Celebrating youth talent at S’koolfest

This summer, Northbrook College, part of the Chichester College Group, hosted S’koolfest. This annual celebration of music and creativity from students in the local area was once again, a resounding success.

We saw a wonderful turnout of 390 people coming to watch 21 acts performing rock, pop, indie, brass, jazz, and rap on the same stage as Jimi Hendrix in 1967. Since the first S’koolFest in 2010, organised by Mike Pailthorpe from Northbrook, it has evolved into a space for local young people to build confidence, whilst keeping a close sense of community amongst local aspiring musicians and the organisations they are from. S’koolfest 2024 saw young people perform from BN1 Arts, Bohunt Horsham, Bohunt Worthing, Davidson High School, Durrington High School, Northbrook College, Oak Grove Academy, Shoreham Academy, Shoreham Allstars, Thomas A Becket Junior School, Varndean School and Worthing High School, as well as some independent acts and support from the B Sharp Guitar School. In total, we had 90 performers who entertained on guitar, drums, saxophone, vocals, and much more.

Currently, many of the acts are taking up the opportunity to a recording session at Northbrook College’s incredibly well-equipped music department. This provides young people, not just with an opportunity to perform on stage, but also the chance to record music to a professional standard.

''Year after year, each act embodies bravery and skill as they step onto the big stage.

''It never ceases to amaze me what these young people are capable of, and the impact that we can have as a community when we come together to support and nurture them.'' -Harry Papworth 

S'koolfest was supported by a great host of people, not least by Northbrook’s Staff and Student Ambassadors who worked as event organisers, stage managers, and technicians. S’koolfest continues to provide an excellent way for students at Northbrook to get hands on experience in the world of event planning and management. This is demonstrated through the case of a student whose work with S’koolfest counted towards the fulfillment of their degree course.

On top of performing and recording opportunities, students also had a choice of creative workshops to partake in during the sound check. These sessions were run by Exploring Senses, a non-profit community arts organisation and supported by two Uni Connect Student Ambassadors. These sessions gave students the chance to make their very own band merchandise as well as using 3D pens to bring designs to life.

“It was a fantastic celebration of youth talent, innovation, and community spirit. We’re proud to have been part of such a vibrant evening” -Exploring Senses  

The Chichester College Group’s Widening Participation team, particularly Harry Papworth alongside Northbrook’s music department, spearheaded the organization of the event, and recruitment of all the acts. Yet, the event wouldn’t have been as much of a success without support from groups such Exploring Senses, and funding from UniConnect.

S’koolfest is just one of many events organized by Northbrook College that demonstrates our commitment to pushing forward young musicians, nurturing talent, and supporting the arts. The support and connections that Northbrook maintains with other local organisations, allow us to keep providing the best opportunities that we can for young people.

“Before I went on stage, I felt a little nervous. Afterwards, I felt that the band had achieved something.

I feel more confident and I am definitely looking forward to be back on stage”  -Anti-Oxygen

You can find out more about the Music Department at Northbrook College here or if you are interested in finding out more about our community collaborative outreach work email wp@gbmc.ac.uk