Students from a school choir performed on stage in front of a crowd of 10,000 music lovers.

The young people from Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, Mansfield, were supporting singer songwriter Jake Bugg at his special hometown concert at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena.

The show celebrated 10 years since Jake’s number one debut album.

The opportunity for the choir arose when Jake’s management approached Inspire Music to recommend a choir to perform with Jake.

Queen Elizabeth’s Academy was suggested, leading to the choir recording at the Old Library in Mansfield, and then performing at the concert.

Lu Blackband, projects administrator for Nottinghamshire Music Education Hub, said the hub and Inspire Youth Arts were delighted to support the choir on its arena debut with Jake.

“We love an opportunity to showcase Nottinghamshire talent, so were thrilled the choir was chosen to participate in such a high-profile performance to an audience of 10,000,” she added.

“They did Jake, their families and their school community proud. Huge congratulations to the choir on an outstanding performance.”
Academy student Danny Bird, who performed with the choir, said: “I was stood on stage trying to take it all in. People were holding their phones in the air, you could see them lit up as the crowd were singing along in the arena.

“It truly confirmed this is what I want to do with my future. It was a really good experience.”

Joe Williams, music subject lead at Queen Elizabeth’s, added: “The choir was fantastic. Everyone at the academy is so proud of them for all their hard work and dedication towards this amazing opportunity.”