ugs cultural evening: uplifting, joyous & in a good cause

It's been a truly fantastic Cultural evening at UGS, organised by our Senior Prefects, Diversity Society, Mrs Rogers, Head of Sixth Form Miss Lingwood, and supported by our Sixth Form students and Mr Harrison's wonderful musical arrangements.

After guests experienced the opportunity to sample a gorgeous range of diverse edible treats, Year 13 Towi, fulfilling his role as lead host, MC and quiz master with charm and aplomb, opened the main event by introducing Year 9s, who movingly performed Maya Angelou's awe-inspiring poem And Still I Rise, which resonated still more in celebration not only of this evening, but of International Women's Day today:

This was followed by a fun quiz on world countries, cultures, landmarks, and traditions, with 2 volunteering teams facing each other out on stage, but masterfully managed by Towi:

Year 13 Nicole then delivered a nerve-tingling solo performance of 'Ahwak' (I Adore You) by Abdel Halim Hafez:

It was then time for the runway shows, and they were simply a breath-taking showcase of the talents of our students, and of the rich heritage, traditions, dance, dress and music of our world cultures and wider community:

The energy and joy on stage and in the audience was palpable, energising and uplifting, and an absolute delight and privilege to be a part of:

Not forgetting that it was all in a good cause and fund-raising for relief for Gaza, supported also by the prize raffle arranged by our Senior Prefects.

All good things must come to an end, but there was a fittingly rapturous finale from the performers and contributors:

With huge, huge thanks to our wonderful Senior Prefects, Sixth formers, Mrs Rogers and Miss Lingwood, for organising tonight's tremendously enriching, edifying yet fun evening, to Mr Harrison for lending his musical direction, and to all our guests, parents, carers, families and staff who supported the event.

Really well done all, we are a great community, and we couldn't be more proud!