Forty Years of Song – and Still Lifting Young Voices

What a truly wonderful evening.

Dorchester Abbey was alive with music, joy and youthful energy as children from across Oxfordshire came together to celebrate a very special milestone—the 40th anniversary of the Oxfordshire Festival of Voices.

For four decades, this remarkable event has united schools and communities in the shared experience of massed singing. Tonight’s concert felt like a fitting tribute to that legacy—and a shining example of everything it continues to stand for.

The Festival is organised by the National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)—a charity that has long championed the value of a broad and balanced education for children. NAPE advocates for the importance of the arts, creativity, and child-centred learning in our primary schools, and this festival is a joyful expression of those values. Their work, both nationally and here in Oxfordshire, helps to ensure that the voices of children and those who teach them are heard in conversations that shape education.

For me personally, there was an especially poignant moment during the performance of Banaha. The last time I heard that song sung was when my class in Uganda sang it to me as I left the school I was teaching in. Hearing it again tonight, sung with such heart and spirit, took me straight back to that moment. I’ll admit—I felt a lump in my throat.

As High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, my theme this year is “Hearing the Young Unheard.” And tonight, that idea came vividly to life. Here were young people from every part of the county, raising their voices in harmony. They weren’t just performing—they were being heard. Fully, joyfully, and proudly.

To every child who sang—you were brilliant. You reminded us all of the beauty and importance of listening to young people, and of the power that comes when they are given space to be heard.

To the teachers, conductors and music leaders—thank you. Your care and dedication were evident in every note sung. You are helping to nurture not only musical talent, but confidence, connection and belonging.

To Kevin Stannard —your leadership was as inspiring as ever. You guided the children with warmth, clarity and joy, making them feel both part of something bigger and proud of their individual contribution.

And finally, to Sue Baker and Lesley Baker—thank you. This festival simply wouldn’t happen without your vision, energy and tireless commitment. You have helped build something extraordinary that has touched countless lives. What a legacy.

This evening filled Dorchester Abbey not just with song, but with hope. Because when we lift young voices—when we let them be heard—we strengthen our whole community.

Here’s to the next forty years of the Festival of Voices. And to a future where no child ever feels unheard.