City Music Service return to Victoria Hall stage with a series of Christmas concerts

Tickets are on sale for a series of concerts which will showcase some of the best young musicians and singers in Stoke-on-Trent.

The City Songbirds Christmas Concerts will take place at the Victoria Hall, Hanley, on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 November 2024 at 6.45pm. They will feature 640 Year 1 to Year 3 pupils at city schools. The City Songbirds will be performing alongside City Music Service ensembles, The Thursdays and the City Youth String Orchestra.

On Monday 2 December 2024, at 6.45pm, 150 singers from city schools will take to the Victoria Hall stage to perform alongside the City Youth Choir and the City Youth Wind Orchestra.

The city council-run City Music Service works in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent schools to offer a wide variety of musical opportunities for over 10,000 young people aged 2–18 each week. One parent of a pupil who attends the CMS said of the service: “I wanted to thank you for the excellent teaching and support you provide."

The City Music Service was established in 2002 to give youngsters the chance to learn songs and musical skills in a fun environment and to perform together at public concerts. Songbirds progress to the City Youth Choir which promotes singing for 11 to 19-year-olds.

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for education and anti-poverty, said: “What better way to celebrate as we approach our Centenary year than showcasing the talent of the next generation who represent the future of our city.

“We have some very talented young people in our city and it’s fantastic to be able to give them this opportunity to perform at a prestigious venue, following in the footsteps of nationally famous acts from the Hallé Orchestra to local legend Lemmy.

“The concerts are always very popular and I’m sure these will be no different, so get your tickets now.”

Tickets for the concerts cost £7.50 for adults, £6 for under 16s, and £22 for a family ticket for two adults and two children. To book, call the box office on 0844 871 7649 or visit www.atgtickets.com.

For more information on the City Music Service or either of the two events, contact citymusicservice@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 233796.