Broadfield pupils hit the right notes at cathedral massed choir event

Pupils from Oldham’s Broadfield Primary School 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.”

And Broadfield Teacher Ms Michelle Hunt, who accompanied the group, told how the children were so excited beforehand, they sang all the way into the city centre. 

“What a fantastic opportunity it’s been to come to the Cathedral and sing together as a single massed choir with the other schools," said Michelle.

"There’s been so much energy and it’s been magical to see them all shining.

"As a result of their Manchester Sings musical journey, I've watched our pupils grow in confidence.

"It’s the overall experience and exposure to an occasion like this that they wouldn’t get otherwise.

"It’s a privilege to have been involved.”

Speaking after the event, a Broadfield parent also told how she and others had been so moved by the concert, they had shed tears: “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."

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.” 

Since Manchester Sings was first introduced in 2019, more than 1,500 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).

Donations collected will go to the Booth Centre and Wood Street Mission. 

The event was sponsored by Beaverbrooks, the Jewellers.

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