RGS Talent Shines at the Sunshine Festival
We were delighted to hear that RGS band, AKT-II, had the fantastic opportunity to perform at this year’s Sunshine Festival.
Billed alongside Jason Donovan on the Saturday lineup, AKT-II secured a coveted one-hour performance slot thanks to their outstanding success at the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival (WCAF). Hosted by RGS Worcester over two weekends in March each year, WCAF attracts hundreds of competitors and their families. The Music Room, Perrins Hall, and Main Hall were transformed into vibrant performance spaces for the event. Founded in 1951, WCAF provides amateur performers of all ages the chance to compete and showcase their talents in a friendly, supportive environment. Winners of competitive classes are awarded cups, medals, and trophies, with some invited to perform at the festival concert. This year, several RGS soloists, ensembles, and bands achieved significant success.
AKT-II’s remarkable performance earned them one of only four slots at the Sunshine Festival in Upton-upon-Severn over the August Bank Holiday weekend. This achievement was particularly noteworthy as both youth and adult bands competed fiercely for the chance to perform.
Made up of Ivan Innocent, Thomas Newman, Arun Mungur, Kieran Lilley, and Lucas Reid, the rock band delivered an unforgettable hour-long set, performing ten covers and two original songs. Their powerful performance resonated with the crowd, leading to not one, but two encores!
Reflecting on the experience, AKT-II member Ivan Innocent said, “The Sunshine Festival was an unforgettable experience! It was so exciting to be surrounded by such talented artists, and I’m really proud of what we accomplished as a band.”
In addition to AKT-II’s success, Year Eleven pupil Elsie-Rose Lyons also shone at the festival. After her exceptional performance at last year’s WCAF, she was invited to perform on the Kids Stage at the Sunshine Festival in 2023. Her talent quickly caught the attention of the stage crew, who were so impressed they invited the festival organiser to watch her second set. Equally captivated, he extended an invitation for Elsie-Rose to perform on the main stage that very evening, following the headline act, Ronan Keating, in front of an audience of 6,000 festival-goers!
After such a strong performance at last year’s Festival, Elsie- Rose had the thrilling opportunity to perform again at this year’s Festival.
Year Ten pupil Eloise Austin Ginger also had the incredible opportunity to perform on the Main Stage at the festival this year. After impressing the organisers with her earlier performance, Eloise was invited to perform live on Saturday evening, closing the show following Holly Johnson. It was a fantastic achievement and a memorable moment in her musical journey.
We are incredibly proud of both AKT-II, Elsie-Rose and Eloise for their fantastic achievements. These outstanding performances truly highlight the talent nurtured here at RGS Worcester.