The annual ‘Battle of the Bands’ roared back into action at the end of last half term, with student bands battling for a slot at the summer Fuse Festival.

The theme of the event was the 2000’s, and songs ranged from Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’ all the way to Green Day’s ‘Holiday’ and there were over thirteen different bands with students from all year groups involved.

The judge, David Mills from Lichfield Arts, was thoroughly impressed with the quality and depth of musicianship on show, but felt that the band Kodachrome did enough to take the honours of Battle of the Bands champions this year (Beth Kingston, Oscar Brooks, Alex Hornsby and Max Sidaway). They now have, alongside a number of other Friary students, an upcoming performance slot at the Momentum Festival as well as The Fuse in the summer.

Jon Hood, Head of Music said: “It was amazing to see the Battle of the Bands return to the Friary stage, and the atmosphere this year was electric! It was great to see so many different performers, and the support from friends and parents was brilliant to see. The link we have with Lichfield Arts opens the door for students to have wider performing opportunities in local arts events, including the upcoming Momentum and Fuse festivals, and we are ever-grateful for the support they give us. We are all already looking forward to next year’s event – if anyone has any great staff band song suggestions for 2010-2019, please get in touch!”