Oldham students take part in huge 'Big Sing' celebration

A total of 750 students from Stagecoach Performing Arts classes in Oldham, Chorley and Preston, age between 4-18, came together to perform at the 'Big Sing' celebration weekend.   

They performed at the incredible Croston Theatre, Westholme School in Blackburn, raising money for Cancer Research UK. 

The three concerts were organised by Stagecoach Chorley, Preston and Oldham Executive Principal Kate Parkinson.   

Kate is celebrating 18 years as a Stagecoach principal and 10 years all clear from triple negative breast cancer. 

She wanted to celebrate properly, so singing alongside all her students, with her brilliant team of staff, raising money for Cancer Research UK, was a dream come true. 

Kate said: "It was such a wonderful weekend. 

"Hearing the massed singing numbers brought me to tears numerous times! 

"I am so proud of every single student who performed. 

"I have such passion for what I do and can honestly say this is the proudest moment of the last 18 years as principal...so far."

250 4-6-year-olds came together singing - and the audience were blown away with their voices and cuteness. 

On the Saturday evening 250 age 7-15 students from Chorley performed together, and on Sunday 200 students from Oldham and Preston came together to perform too. 

Fifty students aged 15-18 performed solo numbers across all three concerts and wowed audiences, and inspired younger students watching them. 

As well as inspiring the younger students with their performances, they were also on hand to assist with the youngest students, spending time with them during the vocal workshops in the day. 

Kate added: "Every Stagecoach student I have taught over the years, and their families, have been affected by cancer in one way or the other; and after ten years since my own diagnosis I am delighted to be raising money for Cancer Research UK and hope to smash the target of £10k that I originally set."  

Kate and her outstanding team at Stagecoach Chorley, Preston and Oldham teach students age 4-18 acting, singing and dancing in their weekly classes, and focus on building creative courage for life.

Stagecoach Oldham is based at Waterhead Academy on Saturdays. 

Keep up to date with all their events on the Waterhead Facebook page here

If you would donate to Cancer Research UK, here is Kate's Just Giving Page link.

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