More than 100 musicians and dancers from King’s Ely came together to showcase their creative talents in ‘A festival of music and dance’ earlier this month (July). 

From prep school violinists to sixth form ballroom dancers, the free to attend event celebrated another ‘thriving’ year at the school and was organised by the school’s music, dance and drama departments. 

A concert saddlespan stage was erected on The Paddock at King’s Ely Prep for the festival, with Ely Cathedral as the backdrop. 

Ely Standard: Pupils performed as individuals, in groups, or as both.Pupils performed as individuals, in groups, or as both. (Image: James Linsell-Clark Photography)

Ely Standard: From prep school violinists to sixth form ballroom dancers, the free to attend event celebrated another ‘thriving’ year at the school.From prep school violinists to sixth form ballroom dancers, the free to attend event celebrated another ‘thriving’ year at the school. (Image: James Linsell-Clark Photography)

Parents, carers, teachers, friends of the school and many others grabbed their picnic baskets and deckchairs and came together to support the staff and pupils as they ‘performed their hearts out’. 

Some of the bands and groups who performed were samba band, wicked choir, saxophone quartet, concert band, jazz band, King’s barbers, flying fiddles, King’s Ely-Te, rock band, open dance club, and the ‘StrictELY Come Dancing’ competition. 

Director of music at King’s Ely, Neil Porter-Thaw, said: “There have been some very special moments during my 28 years at King's Ely, however the sheer amount of music and dance celebrated on one stage at this festival is without a doubt the highlight so far.” 

Ely Standard: Pupils performed as individuals, in groups, or as both, with some of them dancing under a saddlespan stage for the first time.Pupils performed as individuals, in groups, or as both, with some of them dancing under a saddlespan stage for the first time. (Image: James Linsell-Clark Photography)

Ely Standard: Some of the bands and groups who performed were samba band, wicked choir, saxophone quartet, concert band and jazz band.Some of the bands and groups who performed were samba band, wicked choir, saxophone quartet, concert band and jazz band. (Image: James Linsell-Clark Photography)

Pupils performed as individuals, in groups, or as both, with some of them dancing under a saddlespan stage for the first time and some of them taking to the stage for what was likely to be their last ever time at King’s Ely. 

Neil added: “I am so proud of all the students who took part, and they should all be hugely proud of themselves.  

“Such an event cannot happen without the support and dedication of so many people. From our fabulous music, dance and drama staff teams to our custodians and ground staff, thank you.  

“If there ever was an event that showcased what makes the school uniquely King’s, this was it.” 

Ely Standard: More than 100 musicians and dancers from King’s Ely came together to showcase their creative talents in ‘A festival of music and dance’.More than 100 musicians and dancers from King’s Ely came together to showcase their creative talents in ‘A festival of music and dance’. (Image: James Linsell-Clark Photography)

Ely Standard: Parents, carers, teachers, friends of the school and many others grabbed their picnic baskets and deckchairs and came together to support the staff and pupils.Parents, carers, teachers, friends of the school and many others grabbed their picnic baskets and deckchairs and came together to support the staff and pupils. (Image: James Linsell-Clark Photography)

Ely Standard: More than 100 musicians and dancers from King’s Ely came together.More than 100 musicians and dancers from King’s Ely came together. (Image: James Linsell-Clark Photography)

Ely Standard: A concert saddlespan stage was erected on The Paddock at King’s Ely Prep for the festival, with Ely Cathedral as the backdrop.A concert saddlespan stage was erected on The Paddock at King’s Ely Prep for the festival, with Ely Cathedral as the backdrop. (Image: James Linsell-Clark Photography)