On Friday 20 March 2026, Bridgewater Hall provided the perfect backdrop as St Bede’s College marked its 150th anniversary with a landmark concert, bringing together pupils, staff, alumni and friends for an evening that felt both celebratory and deeply personal.
In a powerful expression of Bedian spirit, every pupil from Prep 3 to Upper Sixth took part, joined by staff, alumni and musicians from the Royal Northern College of Music. It was an ambitious, full-scale performance that reflected not only the College’s musical excellence, but its sense of community.
The programme moved seamlessly from classical pieces such as Schubert’s Ave Maria to contemporary favourites including George Michael’s Freedom, alongside the College hymn New Praises. There were moments of nostalgia too, as current pupils and alumni revisited standout roles from past productions including, Evita, Oliver and Les Misérables.
A highlight of the evening was the ‘Manchester Mashup’, celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage with songs from Joy Division, New Order and Oasis. Performed by the entire College, it brought a real sense of energy and connection to the city that has shaped so much of the school’s story.
Director of Performances, Mr Dickson, described the concert as a “once-in-a-lifetime project,” while Director of Music, Mr Fletcher, highlighted the importance of collaboration across generations of Bedian musicians.
The result was something genuinely special. Not just a concert, but a shared moment. One that captured the talent, warmth and togetherness that sit at the heart of St Bede’s, and left a lasting impression long after the final note.
