepping in last minute to help is never easy, and we’re very thankful to Robin and Pam for stepping in and doing a fantastic job. The whole venue ran to good standard, with this being the first year using digital entry programme all live in current instead of pen and paper which was great to streamline the processes and allowed our judges to give valuable feedback.”

The MPACS competition handed out a range of awards, from qualification into the national Young Performer of the Year competition to the Entertainment award which was given by Marlborough District Councillor Thelma Sowman for “the act that made me smile most”, on Tuesday night.

However, both Jessie and Kate say that they need more hands to continue an event that is very much looked forward to by the wider country’s performing arts competition.

“Many of these events across the country are held in school halls or the like, so having 900 kids both local and from across New Zealand shows how keen they are to perform in the ASB Theatre stage which is due to the great support from the District Council’s sports and recreation grant”, said Kate.

“It’s quite a grand opportunity for many entrants, but it does need more hands-on deck to remain how it currently is”.

“I teach a lot of the local music entries, so while it was great to see them put their own swing on their items, it was pretty full on wearing multiple hats” added Jessie.

“I was very impressed across all competitors; it’s also such a valuable opportunity for these students, and with people stepping away in the Committee we don’t want to let such a historically wonderful event slip away”.