If you were passing by the college last Thursday you might not have been surprised to see our marquee, erected every June for end-of-year events. You may, however, have had a double take at the Tipi Tent standing proudly adjacent to it.
This incredible structure heralded in our inaugural Summer Music Festival: an event born out of the desire to provide a relevant platform from which our young musicians could express themselves.
It was an event that welcomed back Old Vikings (Shiplake College alumni), introduced parents to their children's teachers like they'd never seen them before (as a staff band, and with the Headmaster headlining!) and celebrate the discipline, challenges, independence and joy of their children who showed utter determination in the rehearsals which took place throughout the term.
There were parent-led bands treating the crowds to a selection of Golden Oldies and the buzz was palpable. As if this wasn't enough we were acutely aware that with pupils looking to emulate the latest electro sub-styles and explore the art of Turntablism, we needed to provide a pathway for them to explore and develop their ideas creatively, ensuring the event was more than just a Rock festival.
Therefore, future DJs offered the solution to this and worked with a dozen pupils aged between 11 and 18 during the 10 months of preparation getting them ready for their performances throughout the evening, closing the event with a Sundown set accompanied by a full rainbow which was seen glowing vividly over the college.
Thin Lizzy, Simple Minds and The Smiths, as well as Average White Band, Parliament and Anita Baker could be heard from mainstage whilst in the tipi tent we were entertained by stirring performances from our First Eight a cappella choir and singer songwriters, providing a scintillating balance to the programme. With Spanish and English themed F&B stalls to keep the festival goers sustained throughout the evening, we all left with a little habanera in our step, and with all of the Daddy-dancers on display there was perhaps more pulled hamstrings than pulled pork!
The event was a huge success, with over 300 friends, family and local community members attending. Shiplake look forward to organising the next ‘Shiplake Rocks Summer Festival’.
