SCHOOLS from the Colchester area united for a long-awaited concert.

A total of 300 pupils from six schools in the area took part in the Schools Prom Concert in Charter Hall.

Organisers said the youngsters raised the roof with fantastic individual school performances and a combined finale directed by Nigel Hildreth, who organised the event.

Gazette: Thurstable School students rehearsing on steel pansThurstable School students rehearsing on steel pans

The schools performing this year included Thurstable, St Helena, Philip Morant, The Gilberd, Colchester County High School for Girls and Colchester Royal Grammar School.

The Colchester Youth Arts Partnership promoted the event and said it was pleased with the response from the audience and participants alike.

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Gazette: Talented guitarists from The Gilberd SchoolTalented guitarists from The Gilberd School

A spokesman said: “After the cancellation of the 2020 event, we were hoping that this year could see a comeback, but the result exceeded all of our expectations.”

Performances by the pupils had a large range of styles from Broadway to The Beatles, from African drums to steel pans and acapella choirs to guitar ensembles.

The finale consisted of a medley of Queen numbers with a choir of 300 joining together under the direction of Mr Hildreth.

Gazette: St Helena School wows the audience St Helena School wows the audience

Concert-goers enjoyed hits such as We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions and Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

The CYAP is a registered charity, established more than 20 years ago, which organises arts events for young people from the Colchester area.

Gazette: Philip Morant School performing at the concertPhilip Morant School performing at the concert

It was created to widen and encourage participation in youth arts activities.

The charity’s main event is the concert which it holds annually and involves up to 11 secondary schools at the Colchester venue.

Gazette: Voices - students from The Gilberd SchoolVoices - students from The Gilberd School

It aims to have the students across the area come together to celebrate their musical achievements.

All photos were provided by Nigel Hildreth.

Gazette: Thurstable School students singing in Colchester Schools Prom ConcertThurstable School students singing in Colchester Schools Prom Concert

Gazette: Strings - young musicians from Colchester Royal Grammar SchoolStrings - young musicians from Colchester Royal Grammar School

Gazette: United - all six schools led by Nigel Hildreth United - all six schools led by Nigel Hildreth