President
Robert Max
Vice Presidents
Beryl Foster
Howard Shelley
Frank Wibaut
The Members
The Members of the North London Festival participate in the Festival’s most important decisions and perform a crucial role in holding the Executive to account. The Festival is actively seeking new Members, whether they simply attend the AGM once a year and vote, or are able to contribute ideas, contacts and active support. A modest annual subscription is payable. This entitles you to free entry to all festival competitions. To request more information on Membership, or a Membership Application Form, or to discuss possible participation in other ways, please email enquiriesnlf@outlook.com.
The Executive Committee and Section Heads
Chair | Allan Clay |
Vice-Chair | Vacant |
Treasurer | Richard Mansfield * |
Acting Secretary | Rosemary Cook * |
Festival Administrator | Janice Twiselton * |
Chamber Music, Orchestras & Ensembles | Rosemary Cook * |
Choirs | Jacqueline Barron |
Composition | Graham Bennett * |
Harps | Vacant |
Piano & Elite Piano Competitions | Janice Twiselton * |
Singing | Vacant |
Speech and Drama | Daniel Collins * |
Strings | Rosemary Cook * |
* member of the Festival’s Executive Committee
The Festival is affiliated to the Incorporated Society of Musicians.
We have a new chairman

Allan Clay is a pianist, organist, conductor and composer, with long experience in education and as an adjudicator. He was educated in Essex and went on to the Royal Academy of Music, London, studying piano with Alexander Kelly, organ with Christopher Bowers-Broadbent and composition with Roger Steptoe. After graduating, he worked as a freelance musician and was the founding conductor of the Surrey Sinfonietta (now the London Camerata) who gave the first performance of his Oboe Concerto with Hilary Dennis. In the mid-90s, Allan joined the staff of Felsted School, and subsequently has been Director of Music in schools in the South of England, as well as at Harrow School, Bangkok, where also he worked with the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Zambia and Vietnam. He examines extensively for ABRSM, both in the UK and internationally.
Be a Part of the Festival
The Festival’s survival depends on the commitment of our generous donors, members, sponsors, friends and volunteers.
We welcome volunteer day stewards, who need to be practical, patient and friendly. They can choose whatever time commitment suits them. We’d also be delighted to hear from any volunteers who have special expertise, such as photography, video recording or IT skills. For more information and press enquiries, contact enquiriesnlf@outlook.com
Charity Registration No. 278363