Francis Baily choir pupils take on Wembley in Voice in a Million concert

Pupils from a primary school in Thatcham have had the chance to sing in a school concert at the OVO Arena Wembley.

Francis Baily pupils joined around 5,000 children from choirs across the country for an annual concert, Voice in a Million, on March 23.

The event, which was postponed for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, is a chance for young children to perform in front of family and friends in a real life concert.

It also aims to raise awareness of adoption and fostering.

The pupils, aged from around seven to 10-years-old, performed a number of pop songs and receive the message of understanding the plight of children in care.

Music leader Juliana Snell said: “The children enjoyed every minute of it and danced and sang at every opportunity.

“We returned back at school at midnight but this did not faze them.”

In addition to singing in front of their peers and families at the OVO Arena, the pupils fundraised to pay for the cost of their trip.

Mrs Snell said: “With the high costs involved in taking a group of children on a coach to London, we decided we would charge the parents a minimal fee and then raise the rest of the money ourselves through fundraiser shows.”

The children performed two fundraising shows, one at school for the school’s community and one for the local community.

The latter was hosted by Parkway Shopping centre in Newbury, which not only offered up a space but sponsored the school to cover its costs.

The shows raised a total of £300.

Mrs Snell said: “We are very grateful to Parkway Shopping management with whom we shall continue to work and support each other.”

The young singers prepared for their performance using practise material given to them from the Voice in a Million (VIAM) team with practise sessions being conducted both at school and at home, virtually.

Mrs Snell said she was “very proud” and felt “honoured” to work with the children.

She said: “I am also grateful to Miss Allaway who is part of the choir team.

“Together we ensure the children have the most memorable experiences.”

She went on: “We are also honoured that we took part in VIAM as this is a platform that was set up to raise awareness of adoption and how children benefit for having new families and homes.

“We all sung a very special song called Chosen Family to highlight this wonderful cause.”

Headteacher Yvonne Standing praised the school in its newsletter calling the atmosphere “electric”.

She said: “We held up our banner and sang the songs with all our hearts. It was a honour and privilege to be part of such a performance.”