TALENTED musicians and singers recently took centre stage once more and dazzled judges during a talent show near Thornbury.

Students from Marlwood School wowed their audience with performances, including cello soloists, vocalists, French horn soloists, drummers, piano soloists and vocal trios. 

Marlwood’s Got Talent, organised by Friends of Marlwood, returned to the Alveston school featuring 11 different acts on Friday, March 8.

The event - which is now in its fifth year - was introduced by a performance by the Marlwood Samba band and was hosted by former pupil and teacher Michael Hulin.

Former winners Akira Paterson and (2023 judges' winner) and George Penwarden (2022 audience winner) also returned to their old school to perform at the event. 

The team of judges included teachers Anneka Spring, Selenna Wheeler and George Sargent. 

In the end they chose drummer Noah Squires who won the judges’ vote, who performed  Come Together by The Beatles. 

Meanwhile, singer Caitlin Straw won the audience vote after performing I Don't Know How to Love Him from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. 

One of the judges Ms Spring said: “MGT was an amazing night! 

“We were blown away by the range of talents and quality of performances. 

“It was clear that our Marlwood students had been working hard to rehearse and gave the audience a night to remember. 

“I felt truly honoured and privileged to be a judge and absolutely loved being able to give feedback on the incredible performances. 

“Well done Marlwood and a huge thank you to the Friends of Marlwood School for putting on the event.”

Friends of Marlwood School was supported by a number of companies including: Wolfridge Alpaca, Pizza on the Park, Old Down Country Park, West Country Water Park, Almondsbury Creative, Six o'clock Gin, Tree Tops, The Wave, Thornbury Golf Club, Almondsbury Garden Centre, The Swan Inn and Alveston Community Events

For more information about the volunteer group see their Facebook page or email marlwoodfriends@gmail.com

All photos by Paul Flack.

Gazette Series: Marlwood’s Got Talent 2024 performers and judges - photo by Paul FlackMarlwood’s Got Talent 2024 performers and judges - photo by Paul Flack (Image: Paul Flack)

Gazette Series: Caitlin Straw won the audience vote performing I Don't Know How to Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar Caitlin Straw won the audience vote performing I Don't Know How to Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar (Image: Paul Flack)

Gazette Series: Noah Squires won the judges’ vote performing Come Together by The BeatlesNoah Squires won the judges’ vote performing Come Together by The Beatles (Image: Paul Flack)