In the final week of term, our GCSE Music students celebrated in style at their annual Christmas Formal—an evening filled with great food, festive cheer and unforgettable musical experiences.
A Festive Feast in Newcastle
The night began with a delicious Italian meal at Sambuca in Newcastle, where students and staff enjoyed a relaxed and joyful start to the evening. Dressed in their best, the group then made their way across the Tyne to Gateshead for the next highlight of the night.
Festive Concert at The Glasshouse
At The Glasshouse, students experienced a magical Christmas concert featuring the Royal Northern Sinfonia and a hundred‑strong chorus. The programme was packed with seasonal favourites, including:
- Leroy Anderson classics
- Walking in the Air by Howard Blake
- Highlights from The Polar Express
- Selections from The Nutcracker
- And many more festive masterpieces
Students were even invited to join in with some of the singing—an uplifting moment that added to the excitement of the evening.
Proud Ambassadors for St John’s
Throughout the event, our GCSE musicians represented St John’s with maturity, enthusiasm and excellent conduct. Miss Bell and Miss Liddle were incredibly proud, not only of how the students carried themselves, but also of how hard they have worked throughout the year.
A special thank you goes to our school chaplain, Emma, for joining the group and adding to the festive spirit.
A Night to Remember
The Christmas Formal is always a cherished tradition for our GCSE Music students, and this year’s celebration was no exception—combining culture, community, and of course, music.
