The best and bravest of Camden’s young musicians took to the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday for the Camden Schools Music Festival.

Ham & High: The showpiece event was held at the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: Camden Council/Justin ThomasThe showpiece event was held at the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: Camden Council/Justin Thomas (Image: Camden Council/Justin Thomas)

The showpiece event brought together 2,000 school performers for a momentous night of powerful ensembles and brass fanfare which - with influences spanning Finland to Africa - encapsulated the diversity and musical spirit of the borough.

Now in its 12th year, the biennial event was supported by Camden Music Trust, Camden Learning, Arts Council England and Camden Council.

Camden Music Service groups such as the Camden Concert Band, Youth Jazz Band and Philharmonic showcased their material, with excited pupils having prepared for a year in anticipation of the flagship show.

The night involved 55 schools, 150 teachers, 1,586 choir singers, seven ensembles, 16 rappers, four DJs, 117 beginners, nine songs and nine vocal soloists.

Ham & High: From left to right: Camden mayor Maryam Eslamdoust, Madness lead singer Suggs and Camden Council leader Georgia Gould. Picture: Camden Council/Justin ThomasFrom left to right: Camden mayor Maryam Eslamdoust, Madness lead singer Suggs and Camden Council leader Georgia Gould. Picture: Camden Council/Justin Thomas (Image: Camden Council/Justin Thomas)

Concert and jazz band performer Christian Kiely-Charalambous, 18, from UCL Academy, said: 'It's about showing the world what we're capable of.'

Ham & High: Performers Amal Chaher, from Kingsbury High School, and Christian Kiely-Charalambous, from UCL Academy. Picture: Michael BonifacePerformers Amal Chaher, from Kingsbury High School, and Christian Kiely-Charalambous, from UCL Academy. Picture: Michael Boniface (Image: Archant)