Hundreds of pupils and staff “reached for the stars” as they sang their hearts out during a Teesside education trust’s third annual musical festival.
Pop Songs Through The Ages was the theme of the festival staged by The Legacy Learning Trust in front of a packed audience of cheering parents at Middlesbrough Town Hall.
Over the years, the historic venue has been graced by legendary performers including David Bowie, Robbie Williams, Jools Holland, Oasis and local hero Chris Rea.
And around 200 pupils from seven Middlesbrough schools had the chance to follow in those illustrious footsteps, earning standing ovations that had the place rocking.
The schools taking part in the feelgood event were: Abingdon Primary, Green Lane Primary Academy, Breckon Hill Primary, Newham Bridge Primary, Acklam Grange secondary, Acklam Whin Primary, and Linthorpe Community Primary.
An adult choir, featuring Trust leaders, teachers, administration staff and support staff, also got in on the act with an ABBA medley that earned rapturous applause from the children and parents.
Guest of honour, Middlesbrough Mayor, Chris Cooke, said: “Every child in our town should have the opportunity to perform on a stage like this and tonight has been amazing.”
He praised The Legacy Learning Trust for “ensuring young people in Middlesbrough have access to quality education and inspiring experiences”.
“Tonight, we celebrate not only the talent on this stage but the spirit of Middlesbrough itself – a town where ambition meets imagination, where creativity thrives, and where music inspires,” added Mr Cooke.
Performances covered a wide range of artists, starting with a rousing opening medley featuring Daydream Believer, Video Killed The Radio Star, Don’t Stop Believing, and Reach For The Stars.
Sarah Lymer, Chief Executive of The Legacy Learning Trust, described the evening as “a brilliant trip through pop music history” and thanked staff for their hard work in making it possible.
“You should all feel incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved tonight,” she added. “This is only our third annual festival, and it’s already become such a highlight of the year. We can’t wait to see how it grows from here.”
Rebecca Newcombe, Music Network Lead for the Trust, spent months coordinating the work of staff and pupils, while the organisation of the event was overseen by Jo Whittaker, School Improvement Officer.
“Singing has such a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing and it’s a joy to see so many children coming together at such an important venue for an experience they will never forget,” said Jo.
“The music festival creates such a wonderful sense of belonging and collaboration, building team spirit, confidence, and aspiration, and we are already looking forward to next year!”
