The 33rd National Festival of Music for Youth will be held at the Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, London SE1, from July 7-12, showing almost 300 groups drawn from its regional spring festivals. On the first day, the Music Education Council will present a national symposium on "The Importance of Music" at the Queen Elizabeth Hall next door. Speakers include education secretary Charles Clarke and culture, media and sport secretary Tessa Jowell. Performers will include musicians from Youth Music's wider opportunities pilots in Portsmouth and Norfolk. Fee: £45.

Music for Youth, 102 Point Pleasant, London SW18 1PP. Tel: 020 8870 9624 Email: mfy@mfy.org.uk www.mfy.org.uk