There were many times in the few months before the 2022 festival when we thought it wouldn't happen. The pandemic raged around us even in the week before, with choirs having to withdraw because of outbreaks. But we stuck fast, and although most choirs had reduced numbers to previous years, the joy in the sound, and in the faces of the singers, whilst performing together made all the anxieties and stresses well worth while. 200 children sang in the Primary afternoon, and 15 choirs in the main festival. And we acknowledged the horrors going on in Ukraine by learning by ear a brand new Dona Nobis Pacem by Ian Assersohn. It was a most moving and suitable reflection.