Thurston’s multi-talented Year 10 students did themselves proud last night as they performed at their very own summer music festival, complete with pitched tent, deckchairs and mellow coloured lanterns.

Bury Mercury: Josh Green playing at B FestivalJosh Green playing at B Festival (Image: Archant)

The show kicked off with a group number to warm up the already enthusiastic crowd, then there was a good mix of performances including some stand out solos and an...ahem...unforgetable [I can never unsee that, boys] version of ‘I want to Break Free’ with rather more lipstick and leg involved than seemed entirely appropriate in a school auditorium.

The obviously popular Josh Green charmed everyone with his sweet, melodic voice and ability to switch between a variety of instruments. He also accompanied three girls singing a piece from his own musical about suffragettes which is impressive on many levels.

Other original pieces came from Caitlyn Taylor and Megan Daisy-Bishop - both gifted singers and clearly blossoming songwriters, and both with the confident stage presence to do the songs justice.

Then there was guitarist Luke who had the perfect stance, singer Elise who gave it her all, and Leah, who showed such courage and sang so beautifully.

In fact, all of the young students involved should be congratulated on producing a truly entertaining show and it was heart-warming to hear their friends in the audience cheer and encourage them whenever it looked like nerves might intervene.

To end the night, all the performers gathered on stage for an emotional rendition of ‘Flashlight’, dedicated to their friend and fellow pupil, Ben Wragge, who sadly died last year. In fact, B Festival was put together in his memory as these impressive students decided to combine their GCSE Music live performance requirements with an admirable fundraising effort for the Ben Wragge Skate Park Fund.

Their music teacher Rebecca Widdowson, who organised the event, was full of praise as the evening came to a close and so am I. They say music is good for the soul, well thanks to these guys, my cup runneth over.