Band night to showcase musical talents of Alnwick pupils

Runners - Ruairi Ryan, Gordon Rae and Jack Clements. Picture by Jane Coltman

And some of those involved in the Duchess’s Community High School Band Night on Wednesday, July 4, have already reaped rewards from their efforts.

The Playhouse gig will showcase eight of the groups that have come out of the Alnwick school so far.

Musical duo Double Glazed - Rosie Shotton and Florence Mills. Picture by Jane Coltman

They include three-piece Runners, who, fittingly considering their name, were one of the runners-up at a North East schools Battle of the Bands night at Newcastle’s Royal Grammar School earlier this month.

Runners came third in the competition which gave them the chance to visit the Metro Radio studios and be interviewed – as well as pick up a coveted Steve and Karen mug. They also won £100 and will get the chance to perform at The Globe in Newcastle.

The band is made up of Year 12 pupils Jack Clements and Gordon Rae and Year 13 student Ruairi Ryan.

And the lads were delighted to finish in the final three.

Gordon said: “It was really surreal. When we came off stage we had no idea what was going to happen.

“There was a while when the judges were deliberating and then they called us back – it felt like forever until they said third place Runners.

“There was this massive cheer in the crowd, it just felt electric.”

Jack added: “We just gave it our best shot. All the other bands were fantastic and I felt like we had everything to lose, but we did it.”

And Ruairi said: “On the night all three of us knew we had to just put on our best show. We had no idea what to expect but we are really proud.”

Ruairi is hoping to go to Leeds College of Music come September once he has received his A-Level results.

But the band say they hope to stay together to continue making music.

Second Hand High and Ruby and Rosie also took part in the Battle of the Bands.

They will all be performing at Band Night alongside Aimed Red, who recently performed at Dubfest, Sunkissed, Double Glazed and the DCHS Big Band.

The DCHS big band is made up of pupils from Year 7 to Year 12 which means that the all year groups from the school will be represented at the event.

Runners are headlining and all the bands will showcase their talents.

Tickets for the show, at 7.30pm on July 4, are selling fast.

To book your seat visit www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk or cal 01665 510785.