South Shields primary school choir wows judges to win top title at Durham Cathedral competition

Hadrian Primary School Choir – made up of children from years three to six – was named NE KS2 Choir of the Year 2020 at Durham Cathedral in the school’s first year of entering the competition.

The school won over judges with a medley of songs from Les Misérables.

The competition took place at Durham Cathedral and featured 12 primary schools from across the North East.

Following their win, the choir will perform at the Sage Gateshead in July and at Durham Cathedral in 2021 for the annual Music Festival.

It comes after they sang for the Princess Royal in London at the Mission to Seafarers carol service in December.

Choir leader Michelle Giles and pianist Andrew Richardson supported the choir to their victory.

Mrs Giles said: “Our school choir is not just a one in which the children share their vocal talent, it has become a family of children sharing unique opportunities, coming together to support each other whilst sharing a passion for the arts.

“Signing is so important for positive mental health and resilience in our children as well as being given the chance to do something that they love.”

Scott Brown, head teacher at Hadrian Primary School, added: “We are delighted that the talents of our amazing children have been recognised in this way.

“This award is a credit to the hard work and dedication of the children and the staff who have supported them.”