Five young bands took part in the very first Preston Schools’ Gig Night at the Boatyard, the events space at The Continental. To a packed audience of classmates, teachers, family and friends, young musicians performed an eclectic mix of music from Metallica to Nancy Sinatra. It was produced to the same standard as a professional gig with soundchecks in the afternoon, stage lighting and background projection and for some of the young musicians was their first experience of live performance.
The event was the result of a request from students for more opportunities to play live, and Claire Brook, from Moor Park High School, and Rick Kershaw, from Longridge High, approached the Music Service to support setting up the event.
Claire Brook said:
“The pupils were all talking about it the next day”. Apparently loads were ‘following their story’ on Instagram during the gig. I had other pupils coming to ask when the next one is and whether they can join a band too”
It was a fantastic showcase of work by upcoming young musicians – we plan to run the event again next year in Preston and hope to create Schools’ Gig Nights at venues across Lancashire.
Look out for details of future Schools Gig Nights in our newsletter.
