THE Swindon Music Festival came to a glittering crescendo this weekend with the crowning of its four major champions.

Beginning on March 20 and held at the Swindon Arts Centre, the festival marked an opportunity for the town’s best musical talent to take centre-stage.

The supreme champion was 14-year-old pianist Zoe Tan from the town centre who performed a moving rendition of Mozart’s Sonata.

Her fellow champions were Matilda Wale, who took home the cup for Junior Vocal Champion, Christopher Patterson for Senior Vocal Champion and instrumental champion Alexander Harris on the French horn.

Acclaimed vocal coach Maria Jagusz who adjudicated the event praised the level of musical talent in Swindon.

“You don’t need to watch the X Factor, all the talent you need is right here” she said.

“It’s been fantastic being here at my first Swindon Musical festival, and I can’t wait to see the progress the students make after winning here."

Chairman of Swindon Music Geoff Walters from Stratton, an accomplished pianist, said he was given a run for his money in tinkling the ivories:

“I say this every year but the standards rise year on year. We see pianists whose feet can’t even touch the floor who can play beautifully. I have been really impressed with the standard of talent we’re seeing.

Pillars of the music world served as adjudicators for the event and all were affiliated to the prestigious British & International Federation of Festivals standard.

Over 500 budding Swindon musicians showcased their vocal and instrumental talent at the week-long Devizes Road event.

The festival is well known for launching the careers of pianist Jamie Cullum and Hollywood actress Diana Dors.

David Phillips, 25, from Birmingham received the Arthur Walter’s trophy and the Janie Thomson cup for his male solos. The former frontman of death - metal band Torn by Fate was upbeat about his victory and was delighted to successfully make the transition from rock god to classical artist.

“I feel relieved that I’ve won, I practiced for about a month but this made me nervous. It’s a pleasure to be given two awards,” he said.

Hannah Louise Crocker from Corsham took home the Audrey Hawkins Memorial cup for her rendition of Bantock's Song to the Seals. The 19 year-old has studied singing for seven years and hopes to attend a conservatoire to improve her composition skills.

"It's exciting to win this for the first time. I've been working hard on the technical elements of my singing to improve my performance and I'm so happy it's paid off."

Yvonne Walker, festival secretary added: “It was absolutely amazing, I don’t think in all our final years we have had such an incredible final night.”

For more information about the winners visit www.swindonmusicfestival.co.uk