Extraordinary Us Concert Celebrates the Joy of Music at Newcastle's O2 City Hall

On Monday 23rd June, Laidlaw Schools Trust hosted an Extraordinary Us music event, a large-scale celebration held at Newcastle's iconic O2 City Hall.

The event brought together almost 400 Year 5 pupils from all eight Primary Academies in a joyful and inspiring showcase of musical performance and collaboration.

"City Hall was the perfect setting for a magical day that brought our pupils together in music, confidence and joy. Every performance was filled with pride and personality, capturing the spirit of belonging and celebration across our Trust. Thanks to funding from the Laidlaw Foundation, this event became much more than a musical showcase. It was a moment for our children to feel truly extraordinary. I'm incredibly proud to be part of such an ambitious, passionate team, helping to shape a generation with self-belief and resilience."

- Lisa Macauley, Atkinson Road Primary School Headteacher

Participating Acadmies included Academy 360, Atkinson Road, Excelsior Academy, Oxclose Primary, Sedgefield Hardwick, South Hylton, Thomas Walling and Westgate Hill. Each Academy performed a piece chosen collaboratively between teachers and pupils, giving every performance a personal and meaningful connection.

Laidlaw Schools Trust partnered with Palladio Education, a creative educational organisation founded in 2020 by Miles and Gary Wallis-Clarke, with their work specialising in supporting and empowering both staff and students through music and creative learning.

Palladio Education led several months of rehearsals, developing pupils' musical skills and working alongside staff to prepare students for their performance. Their involvement was instrumental in ensuring the concert's success and providing pupils with valuable musical experience.

"We were proud to partner with Laidlaw Schools Trust to create a memorable performance at City Hall. Hearing 400 children sing Giuseppe Giordani's Caro Mio Ben in Italian, accompanied by Adam Wood from the Royal Northern Sinfonia, was truly moving. The children showed great musicality, resilience and enthusiasm throughout, making it an extraordinary experience for all involved."

- Miles Wallis-Clarke, Palladio Education

The event culminated in a full-ensemble performance, with all pupils taking to the stage to perform six carefully selected choral pieces including Bella Mama, Refugse and Caro Mio Ben.

Delivered in partnership with the inspirational team at Palladio Education, the event showcased the power of music to bring people together, build confidence and promote creativity across Academy communities.

I'm incredibly proud of all the children who performed today, their energy, confidence and musical talent were extraordinary. A huge thank you to the dedicated staff, supportive families and everyone behind the scenes who made this event possible. Thanks also to the Laidlaw Foundation for their generous support in bringing our primary pupils together."

- Sally Newton, Laidlaw Schools Trust CEO

The event was generously funded by the Laidlaw Foundation, whose continued support enables LST to deliver high-quality cultural enrichment opportunities for all pupils. Additional thanks go to those who contributed optional donations in support of St Oswald’s Hospice to the grand total of £521. St Oswald is a charity close to many within the LST community.

Laidlaw Schools Trust remains committed to providing inclusive, high-impact enrichment opportunities across its Academies, ensuring every pupil can participate in experiences that support their personal growth and sense of belonging.