Rising Welsh Rugby Union star Hallam Amos joined Pudsey the Bear and a whole host of young dancers, musicians and singers for an unforgettable night of fundraising.
Months of planning, rehearsing and dedication from staff and students at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls paid off on Wednesday, November 12, as the school’s 30th concert for Children in Need took place.
A packed audience of parents, siblings, staff and pupils helped raise more than £4,000 for the cause, with everyone enjoying incredible performances by students of all ages.
Newport Gwent Dragons player Hallam was in the crowd to support his younger sister Connie, who wowed the audience with her rendition of Adele’s Skyfall, backed by HMSG’s Jazz Crusaders.
The Old Monmothian, who is also studying for a medical degree, donated a shirt signed by the entire Welsh squad for the charity auction.
After a heated bidding war, the coveted top went for £400.
Mario Conway, Director of Music at HMSG, amazed guests with his uncanny Tina Turner impersonation, Inglefield House girls brought tears to people’s eyes with their beautiful medley of Mary Poppins songs, and Year 10 dancers got everyone in the mood to party with their Power to Pudsey sequence to Shakira’s Waka Waka.
Rhyan Parry, Director of Dance at HMSG, said: “What an amazing night, the girls just keep raising the bar – it’s so rewarding to see all of our hard work come together for such a special evening.
“This year I wanted to do something to enhance the excitement.
“Having Pudsey to appear with us certainly did that.
“I’m thrilled we’ve been able to make such a huge contribution to the charity.”
Other highlights of the concert included a perfect performance by the Senior Strings of HMSG and Monmouth School, a colourful tap routine by HMSG’s Senior Tap Performance Group inspired by The Great Gatsby and a rendition of Rossini’s William Tell Overture.
The Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Junior Singers and HMSG Orchestra sang Strong by Labi Siffre for an emotional finale.
Thanks to generous donations from local businesses and staff, including a day’s work by Wellington Garden Service, the auction and raffle helped to achieve the impressive total raised on the night.
