The 105th festival will open at The King's High School tomorrow when the spotlight will be on school choirs from across the district.
And there will be something for everyone as the week-long event progresses at Pontefract Town Hall with everything from barbershop quartets to piano recitals, woodwind solos, singers, plays and readings.


Norman Dale, chairman of the organising committee, said: "The festival is a fantastic way to showcase the talent of young people from Pontefract and the surrounding areas.
"It is a really enjoyable event and a credit to the dedication of those taking part and the hard work of those who support them."


But he said a lack of funding was causing a real concern over the festival's future.
He added: "Like many local societies, we are finding it increasingly difficult to meet the rising costs of producing our event and there are real worries that we might not be able to run the festival next year.


"We need to find a regular source of income, because we do not always meet the criteria for grant applications, so it can be a bit hit and miss."
Mr Dale said the main costs were promotion, paying for adjudicators and musical accompaniment.


He said the committee was extremely grateful to this year's sponsors, and said members would love to hear from anyone who can help support the event in the future, including local firms and past competitors.
Anyone who would like to help, or find out more, should contact the committee's secretary Liz Quinn at The Long Barn, Rigg Lane, East Hardwick, Pontefract.


The grand finale of this year's event will be an evening concert at Pontefract Town Hall on Saturday April 19. The fun starts at 7pm. Tickets cost £3 for adults and £2 concessions.