Awards success for talented pair

WINNERS . . . Brothers James and Sam Fitzsimons with their trophies

TALENTED brothers from Oldham made it a real family affair after both won a host of prizes at two prestigious music festivals.

James Fitzsimons (12) and his younger brother Sam (10), who are pupils at The Manchester Grammar School, competed in the Mrs Sunderland Music Festival in Huddersfield and the Hazel Grove Music Festival in Stockport.

And James and Sam, from Uppermill, proved musical prowess runs in the family as both won a number of awards. At the Huddersfield competition, Sam performed songs from musicals to win the cup for his age category, and finished second in the boys solo singing class as runner-up to older brother James, who won the cup.

James also won the cup and glass medal for the Junior singing challenge and came third performing songs from Disney films for his age category.

Both James and Sam also competed at the Hazel Grove Music Festival, with James winning no less than four first place medals for outstanding performances in the piano, guitar and brass instrument categories, while Sam also won first place in his age group for a piano solo set piece.

James also came second in the age 11-12-years-old British vocal solo and third in the age 11-12-years-old songs from shows category, while Sam also came third in the age 10 and under vocal solo class.

Parents Claire and Vincent Fitzsimons said: "We were delighted to see James and Sam do so well in the competitions. Now we just have to figure where to keep the trophies.

"It has really broadened their experience to see so many good young musicians and to perform in front of them."