Gareth Malone leads The Grand Sing at the Royal Norfolk Show

The Grand Sing event was led by choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone at this year’s show, and held in The Grand Ring. 

The specially selected programme included the premier of ‘Flourish Song – We are Norfolk’, a track written and composed by the county’s young people. 

More than 50 schools took part, of which 3,000 schoolchildren were invited, in the event led by Norfolk County Council’s Norfolk Music Hub. 

The partnership between the Hub and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association is now in its sixth year 

Mr Malone was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of East Anglia and was made OBE in 2012. 

And tomorrow (Thursday, June 29), thousands more young people will join together to make history in an attempt to break the current record for the largest percussion ensemble using recycled material. 

Bucket Beats XL will be performing at 1.03pm. 

Alison Brain, head of Norfolk Music Service, said: “I am beyond delighted that we have been able to secure this opportunity for our young people at this year’s show.  

“The response from schools has been incredible and the event is certainly gearing up to be the ideal opportunity to launch our Everyone a Singer campaign which goes live in schools across the county in September.” 

Also in The Grand Ring, crowds were wowed by the grace and elgance of showjumping, followed by a Shetland pony derby, the Bolddogs Lings Motorcycles Display Team, and the Military Band. 

And while the morning’s visitors were disappointed following the cancellation of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team due to cloudy weather, the team remained hopeful that they would be able to carry out an afternoon display. 

Finally tonight, a special event will take place in the ring to celebrate the region’s community champions. It’s in recognition of His Majesty the King’s wish to promote community cohesion.