Maddie Perring, Head Girl Chorister, writes:
Yet another fantastic opportunity was thrown our way on Monday 6th October when we were invited to perform with The Script at the Pride of Britain Awards.
The Script is a very popular band and quite well known with the ‘youngsters’. When we were told about this invitation, it went down very well, especially with the girls... The song we had to sing is one of their latest songs, quite different to what we sing on a daily basis in the Cathedral!
After rehearsals with Mr Owens we were finally on our way to London. Everyone enjoys coach trips, including the choristers! We had a running commentary through London from our bus driver and we soon arrived at The Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane where the awards were taking place. It was a grand hotel surrounded by very expensive shops. I think I can safely say we all felt like royalty! We checked in and were led through what felt like a maze to get to our ‘green room’. We were all eager to meet The Script but we had to wait for a while before our scheduled slot for rehearsal.
Eventually, the time came. We were taken to a beautiful, large ballroom with a stage, and at that point, we all felt like pop stars. Meeting The Script for the first time was incredible. They were all so friendly! They made us feel at home, they couldn’t do enough for us, and best of all; they wanted our autographs! It was like a dream. Some of the choristers were asking me to pinch them! After our crazy rehearsal, we had dinner back in our room and then we had to prepare for the big performance. Everyone was running cues through their heads; where to look, when to come on, when to come off. Time dragged by, making us more nervous by the minute.
Eventually, we were called to the stage. We looked over the balcony and saw countless celebrities (including Prime Minister David Cameron!). That was when the nerves really kicked in. But, I think I can safely say we all performed brilliantly (judging by the playback on TV), and I can definitely say we all thoroughly enjoyed it. All I can say now is: what’s next for the Wells Cathedral Choristers?