STUDENTS enjoyed a taste of Africa as two cultures united in a love of music and dance.
The celebrated Pearl of Africa Choir entertained young and old with a series of workshops and concerts at Bede Academy, Blyth.
And in a celebration which spanned the globe, the African choir joined young musicians from the academy in a joint performance.
The Ugandan singers and dancers began the day entertaining the younger pupils at Bede Academy South, where joint music workshops were also held.
Then in the evening the entertainment switched to Bede Academy North where all the students put on a show-stopping performance.
The East African choir has just begun a three month tour designed to raise awareness of the charity and invaluable funds for a host of work ranging from healthcare to education.
Charitable donations support 2,500 children in seven schools, many of who are orphans.
Choir member Robert Tomusange said: “The visit has been lovely and we have been made to feel very welcome, which is brilliant. The children look so smart, like they are ready to work in an office, and the school is amazing.”
Leader of music at Bede Academy South David Tallent said: “It is wonderful to see how quickly our students bond with the African children around their common love of music. Everyone had a fabulous time and hopefully we can raise as much money as possible for them to continue their invaluable work back in Uganda.”
Bede student Oliver Barron added: “They have been fantastic fun to be with and are incredibly talented. We have all had a great time.”
The choir also performed at Bede Academy’s sister school Emmanuel College.
It will perform in North Yorkshire, the North West, Shropshire and Cornwall before returning home in December.
Donations are supplemented by crafts and musical instruments sold at each venue.
Morpeth-based Andrew Black, who helps his wife Kim organise the UK tour, said: “The choir members stay with host families who also have young children themselves. This is a fantastic experience for everyone.”
