Entrants in the musical classes prepare to play.


The 40th Methodist Festival in Burnley is taking place this week ending in a concert and awards presentations on Friday. Entries are well up on last year and the organisers are delighted with the support the festival is attracting. A total of 782 entries have been received. Held at the Central Methodist Church in Hargreaves Street, the event got under way on Friday with the floral and cookery classes in the hall and musical classes in the church. Exhibition classes were judged on Saturday and Bible reading on Sunday. Last night entries in the choir class were judged while today sees the disco dancing events, verse and choral speaking and unprepared reading classes. The Rev. Joe Rimmer will announce the winners and present the awards on Friday.