CHILDREN from across East Sussex will be showcasing their musical talent in a series of shows across the county in the run-up to Christmas.
More than 2,200 children from 51 primary schools will participate in this year’s Big Sing, taking place in eleven concerts at four East Sussex venues.
The annual event, organised by East Sussex Music, features performances by some of the county’s showpiece youth ensembles alongside children’s renditions of Christmas songs and an original work with a festive theme.
The centrepiece of this year’s show is Bang! – a humorous work by local composer Tony Biggin, featuring narration by Rev David Farey, vicar of Hellingly and Upper Dicker.
Comprising eight original songs, Bang! tells the story of the children who step in to save a much-loved Christmas institution by supplying jokes to stop the local Christmas cracker factory from closing down.
Cllr John Barnes, chairman of the East Sussex Music management committee (pictured), said: “Every year, the Big Sing concerts showcase the huge wealth of musical talent we have among young people in East Sussex.
“It’s a chance for children from schools across the county to join with some of our top bands and orchestras to provide a feast of festive entertainment.
“Tony never disappoints with his Big Sing composition and this year’s work captures the mood perfectly with its blend of humour and good cheer.”
The Big Sing concerts will be held at the White Rock Theatre, in Hastings, on November 29 2016, De La Warr Pavilion, in Bexhill, on November 30 and Winter Garden, in Eastbourne, on December 5, 6, 7 and 12.
Two performances will be held on each date, at 5.30pm and 7.30pm, apart from December 12 when there is just one performance at 5.30pm.
Tickets, priced £6 for adults and £3 for concessions, can be bought on the door or in advance from each venue’s box office.
Schools taking part are as follows:
Tuesday, November 29 2016 – White Rock Theatre, Hastings
5.30pm
Robsack Wood Community Primary Academy, St Leonards
Sandown Primary School, Hastings
Silverdale Primary School, St Leonards
West St Leonards Community Primary Academy
7.30pm
Christ Church CE Primary School, St Leonards
Icklesham CE Primary School
St Leonards CE Primary Academy School
The Baird Primary Academy, Hastings
Wednesday, November 30 2016 – De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
5.30pm
Guestling Bradshaw CE Primary School
Hurst Green CE Primary School
Pevensey & Westham CE School
Sedlescombe CE School
Torfield School, Hastings
7.30pm
Langney Primary School, Eastbourne
St Peter & St Paul CE Primary School, Bexhill
Monday, December 5 2016 – Winter Garden, Eastbourne
5.30pm
Hellingly Community Primary School
Holy Cross CE Primary School, Uckfield
Laughton Community Primary School
Park Mead Primary School, Hailsham
Stone Cross School, Pevensey
West Rise Junior School, Eastbourne
7.30pm
Ocklynge Junior School, Eastbourne
Tuesday, December 6 2016 – Winter Garden, Eastbourne
5.30pm
Denton Community Primary School, Newhaven
Hankham Primary School
St Mark’s CE Primary School, Uckfield
St Pancras Catholic Primary School, Lewes
St Thomas a Becket Catholic Junior School, Eastbourne
The South Downs Community Special School, Eastbourne
Wivelsfield Primary School
7.30pm
Chiddingly Primary School
Cradle Hill Community Primary School, Seaford
East Hoathly CE Primary School
Breakwater Academy, Newhaven
Polegate School
Wednesday, December 7 2016 – Winter Garden, Eastbourne
5.30pm
Chyngton School, Seaford
Firle CE Primary School
Framfield CE Primary School
Grovelands Community School, Hailsham
Hawkes Farm Primary School, Hailsham
Manor Primary School, Uckfield
7.30pm
Harbour Primary School, Newhaven
Harlands Primary School, Uckfield
Rocks Park Primary School, Uckfield
White House Academy, Hailsham
Little Horsted CE School
Monday, December 12 2016 – Winter Garden, Eastbourne
5.30pm
Barcombe CE Primary School
Fletching CE Primary School
Plumpton Primary School
Ringmer Primary School
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Crowborough
Willingdon Primary School