Proud teachers and parents applaud Broadfield children at Manchester Cathedral Massed Choir

Pupils from Oldham’s Broadfield Primary joined a choir of more than 200 children to perform at this year’s inter-schools Manchester Sings concert in the splendid setting of the city’s Cathedral.

Broadfield’s group of 43, Year 5 pupils were amongst singers from seven schools across Greater Manchester who took to the impressive Cathedral stage to deliver an hour-long medley of music and poetry before a delighted audience of families, friends and Manchester dignitaries. 

In a heart-warming celebration of this year’s theme of Hope, there was a selection of upbeat songs as the children, wearing an array of brightly-coloured t-shirts and singing for the first time together, performed an energetic rendition of Cantar; a melodic harmonised version of Pacem;  the sing-along classics My Favourite Things, Happy Talk and Smile; and as a fitting finale to Manchester Sings 2025, the Beatles’ All You Need is Love. There was also a beautiful solo, Hope, composed and sung by a Withington Year 13 student. 

The concert programme included a selection of poetry, written and read by some of the participants.  

Two of the poems chosen for the event showcased the talents of two Broadfield Year 5s - It Lives In Your Favourite Things and Hope Lies Within – both inspired by lyrics of this year’s Manchester Sings songs. 

Deputy Head, Mrs Suzanne Despard described Manchester Sings as one of her proudest career highlights. 

She said: “Manchester Sings was an unforgettable experience for all involved.  For many of our children, it was their first visit to the city centre and to the magnificent Cathedral, and they were absolutely awestruck by its beauty and grandeur.  

“The joy on their faces as they sang was truly wonderful to see. Even though a few children shared that they were a little nervous on the way, watching them perform on the day, with such passion, with huge smiles on their little faces, alongside clearly experienced choirs filled me with immense pride, cultural capital at its best!   

“Hearing them sing Smile Though Your Heart Is Breaking and All You Need Is Love lit by the Cathedral’s stunning lights was deeply moving — I couldn’t stop the tears!  I can honestly say it was one of my proudest moments as a teacher.” 

Speaking after the event, a Broadfield parent also told how she and others had been so moved by the concert, they had shed tears, adding: “I was crying from the very first song – and I saw other people nearby were too!  

“It’s such a special event and heart-warming to watch all the children from the different schools singing together. Who gets to perform in Manchester Cathedral especially when they have never before sang together as one choir, they’ve practised separately and when they come here to sing together, you’d never know it was their first time as a massed choir.  

The Withington girls are amazing – their harmonies are beautiful and give our children something to aspire to.” 

Broadfield pupils said they were in awe of the event and the splendour of the Cathedral. One girl commented, “The Cathedral is amazing! I love everything about the designs, the paintings and the lighting.”

Another pupil agreed: "I loved being in the Cathedral and it felt brilliant being on stage because my friends are here too with me too. It’s been a big confidence booster and has taught me a lot more about myself. “ 

Since Manchester Sings was first introduced in 2019, more than 1500 primary pupils have taken part in the annual event, with Broadfield attendees this year being joined by children from Old Moat Primary School (Withington), St Kentigern’s RC Primary School (Fallowfield), St Luke’s CofE Primary School (Bury), West Didsbury C of E Primary School, Whitefield Community Primary (Whitefield) and Withington Girls’ Junior and Senior Schools (Fallowfield). 

Withington Girls’ School’s Director of Music, Mrs Gilly Sargent is also the Manchester Sings Choir Director.  Describing the event as ‘an unforgettable and incredible achievement’, she added: “Since Manchester Sings began in 2019, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with our partnership schools across Greater Manchester.

"Watching the pupils gain confidence and seeing their musicianship develop has been truly inspiring. Some of the music created through this project has even found its way into school concerts and reached the wider community, including local residential homes.

"The support from schools and staff has been absolutely incredible. It really is a privilege to be part of such an amazing project.” 

The opening Manchester Sings address was given by Canon Precentor of Manchester Cathedral, Revd Canon Dr Ian Jorysz.  Closing words were by The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins and The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Carmine Grimshaw also attended. 

Donations collected will go to the Booth Centre and Wood Street Mission.  The event was sponsored by Beaverbrooks Jewellers.