Hackney youngsters shine at music festival

Youngsters raised the roof at the Round Chapel last week, in a series of dancing, singing and instrumental performances to mark the annual Hackney Schools Music Festival.

Over 4000 pupils took part in the fortnight-long festival – now in its 14th year – which culminated last Thursday at the church in Powerscroft Road, Lower Clapton, with a final singing event for juniors.

Performer Marvellous, 7 from Princess May primary school in Princess May Road, said: “I’m a little bit nervous.

“I like singing as it makes my voice sound better and I have to remember lots of words.”

Acting Head of the Music Service James Thomas said the festival provides a snapshot of the range and quality of music that goes on in Hackney schools all year round.

“We hope that our audiences and other children will be inspired by what they have seen and heard from our young performers,” he added.

Last month the Hackney Music Service was rated as ‘outstanding’ in an external review by the Federation of Music Services.