250 Schoolchildren Sing On The Bay

Children from 15 of Jersey's schools took to the Waterfront's steps to sing in a mass performance and musical workshops.

Island charity Music in Action went ahead with Jersey Sings Across the Bay and put on a long line of concerts on Victoria Avenue.

More than 250 children were in attendance, despite school closures due to striking teachers.

James Mews, the charity's chairman, says it was a really special day because they were not sure how many children would be able to take part.

"I think it's best really expressed by one teacher who said 'the sight of one little boy placing his hand on his heart and literally singing his soul out will keep me going for weeks'. They were so enthusiastic."

"You can just imagine them saying to mum or dad 'I really want to go and perform today' and parents made it happen for the children and it was truly special."

Jersey Sings saw 45 acts performing after the children, with showcases from opera singers to DJs and poets to Brazillian Capoeira dancers.

"We just heard incredible music. It was just lovely watching some people dancing to the salsa tunes as they were playing"

"The sheer talent on offer, and brilliance of the acts, certainly blew me away and I think blew everyone away."

#FCJYear4 loved taking part in Jersey Sings with their buckets and spades. Wow what an incredible percussion ensemble! pic.twitter.com/6ZvGfNPzrw

— FCJ Primary School (@FCJPrimary) July 5, 2023

Music in Action believes that many crucial skills can be built through music, including communication, teamwork, and concentration.

"At a time when the legacy of Covid is still there in the schools, in terms of high levels of depression, it's so important for them to come together."