Pupils record charity single with M People star as part of 4,000-plus choir

Pupils from Butterwick Pinchbeck’s Endowed CofE Primary School and St Botolph’s Primary School, in Quarrington, were among those to take part in Young Voices 2023.

The Young Voices experience sees thousands of children performing in arenas as a single choir to an audience of family and friends.

They are billed as ‘the largest school choir concerts in the world’.

For the youngsters from Butterwick and Quarrington, the venue was Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

The 4,000-plus choir performed music especially arranged for the concert, including medleys of Nile Rodgers hits and songs from the Trolls film.

Young Voices concerts also give pupils the chance to perform alongside special guests.

For 2023, this included M People lead singer Heather Small.

As part of last Thursday’s concert, children recorded a version of Heather’s 2001 solo hit Proud as a charity single, with the Moving On Up star singing live on stage.

Of the event, Emma Rolfe, who oversees the choir at Butterwick Pinchbeck’s Endower CofE Primary School, said: “It really is an incredible experience not just for the children but for us and all those watching.”

"The children (and adults) had an amazing time last night and I am so incredibly proud of the children, who behaved impeccably throughout the whole day and evening,” she added, saying that the children were ‘very starstruck’ to see Heather Small.

Other performers on the day were world beatbox champions The Beatbox Collective, violinist Anna Phoebe and the Urban Strides dance crew.

Sarah Cooper, music co-ordinator at St Botolph’s Primary School, said the school has been taking part in Young Voices concerts for 10 years now.

She described them as an ‘incredible experience’ for pupils.

"It's a very long day for the children, but they really don't mind because they are so excited and the adrenaline keeps them going,” she said.

"Its such a great opportunity, because it gives the children that incredible platform to feel like superstars for the day,” she added.