Shrewsbury’s First Popular Music Festival 2026

The school’s first Popular Music Festival proved to be an exciting and vibrant celebration of contemporary music-making.

With performances spanning bands, music production, soloists, and instrumentalists, students from across the school showcased their creativity, confidence and passion for performance.

The festival opened with high energy as four student bands took to the stage:

• Kokoni – 3rd Form band
• The Moles – led by Hugh N
• Ac!d Rain – 4th Form band
• Fraggle Brothers – performing a thoughtful rendition of Pyramid Song

A fascinating insight into the world behind the music followed, with impressive production work shared by:

Dom T, Harrison R, George T, and Lydia C.

After lunch, an outstanding lineup of solo performers captivated the audience across voice, drums, guitar, bass, and multi‑instrumental acts.

Awards were made to the following:

Band cover award - Kokoni

Best Band Performer - Hugh N from The Moles

Musical Awareness Prize - Dominic T

Original Singer songwriter /Music Production - Lydia C

Solo Pop Artist of the Year - Advanced - Sebastian P

Solo Pop Artist of the Year - Emerging Talent - Howard H

The inaugural Popular Music Festival was a tremendous success, offering a platform for students to shine, experiment, and share their enthusiasm for music. Special thanks go to guest artist John Waugh of The 1975 for inspiring the performers, and to everyone involved in supporting such an exciting event.

We look forward to an even bigger and brighter festival next year!

Maria McKenzie, Director of Music