On Friday 3 July, the annual Norwich School Bandfest performance took place, rounding up the Gather 26 showcase in style. The evening brought together an impressive line-up of pupil musicians showcasing everything from solo performances and acoustic duos to full bands across the Main stage, Mini stage and the brand-new Outdoor Stage. With a packed programme, the event celebrated the breadth of musical talent within the Norwich School community. The evening opened with a DJ set from Sophie S and Henry D, setting the upbeat atmosphere before the live performances began. The first band to take to take to the Main Stage was Egg , a collective of guitar players featuring Seb C, Annabelle H, Henry K, Arthur L, Jake L, Tom M, Leila M, Lara N, Merlin P, Freddie P, JJ S, Sam W, Oscar C and Jacob C. Their high energy performance kicked off the evening in style. The Outdoor Stage then welcomed Beth for an amazing solo performance comprising multiple original songs, before Becky B returned the action to the Main Stage with Tommy C, Emmanuel M and Lily Mei M singing a beautiful selection of her own original songs. The intimate Mini Stage hosted Pearl L for the first of two featured solo performances during the evening, offering audiences a fantastic rendition of Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer , to which the audience could not resist dancing along to. Next came Friday , featuring Caleb A, Rosie B, Tom C, Elise F, Joyce H and Mateo V, followed by Forest Thing , with Will C, Henry L and Finlay M, continuing the run of original pupil bands. Following Pearl Lee's second Mini Stage appearance, Whist took over the Main Stage, with Oscar C, Tommy C, Jacob C, Maleeya W, and Ernie H. The Outdoor Stage then featured an amazing solo performance from Rosie B , before the evening moved into its final stretch. Rhapsode , featuring Oli C, Lev O, Sam P, Sahib W and Maleeya W, delivered another full-band performance on the Main Stage that got audiences wanting more, before the closing acts kept the momentum going. Parallax , featuring Oscar C, Jacob C, Rima K, Ernie Hand Alex S returned to the Main Stage followed by Ernest , with Oscar C, Ellery F and Ernie H, providing a high energy and atmospheric performance. The evening rounded up with a change of pace on the Outdoor Stage with a powerful rendition of Evergreen and Linger by Rupert G and Naomi W closing this year’s Bandfest. One of the defining features of this year's programme was the number of musicians appearing in multiple acts. Performers including Oscar C, Jacob C, Ernie H, Tommy C and Rosie B contributed to several performances across the evening, demonstrating both their versatility and the collaborative nature of the event.  From DJs and solo artists to acoustic duos and larger ensembles, Bandfest 2026 showcased a diverse range of musical styles and provided a platform for pupils to perform, collaborate and celebrate live music together. The varied programme ensured there was something for every audience member, making for an enjoyable evening that highlighted the creativity and talent within the school community.

The Music Department’s annual Summer Spectacular provided a wonderful celebration of the year’s musical achievements, taking place on a warm summer evening in the beautiful setting of St Peter Mancroft Church. The concert showcased the breadth and talent of the department’s ensembles, offering an enjoyable and varied programme. The evening opened with performances from the Junior Jazz Band, whose young soloists demonstrated growing confidence and musicality. A change of mood followed with the Baroque Ensemble, featuring the soothing vocals of Charlie Collier alongside the lyrical oboe melodies of Alena Lai, creating a beautifully expressive performance. Spire Guitar Ensemble tackled the challenging theme from Howl’s Moving Castle with skill and precision. Sinfonia Orchestra impressed with a selection of repertoire including a lively and engaging Sound of Music Medley, while Uberbeat percussion ensemble brought energy and creativity to the programme with an entertaining performance using rubbish bins as instruments. The concert concluded with a performance from the school’s flagship orchestra, Gateway Players, who demonstrated outstanding technical facility and musicality across a varied programme. Their repertoire ranged from the evocative Big Country Theme to the demanding West Side Story Medley, which showcased the ensemble’s versatility and musicianship. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all and was very well attended by supportive family members, friends and teachers. It was a fitting celebration of the hard work, commitment and musical accomplishments of students across the Music Department throughout the year.