The Southend Festival of Performing Arts is a competition over a two-week period in November. The festival consists of classes in five sections: Speech and Drama, Singing, Piano, Woodwind and Brass and Strings. Each section has a convenor who is an expert in that discipline, but they require administrational support to assist in correspondence, preparing for the event and support the section during the festival.

The role is ideal for someone who enjoys teamwork and working within the vibrant music and performing arts community of Southend. During the festival fortnight, section secretaries help with the running of their section and enjoy listening to and watching some of the very best local (and sometimes further afield) musical and performing art talent.

Section secretaries play a valuable role in ensuring the smooth running of each section throughout the year and during the festival itself. The commitment would involve attending meetings, working on one’s own outside of the meeting and being present for as much as possible during the festival itself.