THE Lord Mayor has hosted a civic reception for the members of Banbridge Performing Arts Festival at The Palace, Armagh, to mark their 50th anniversary.

The festival, which was the brainchild of Patricia Mulligan, started off 50 years ago in a very humble way, in the front dining room of the Belmont Hotel.

But, with the help of a very enthusiastic and hard working committee, it has grown to be a giant among festivals.

With over 130 trophies and around £1,000 in bursaries up for grabs each year, competitors from far and wide flock to the event to showcase their skills.

Mrs Pat Mulligan (Festival Director) and Mr Frank Mulligan (President) of Banbridge Performing Arts Festival celebrate their 50th anniversary at a civic reception hosted by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Margaret Tinsley and Alderman Paul Greenfield. CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

placeholder image — Mrs Pat Mulligan (Festival Director) and Mr Frank Mulligan (President) of Banbridge Performing Arts Festival celebrate their 50th anniversary at a civic reception hosted by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Margaret Tinsley and Alderman Paul Greenfield. CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

The five day competition has seen over 30,000 entries since its inception and has been coined the ‘birthplace’ for future stars of the stage and screen.

The 50th Performing Arts Festival will return to the stage of the Belmont Hotel this November.

It’s expected to attract around 2,000 entries from every corner of Northern Ireland.