A unique music festival kicks off this Friday at Wesley Music Centre in Forrest.

The Canberra String Festival, previously staged in 2011 and 2012 with the aim of supporting the region’s emerging string players, also provides a platform for students to perform, engage with their peers, and receive feedback.

A joint venture between the Canberra Branch of the Australian String Association and the  Wesley Music Foundation, the event has grown in size and scope each year. It depends very much on community support and is self-funded, largely through donations at the door.

This year, organisers expect that there will be at least 160 participants in a range of sections with over 250 individual performances.

Adjudicators from both interstate and locally will provide feedback to participants and select prizewinners.  With sections for both competitive and non-competitive performance, the festival awards prizes and medals to competitors, as well as offering workshops, lectures and concerts.

The highlight will be the Open Recital on Saturday, April 5 at 7pm, which will showcase six outstanding competitors performing three contrasting pieces. The first prize winner will receive $2,000, the second $1,000 and the third $500. Described by organisers as an exciting concert in its own right, the Open Recital will this year be adjudicated by Professor Keith Crellin  from the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide.

The Wesley Music Foundation (ACT) is supporting the Festival through its Public Fund, which can receive tax deductible donations of $2 or more.

The Canberra String Festival 2014, Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, from April 4 to 12.    Friday 4 April 4 (10am to 10pm), Saturday April 5 (1:30pm to 10pm), Sunday,  April 6 (1.30pm to 10pm) and SaturdayApril 12 (9am to 12noon). Entry for the public to festival sections is by gold coin donation. Entry to the finals on April 5 will be by paper note donation. Tickets at the door.