Pupils at a Beccles school have been sharing their creative talents at their annual Christmas Showcase.

Dancers, musicians, singers and actors from Years 7 to 11 took to the stage at Beccles Free School on December 7 to perform to a young audience from Beccles Primary Academy, as well as family members and the local community.

Now in its sixth year, the Christmas Showcase is an opportunity for pupils of all ages to share their creative passions and inspire younger pupils with their talents and confidence on stage. Awards are also presented for pupils’ achievements in extra-curricular activities – with Rose May Simpson collecting her corporal stripes as part of the school’s Combined Cadet Force.

Pupils studying GCSE food technology in Year 11 also helped to prepare refreshments with the Friends of Beccles Free School parent group.

Heather Thorne, headteacher at Beccles Primary Academy, commented about the performance and how younger pupils enjoyed their visit to the school.

She said: “Our students came back buzzing and talking about the performances they liked the best! It is great for our students to see what they can aim for, what they can go on to achieve and to enjoy great performances.”

Young guitarist John Green, in Year 10 at Beccles Free School, said: “The showcase is a great way for students to challenge themselves and enjoy music, dance and drama. I remember in Year 7 having the chance to play alongside Year 11 students and it inspired me. Now, thanks to support from the school, I am playing guitar with the Aldeburgh Young Musicians group.”

Nigel Youngman, Beccles Free School headteacher, added: “The showcase is a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the year and to give students a platform to share their fantastic talents. We believe it’s incredibly important to support young people to develop confidence and to explore new interests, and events like this are a brilliant opportunity for this.”

For more information about Beccles Free School or if you are interested in joining the Friends group, visit www.becclesfreeschool.org.uk