Seventeen Year 5 pupils from our school, all aged between nine and 10, took part in Young Voices 2024, singing alongside some 8,000 other children at the iconic venue.

Supported by Teaching Assistants Mel Carter and Ilenia Freeman, the children performed a range of songs that they had been practising since September.

“The children have loved learning songs such as ‘Walking on the Moon’ by The Police, songs from Moana and Matilda, and ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ by Coldplay,” said Helen L’Estrange, Music Lead at Gaywood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“They have learned some great dance moves to go with the songs as well.”

It was the first time the school had participated in Young Voices, which was launched in 1997 and broke its first Guinness World Record in 2001, when children from 159 schools sang in unison at the Manchester Evening News Arena.

This year, over 4,700 schools registered for the annual event, with concerts taking place across January and February at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, the Manchester AO Arena, and the OVO Arena in Wembley, as well as the O2.

“Gaywood Primary School is committed to providing our children with the very best experiences,” added Mrs L’Estrange.

“The musical event will inspire our children to sing in the future and will help them feel the power of singing together with others.”