Hundreds of school children perform Leicestershire "big sing"

Hundreds of primary school children from across Leicestershire filled De Montfort Hall on Saturday 14th March to perform in Big Sing 2026: Voices in Harmony.

Following months of rehearsals, hundreds of voices came together for an unforgettable performance of Beyond the Horizon, an exciting collection of six new and original songs about adventurers and explorers, written and composed by Andrew Groom, head of prep music at Loughborough Schools Foundation. The songs were performed alongside a professional live band, marking the world premiere of the specially commissioned collection.

Performing in harmony alongside pupils from Fairfield Prep School, part of the Loughborough Schools Foundation, were St Clare’s Primary School, Robert Bakewell Primary, Mountfields Lodge, Redlands Community Primary, The Meadow Community Primary, Spinney Hill Primary, St Charles Catholic Primary, Burton-on-the-Wolds Primary and Burbage Junior School.

The Beyond the Horizon songs have cross-curricular links with Key Stage 2 History and Geography and are intended to support pupils’ learning about inspiring explorers, adventurers and scientists through strong ties to topics such as Tudor Explorers and The Space Race.

Reflecting on Saturday’s concert, director of music, Nicky Bouckley, said: “Watching hundreds of children from so many different schools come together and perform with such confidence and joy was truly special. The Big Sing is about so much more than music – it is about building connections, fostering a love of singing and showing what young people can achieve when they work together towards something extraordinary. It was so inspiring to see the children’s faces as they sang the brilliant music composed by our very own Mr Groom.”

Andrew Groom, head of prep music at Loughborough Schools Foundation, echoed this sense of pride: “Hearing these songs performed live for the first time by hundreds of young voices was an incredibly proud moment. Writing Beyond the Horizon specifically for these children was a real labour of love and to see them bring the music to life on such a magnificent stage made every moment of the process worthwhile. I hope the songs stay with them long after the event itself.”

Rachel, the Big Sing lead at Mountfields Lodge School, said: “Our group loved rehearsing the songs for the Big Sing and the performance on the day was something really special. The songs are catchy yet educational and it has been an honour to be part of such a fantastic event.”

Pupils from Fairfield Prep School have also thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Year 5 pupil, Jamie, said: “Every Thursday I’m excited because I have got choir. It’s awesome learning the songs and practising them every week. My favourite is Queen of the Air or Set Sail. I am grateful to have been part of the Big Sing because the songs bring a smile to my face.”

Fellow Year 5 pupil Philippa added: "I loved going to choir every Thursday afternoon to learn the Big Sing songs that Mr Groom had written. The concert was absolutely awesome and every moment was worth the wait."

The Big Sing created a memorable musical experience for everyone involved, celebrating community spirit and the power of singing together. Uniting hundreds of diverse young voices on one of the region's most iconic stages, the event was a testament to the strength of music education across Leicestershire's primary schools.