Students of every age and instrument from the School of Popular Music took to the stage on Saturday, performing hits from a range of famous artists in front of the hundreds of people who came to party at the park.
SOPM managing director Tyler Edmonds said the free, family festival was now on a rock and roll, firmly establishing itself as an annual fundraising event.
‘We got lucky with the weather again,’ he said.
‘And every year it gets busier, and we get more people that want to join the school which is great. Anyone is invited, and any businesses can pitch up for free. We just ask for donations to the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation – our chosen charity for the past few years.’
Its youngest rising stars – ‘Minis’ – who start from the age of five, opened the show, followed by the older students, and concluded with evening performances from the school’s staff.
‘We put on quite a few events each year for our different groups,’ said Mr Edmonds.
‘And we found ourselves doing so many that we thought “why not do everything in one day? With one big outdoor celebration.” Like a concert progression, we start with our youngest bands up to the oldest bands.
‘Every one of our students who is in our Saturday groups gets involved and it’s just a great opportunity for them. We get a bigger stage, more equipment, and more vendors each year. I imagine it will just keep growing – which is great. Not much happens in this park, so I think it’s great for the community, too. Who needs Glastonbury?’
Alongside the main stage, SOPM ran Live Lounge sessions throughout the afternoon with piano, acoustic performances, and solo sets, from its budding local talent. Guitarist, bass player and vocalist Ethan Ogier, 13, said he had been a student at SOPM practically all his life, and seized the chance to get on stage.
‘It gets to the point where I’ve done it so many times that the pressure gets lower and lower,’ he said.
‘I used to go up there sweating with nerves, but now I just go up there and realise I’m just there to have fun. I’ve been up a few times already and will be playing at the Live Lounge, too. I play a lot of music – acoustic, indie rock, and classic rock. I just love it.’
When asked if he aspired to be a musical superstar when he grew up, Ethan had a modest response: ‘It’s an option.’
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