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Golden Gala celebrates 50 years of Harrogate associated sixth form

A Golden Gala concert was held to celebrate 50 years of the St John Fisher and St Aidan's Associated Sixth Form.

Golden Gala celebrates 50 years of Harrogate associated sixth form A Golden Gala concert was held earlier this month to celebrate 50 years of the St. Aidan’s and St John Fisher Associated Sixth Form. The sixth form was created in 1973 to provide a Christian environment for students who wish to remain at school beyond the age of 16. And on Friday 20th October, the two schools combined again for a special concert at Harrogate’s Royal Hall. The event brought together the most experienced, gifted and talented performers and alumni students from across both schools. [caption id="attachment_84358" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Golden Gala at the Royal Hall.[/caption] A spokesperson for the sixth form said:

“Well done to all who took part in the concert, one audience member felt it was ‘like being at a concert at The Royal Albert Hall!’ “Thanks must also go to all who joined us for this celebration. “We are all proud of the enduring success of the Associated Sixth Form and were thrilled to celebrate this notable milestone in style!”
At St. Aidan’s, Head of Music Mrs Elliott and her fantastic team; Mrs Leonard, Mrs Collett and Mr Elliott, along with St John Fisher’s Music staff, Mr Ratcliffe and Miss Longbottom, had been working around the clock rehearsing pieces including Symphony Orchestra, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir and Swing Band. Miss Miller’s Year 12 Dancers performed choreography to the fitting track ‘Golden’ by Harry Styles. Meanwhile, Mrs Levahn’s A Level drama students performed some challenging extracts from the Greek Tragedy, ‘Antigone.’ Former student, Chemistry teacher and professional musical theatre actor, Richard Upton compered the Gala and even stepped in to sing ‘Mack the Knife’ when Musical theatre star, Frankie Bounds couldn’t make it due to Storm Babet. [caption id="attachment_84357" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Musical performances at the Golden Gala.[/caption] Other alumni students involved included West End ‘Les Miserables’ star Jo Stephenson, who sang an extract from ‘Wicked’, and Joseph and professional clarinettist Andy Mellor with his rousing jazz solo in the classic ‘Sing Sing Sing’. To end the evening, the audience were on their feet to sing together ‘For All the Saints’ = an arrangement created by former St. Aidan’s Director of Music, Mark Pallant. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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