Students show off Young Voices in London

After months of lunchtime practices, learning songs and choreography, students in the Young Voices club finally had their chance to perform in a huge concert with 8,500 children singing together on Thursday, 19th January.

The students and their teachers met on Thursday morning at Findel airport, clutching passports, suitcases and packed lunches with huge smiles on their faces. After a smooth flight to London City airport we were whisked off to the O2 Arena in South East London. We bustled in with all the other participants and were guided to our seats, which were really rather fancy. What a treat to have two boxes and two VIP lounges just for us.  

During the afternoon, we rehearsed with the Young Voices conductor and musicians as well as guest performers including the amazing Beatbox Collective, the legendary Heather Smalls and the mind-bending violinist Anna Pheobe. We were all warmed up and excited to perform. A very special moment occurred when St George’s was given a shout-out by the conductor who asked everybody in the arena to give us a clap and cheer for having come so far to sing in the concert. It was very moving. 

It was also lovely to receive a special visit from Andy Instone, the leader of Urban Strides as well as the creative director of Young Voices. He came by to thank us for coming and took the time to chat to the children and give high fives. Our primary students will remember that he came to St George’s before Christmas to run dance workshops. 

The concert was utterly spectacular. The lights! The music! The screaming! And of course, the beautiful sound of 8,500 children singing together in harmony. It was an experience that none of us will ever forget. We thank the parents who came to support us and we hope that you could see us with our St George’s banner on display. 

After a late return to our hotel, we stumbled into bed with the music still ringing in our ears. But no time for a lie-in. It’s not every day you get to stay in the centre of London. 

We were up early for a filling breakfast and ready for a Harry Potter Walking Tour of London. Our two guides showed us around the streets of Westminster, Whitehall and the City of London area where many scenes from the Harry Potter films were filmed. This experience is highly recommended for fans of the series.  

Almost as exhilarating as the O2 concert was our afternoon boat trip along the Thames with Thames Rockets. Along with screams of ‘best day ever!’ (or just screams from Ms Bydder) as we bounced along at high speed, we saw all kinds of interesting sights along the river and our knowledgeable guides told us so many new things about London.  

Exhausted and happy, we made our way back to the airport and after a quick spot of souvenir shopping got onto the plane. One last piece of excitement at the end of a fantastic trip: it was snowing in Luxembourg! 

Thank you to all the students and staff for your amazing attitudes that helped to make the 2023 Young Voices concert a most wonderful and memorable trip for everyone.  

Trip report by Ms Bydder