Musical flashmob surprises shoppers in Shrewsbury - in photos
It came as a surprise to shoppers and those grabbing a bite in the restaurants that line Shrewsbury's Square.
Dozens of children arrived en masse, armed with instruments, for an impromptu concert.
The orchestra from Prestfelde School decided on the flashmob stunt in order to show off their talents and to practice playing in public.
They treated the people of Shrewsbury to themes from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Shoppers were stopped in their tracks as brass, woodwind, strings and even a double bass emerged from behind the pillars of the Old Market Hall and joined together in the music from the hit film.
The top secret performance was the idea of the school’s musical director Jeremy Lund and the entire school, plus parents, have managed to keep the ‘big secret’ all term.
Some of the players were just eight-years-old and all played from memory and without a conductor.
A team of videographers was on hand to record the event, which will be placed on the school’s Youtube channel.
Mr Lund said: “The children have been preparing for the last three weeks to take the Square by storm. This assembly of over 40 young instrumentalists surely ranks as one of the youngest ever orchestral flashmobs.
“What began as an idea to keep the children occupied at the end of term soon took on a life of its own. The various groups we run have provided about 45 children aged from 8 up to 13, playing 14 different types of musical instrument and managed entirely by the children themselves.
“We are hugely grateful to Shrewsbury businesses such as the Halifax Building Society, Starbucks and the Music Hall Museum which have been in on the secret.
"It was lovely. We had loads of people watching in the square - far more than expected."
"I've just come across it unexpectedly," said Helen Ball, on a visit to Shrewsbury with her WI from South Manchester. "We had to stay and watch. It's absolutely delightful."
Fiona Hill, on a historical tour of the town added: "What a beautiful thing to stumble upon and such talented children."
Ginny Davis, whose son Guy is in year 8 at Prestfelde, said: "What a great way to raise money for UNICEF. The children have loved preparing for it. It's always great to have some time out from school."
