HUNDREDS of pupils took part in a spectacular five-hour music marathon in the historic setting of Copped Hall at the weekend.

Talented youngsters from Davenant Foundation School in Loughton took part in the 'Midsummer Festival Festival of Music, Dance and Drama' to help raise money for their upcoming music tour to Assisi in Italy.

The show got off to a thunderous start with a whole stage full of drummers providing a rhythmic introduction to the proceedings, which included a performance of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody by the school choir and a variety of music, drama and dance pieces.

Muki Zubis, 17, also impressed with her song 'Me' – which was backed by the Upper School Girls Choir - a song she wrote aged 16 for her GCSE music studies.

The show was watched by a large crowd of proud parents and students, who braved scorching weather to attend the event at the 12th century mansion in the Epping countryside.

Headteacher Chris Seward said: “This event takes months of meticulous planning and John Powell, our Head of Music, and his team worked tirelessly to put it all together.

“Our thanks go to them, all our students for the myriad of tasks and performing, the Copped Hall Trust of course and our school family who came out it great numbers to support.”

Visit davenanttour.blogspot.com to follow the tour's progress and to watch a video of the show.