STUDENTS dazzled a sell-out crowd in their annual festival at the Coronation Hall.

Ulverston Victoria High School students welcomed the festive season in style as they performed a wide selection of music at the annual UVHS Christmas Festival.

Led by the internationally renowned UVHS Wind Band (with an astonishing 94 musicians on stage), the group treated the capacity crowd to a wide selection of festive music (from a fiendishly difficult jazz arrangement of ‘Rudolph!’ and The Pogues’ ‘Fairytale of New York’ to the more traditional ‘Sleigh Ride’ and ‘Christmas Festival’) as well as having the opportunity to belt out the obligatory carols, of which there were eight.

To support the Wind Band, Head of Performing Arts, and Assistant Headteacher, Richard Butler showcased several of the smaller ensembles that the school is able to run.

This ranged from the Junior Band (which has 47 players just from years 7 to 9) to the Senior Flute Choir, as well as the Sax Ensemble, Clarinet Choir, Brass Ensemble and the sensational Corps of Drums, who delighted the crowd with a display influenced by their work with the Royal Marines.

Mr Butler said: "However, the most memorable performances came from the whole-school Choir and Chamber Choir who both gave amazing performances that will undoubtedly stay in the memory of the audience over the next 12 months.

"Until the next UVHS Christmas Festival."

In between all of the music were a selection of seasonal readings delivered by drama students from every year group.

Mr Butler added: "The highlight of the readings was an outstanding and hilarious Joyce Grenfell monologue performed by year 12 student Grace Callaghan."