Talented Fairfax Academy performers ‘steal the show’ at regional awards

Talented Fairfax Academy performers: Talented students, from Fairfax Academy, wowed business leaders and politicians from across the West Midlands with a series of show‑stopping performances from the school’s iconic Eisteddfod festival.

Eisteddfod, first introduced at Fairfax in 1960, is the most anticipated event in the school calendar, celebrating excellence in dance, drama, music and creative expression.

The standout performers from December’s festival impressed so strongly that they received a rare invitation to appear at the prestigious STLC Awards, jointly organised by the Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Lichfield and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce.

The awards ceremony, held on Thursday 12 February, embraced a Greatest Showman theme, which was a perfect match for the most recent carnival‑inspired Eisteddfod.

Gary Phelps, President of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, said the students truly stole the show.

He said: “The SLTC Awards are one of the biggest events of their kind in the region, and this year’s theme made it the perfect opportunity to invite these talented Fairfax Academy performers to share their Eisteddfod pieces — along with some new compositions. They were absolutely brilliant, delivering performances of a professional standard to a big, appreciative crowd.”

West Midlands business leaders and politicians were impressed by dancers from Fairfax Academy.

Held at the National Fairground Museum at Statfold Country Park, the black‑tie event saw students perform in front of business leaders, entrepreneurs, MPs and local mayors, earning enthusiastic applause throughout the evening.

Vocalists Rhyleigh, Nissi, Niamh, Annalise and Nicole captivated guests with their harmonies, while dancers Ruby, Harriet, Kyla, Jacinta and Riley impressed with a dynamic routine inspired by The Greatest Showman. Instrumentalists from Coventry House — Spencer, Niamh, Keira, Yuhao and Ewan — energised the room with Carnival of Fire, a circus‑style rock piece.

Principal Sean Castle said the students’ achievements reflected the school’s long‑standing commitment to the arts.

He said: “It was wonderful to see our students perform at such a prestigious event, and once again they did Fairfax proud. The opportunity to perform in a professional setting was invaluable, and they excelled. 

“It’s an evening I’m sure they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Talented Fairfax Academy performers at Chamber Awards

For more about Fairfax Academy, click here.

To visit the Fairfax website, click here.

Gary Phelps
Gary is an award-winning journalist who has edited nine newspapers and helped launch numerous online news brands. He created UK School News to provide platforms for local schools to share positive news stories, helping them engage with their local communities and celebrate their successes. He has appeared on TV and radio on numerous occasions, presented evidence to Government ministers, lobbied on behalf of the media industry and trained dozens of young journalists. Gary was an Associate Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Derby, and has also advised Wolverhampton College's award-winning Journalism course accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

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