If you were driving past the school at the weekend you will have noticed that the car parks were full for most of the time. It was, of course, because the school was the venue for the Lytham St Annes Festival of Performing Arts.
Founded by members of the Lytham Congregational Church Choir, the first ‘Grand Competition Festival' was held on October 12th, 1901. Around the start of the 20th century, a number of Civic Societies were formed, many following the initiative of Churches and their members. By 1904, the programme shows there were over 1000 competitors including 10 male voice choirs.
Two days were required, the first at the Pier Pavilion and the second at the Baths Assembly Rooms. By 1923, increasing numbers required a further move to the Lowther Pavilion. For the past three years, the venue has been King Edward VII and Queen Mary School.
The school provides the Festival with the ideal location and facilities. As a venue for the Festival it offers rooms of various sizes where all categories can perform in comfort, with the Main Hall being the perfect location for the major classes. Yet again, it shows how closely the school works with the local community and is happy helping to promote the development of the arts in whichever way it can.
The KEQMS Singers will be taking centre stage in the Main Hall for the performance of Haydn's largest mass, the Nelson Mass, on Saturday 27th March.
Those of you who know the history of The Lytham Schools Foundation, will know that it dates back to a flood disaster at Lytham in 1719 when a relief fund was established. The Foundation's motto, ‘Sublimis ab unda', means "raised from the wave," so a Mass with a nautical name, however it was acquired, would seem to be quite apt to perform!
The first half will of the concert will also feature nautical pieces being performed by the School Choir- Titanic Theme, Wind Ensemble - Handel's 'Water Music' and the Year 7 choir - The Mermaid (traditional folksong). They will be joined by the Swing Band and 'Soul Patrol' (a recently formed Jazz group by Lower 6th pupil Matthew Clare).
Tickets are available by contacting the school office on 01253 784100
