Liverpool students shine on ITV as part of New Year’s Eve celebration

St John Bosco Arts College students got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform as part of The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash, which aired on ITV and ITVX last night. 

The star-studded celebration, hosted by comedian Jason Manford and singer and presenter Alesha Dixon, featured performances from Take That, Busted, Paloma Faith, Becky Hill and many more. 

St John Bosco Arts College students performed as part of the 100 Voices Choir, which featured Ukrainian and Liverpudlian children, brought together earlier this year for the UK’s hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest. 

#100VoiceUnited are a collaborative youth choir made up of children from 24 schools from across the city region, along with the Ukrainian Children’s Choir led by Resonate Liverpool’s Music Hub. 

The 100 Voices Choir delivered a beautiful rendition of ‘A Million Dreams’ from the global hit, The Greatest Showman. 

From St John Bosco Arts College, 20 students from years 9, 10, 11, and sixth form featured in the choir. 

One lucky student, Alissa McCarthy, even got the opportunity to sing a solo line in the song to the nation, as millions of people tuned into the programme. 

The show, filmed at the OVO Arena in Wembley on Wednesday, 6 December, celebrated the biggest moments of 2023, including the 75th anniversary of Windrush and even included surprise contributions from actor Idris Elba and star of Netflix’s The Crown, Olivia Coleman. 

The 8000 strong audience at Wembley Arena was mesmerised by a choir that sang in harmony, united and resolute. The response was a standing ovation. 

Students were delighted to be part of such a fantastic event. One Year 10 student said: “One of best once-in-a-lifetime opportunities of my life.” 

While another shared how exciting it was to see how such a huge TV show came together, she said: “I loved the hotel rooms and the food. I loved the stage and especially the people who played the guitars. It was amazing to see how a huge TV show is pieced together. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I have made some great friends and memories for life”. 

Christine Finnegan, head of music at St John Bosco Arts College, was filled with pride as students showcased their exceptional talent and dedication on such a huge stage. 

She said: “Watching our incredible pupils from St John Bosco Arts College perform alongside renowned artists on New Year’s Eve was a profoundly proud moment for me.  

“Their ability to flourish in such a high-profile setting is a testament to the exceptional talent and unwavering dedication we cultivate in the music department. Their performance was much more than a display of musical prowess; it was a showcase of their elegance, resilience, and the vibrant spirit that defines our school. Here’s to a fantastic New Year!” 

Headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, Mr Darren Gidman, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students who performed as part of the 100 Voices Choir at The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash. 

“Our students conducted themselves faultlessly, demonstrating our values and showing professionalism and respect throughout the event. 

“2023 was a fantastic year for St John Bosco Arts College, and as we begin to prepare for a new year and new beginnings, we are reflecting on some of the highs from the last 12 months. 

“From partnering with a leading robotics company to trial a robot in school to witnessing one of our students secure a place on England’s Women’s Under-15 UEFA Development Tournament to even becoming the first UK school to partner with food delivery service Deliveroo. 

“We are extremely proud of the Bosco community, and I look forward to seeing what 2024 has in store.”