St Michael’s C of E Primary pupils join massed choir of 900 for Barnardo’s Young Supporters Concert at Royal Albert Hall

Pupils from a Bishop’s Stortford school helped to raise the roof at the Royal Albert Hall when they joined a 900-strong choir for a charity concert.

The 30 children from St Michael’s C of E Primary, Apton Road, teamed up with more than 20 other schools for the event, which was one of the Barnardo’s Young Supporters Concerts held since 1997 to raise vital funds and awareness for the children’s charity.

After many weeks of preparation, St Michael’s choir joined in a whole day of rehearsing at the iconic venue in south-west London with renowned conductor Ben Pope.

The choir, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, performed songs including This Is Me from The Greatest Showman and Pure Imagination from Wonka.

The evening was made even more special when M People lead singer Heather Small entered the stage to perform her popular classic Proud with all of the children.

The event last Monday (November 25) was hosted by broadcaster and journalist Natasha Kaplinsky, who is Barnardo’s vice president.

St Michael’s family members and friends made the journey to London to watch the concert. One parent commented: “It was such a memorable occasion and a fantastic experience for the children.”

Headteacher Rachel Griffiths said: “We are immensely proud of all of our children that took part. They worked really hard in preparing for the concert and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It’s wonderful to see our children supporting other children through the work of Barnardo’s.”