Praise has been heaped on schoolchildren in Oswestry after a concert in the town last Sunday has raised more than £11,000 for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukrainian Humanitarian appeal.

Hosted by Year 13 Ukrainian pupils from Oswestry School, the Songs for Ukraine concert, held at Holy Trinity Church in Oswestry on Sunday evening, featured around 200 students of all ages from schools across north Shropshire as well as performances from Ukrainian singer/songwriter, Dasha Minieieva. The sell-out event was also streamed to over 100 families around the world.

Oswestry School headteacher Peter Middleton admitted he was left emotional by the concert's organisation, impact and the stunning performances were given for it. He said: "I think I can speak for everyone who watched the concert on Sunday, either sat in the audience at Holy Trinity Church or online via our live stream when I say that it was an evening that won’t be easily forgotten.

"A packed church, a programme full of stunning pieces from schools across the county, a breathtaking performance from Ukrainian singer/songwriter Dasha, and the spine-tingling finale – a massed choir performance of ‘World in Union’ meant there were very few dry eyes in the audience."

"Organising a sell-out event like this in eight weeks is no mean feat and the heartwarming feedback we have already received is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team working behind the scenes to make it happen.

"I am particularly proud of our Year 13 Oswestry School pupils, Myra and Lisa who hosted the event."

Mr Middleton's message was backed by North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan, who was able to attend the concert in person and admitted she was very glad to do so. She said: “It was a privilege to be in the audience for what was a truly emotional concert and it was lovely to be reminded of just how talented our local schoolchildren are.

“I was extremely impressed by the musical ability and enthusiasm of all the students who took part and was delighted to see the level of support from our communities for the Ukrainian appeal.

“It was particularly moving to see all the school choirs join together to sing World in Union.

“Congratulations to all those who took part and helped organise such a successful concert.”

The whole concert can be watched here: https://microvideo-online.com/ondemand/SongsForUkraine

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