Submission (#3168) Approved

Writing submission, word count 458:
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Birling had arrived at the event with a rather optimistic idea that it'd be quick to get to his seat and buy snack on the way. Instead, he waited for way too long in a line and stumbled helplessly through the stands, to the dismay of the other attendees. Finally, he reached where he was to sit, and in good time. The moon was high above the open-air arena that the Festival was hosted in, and soon the show was starting. It was tight-packed in the crowd, with little space left between him and the other people. He mumbled an apology to the people next to him, though they didn't seem to hear. He shuffled awkwardly into the small chair, clutching a small bucket of popcorn, the golden buttered kernels glistening appealingly in stark stage lights. Although the night was cold, the amount of bodies in the stadium warmed him, with only a few icy winds catching at him. It wasn't long before the lights were dimming, a lone bright spotlight focussing on the stage as the velvet curtains were dramatically opened. The smoke machines were turned on, it billowing through the stadium as someone takes centre stage, a crimson mist creating a sense of mystery and wonder, an electrifying feeling throughout the audience. They were wearing extravagant clothing, and as they spoke their voice boomed through the stadium, amplified by a microphone that was well-hidden in their outfit, hyping up the acts. Soon, they glided off the stage, their oversized coat sweeping behind them, as dancers appeared from the mist. They were beautifully adorned in varying outfits of one unified theme: of red and gold, like the flames of a fire. Music arose as they continued to dance, encompassing the arena with its sound. As their performance drew to a close, the crowd begun to clap, although it wasn't long before the next performers emerged. There were many that came after it - his paws were sore by the end of it from having to clap so much - all of which were equally talented. Dancers, singers, all sorts of performance arts in one show. Some of his friends had even performed - a couple had told him before hand, but there were a few who had kept it a secret and he was rather surprised to see. After they would perform, he'd make sure that he'd cheer and clap more to show his appreciation for them - not to undermine the others, but he wanted to ensure his friends got enough appreciation. It was a stunning show, and it made him hope for one thing - that by the next year, he'd have learnt a skill that could've been shown off in a festival like that.