STARS! - Stars for a Day
Primary Schools Variety Show on 21st May, 2025
Wednesday 21st May saw 80 children from three local primary schools descend on the Kings Hall, ready to perform and support each performer. The acts included a comedy duo, a poetry recitalist, a magic act, an acrobatic display, nine vocalists, a flautist, a saxophonist, guitarists, a school choir, a band, seven pianists and seven dance acts, both as solo, duo, trio and group formats.
The morning began with each school joining together to sing a pre-learned song, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. This was led by Mrs Lucy Ashton, primary school teacher in charge of music and my interface with the three schools involved. She has done a wonderful job creating running orders, programmes and sorting out technical details with the schools and the Kings Hall Technical Manager and I owe her a big vote of thanks.
The standard overall was amazingly high, especially in the piano performances. We could have been watching mini-concert pianists. I had to keep reminding myself that we were watching primary school children. One little girl played her own composition. It could have been an early piece by Rachmaninoff! Absolutely awesome! There must be some fabulous music teachers employed at these schools. Their pupils are so lucky!
The first half ended with a band and vocal act, and the interval ensued with orange, blackcurrant and apple squash or water and biscuits.
The second half, shorter in the number of acts, was devoted to dance performances and a particularly impressive dance ‘Mash-Up’ which was as slick as any professional routine seen on television.
The morning was enjoyed by participants, parents and friends and everyone involved. The only rule governing this annual project is that all acts must be created solely by the performers themselves, with no assistance from teachers, etc.
I have since heard that some of yesterday’s performers were discussing what they would bring to next year’s “Stars”!
I was particularly delighted to find that Councillor Sellers had come to watch. I hope she enjoyed it as much as everyone else! The Kings Hall staff gave amazing support and can’t be praised too highly.
Huge thanks I want to express to the members of Ilkley Town Council for granting my application for funding from the Small Grants Award Scheme. It proved to be, as always, an inspirational morning, and I hope I have done you proud!
Elizabeth M Sharp
Project Creator, Designer and Producer