This year’s prestigious Festival of Music was a resounding success, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of Queen’s Senior School musicians.
Pupils from Years 7–13 took part in a range of vocal and instrumental competitions, expertly adjudicated by Aled Evans and Ellie Diack, who selected the finalists for our afternoon concert.
Parents were warmly welcomed to join the celebrations, where the finalists performed once more – this time competing for the coveted title of Queen’s Music Festival Winner 2026. The occasion also provided a wonderful opportunity to unveil the newly installed lighting in the Senior School Hall, adding to the professional and vibrant atmosphere of the event.
The day was filled with healthy competition, joy, support, and above all, outstanding musicianship – something Mrs Davies, Head of Music, is immensely proud to champion.
Festival Winners
| Award | Winner |
| Overall Winner | Colette in Year 10 Colette, an accomplished cellist and member of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, captivated the audience with a moving performance of Élégie, Op. 24 by Fauré. She was also awarded the String Trophy. |
| Runner-Up | Ava in Year 11 Ava impressed both adjudicators and audience with her vocal and instrumental talents, earning the Ann Brotherhood Vocal Trophy and the SASS (Self-Accompanied Solo Singing) Award. A dedicated performer with the Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre, Ava will be studying Music A-level next year. |
| Preliminary Ensemble Trophy | Isla & Molly in Year 7 |
| Intermediate Ensemble Trophy | Tess in Year 10 & Elsie in Year 10 |
| Advanced Ensemble Trophy | Tess in Year 10 & Grace in Year 13 |
| Junior Vocal Trophy | Zara in Year 8 A multi instrumentalist—violin, viola, voice, flute, piano, and now branching into bass guitar and drums—Zara won with her energetic and memorable performance of You’ll Be Back from Hamilton. |
| Swann Woodwind Trophy | Simran in Year 13 |
| Musicality Award & Piano Trophy | Harriet in Year 13 Our talented Year 13 A-level musician achieved an impressive double win. |
| Preliminary Trophy | Darcey in Year 7 |
| Gill Church Brass Cup | Catrin in Year 13 |
| Year 7–9 SASS Award | Mia in Year 9 |
| Preliminary Wind Winner | Sally in Year 8 |
| Guitar Trophy | Sophia in Year 9 |
The festival was not only a celebration of achievement but also a testament to the hard work, enthusiasm, and musical growth of all involved. Such a successful and joyful day would not have been possible without the dedication of our exceptional peripatetic music staff – Mrs Broome, Mrs Rushforth – and the invaluable support of our Estates and Maintenance team.
A truly memorable and prestigious event for Queen’s, marking another year of musical excellence.