Standing Ovation for Abercorn PS Choir

The boys and girls were accompanied by school staff and a large number of parents and supporters who took part in an evening showcasing music, dance and culture from across all five regions of the Commonwealth.

Commenting after the event local Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson said: “The boys and girls were fantastic, they certainly did Banbridge very proud.

“They sang three beautiful pieces and brought the audience to their feet with their singing of Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, Hand me down my Silver Trumpet and the Lord’s My Shepherd.

“I was delighted to see so many people making the journey from Banbridge to be part of the Commonwealth celebrations, which this year was themed ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth.’

“The event was also part of the Assembly’s activities to mark on Women’s Week.

“The speakers focused on the continued under-representation of women in Parliament’s across the Commonwealth.

“Throughout the evening we had performances from Australia, Africa, India, the Caribbean and New Zealand, but the grand finale, which I was honoured to introduce, was Abercorn Primary School Choir and they truly brought the house down.

“I would also like to commend the boys and girls and their teacher Mrs Pauline Wakeling on their recent success in singing so well at the Radio Ulster School Choir of the Year in Omagh and wish them all every success in the future.

“The choirs performance will still be available on the BBC Radio Ulster Website - it was originally aired on Sunday afternoon.”