The Smithdon High School Annual Christmas Concert included a host of festive favourites, and starred a cross-section of 60 students from across all year groups at the school.

“The event was a big success,” said Andrea Miller, who is Music Lead at Smithdon and directed the performance. “It was our first time holding it at the Town Hall and it looked absolutely beautiful. The staff were incredibly helpful and made the whole process so enjoyable.

“The concert itself shone a light on the talent that we have here at Smithdon and showcased our musical ability. We received such positive feedback from the community, parents and staff saying it was the best our concert has ever looked.

“We are also so grateful to Dan Ashby, one of our peripatetic teachers who donated his time and equipment to help the show sound as stunning as it looked.

“The refreshments provided by our Catering Club and Mrs Dibble were delicious, and it was so lovely to be able to give out home-made sugar cookies and mince pies.”

Over 100 people attended the concert, which featured the debut appearance of a group of Year 7 musicians.

“The biggest highlight was our Year 7 band,” continued Miss Miller. “They performed ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ by Slade, including a singing drummer and two knee-sliding guitarists – they were truly wonderful, and an amazing first Smithdon performance.

“We also had a series of traditional Christmas carols sung by our choir, which we invited the audience to join in with, which was lovely.”

Other headliners at the event included the Ukulele Club with a rendition of Justin Bieber’s ‘Mistletoe’ and the stars of Frozen Jr, which was due to be staged by the school the following week.

“The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” added Miss Miller. “They really appreciated the opportunity to perform on a real stage with lights and sound, and to get to see everyone enjoying it.

“They have all developed in their confidence so much, looking braver and braver every time they step on stage. Our Year 7s especially loved getting to have a moment in the spotlight.

“Christmas is such a busy time, and for many of the students in the concert, this was just one of their many performances this term, and they all shone so brightly. They were truly magnificent and make me such a proud music teacher – I feel privileged to work with each and every one of them.”