Rochdale primary schoolchildren shine in Virgin Media’s Christmas Stars competition

St Peter’s Church of England Primary School impressed a panel of judges with their nativity “I’m Gonna Shine” from Out of the Ark

A Rochdale primary school is celebrating after being named as a semi-finalist in Virgin Media’s Christmas Stars competition – a search to find the UK’s best primary school Christmas play.

St Peter’s Church of England Primary School has won £100 after reaching the final stage of the competition and was one of only 24 UK primary schools in the running to have their festive production filmed and shared with four million Virgin TV customers this Christmas.

In addition, the school will receive two ukuleles, thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit West End show, School of Rock the Musical – which partnered with Virgin Media on the competition.

Although the school did not win the overall prize, they impressed a panel of judges with their entry for their nativity “I’m Gonna Shine” from Out of the Ark. The nativity tells the story of Gloria, the brightest star of all, on a magical journey to Bethlehem to see the new baby King, Jesus. Gloria must guide the special guests, including the shepherds and their flocks to Bethlehem before the angry King Herod finds the newborn king.

A panel of judges included praised the school for its creative and imaginative nativity.

David Bouchier, Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media, commented: “Well done to St Peter’s for being a semi-finalist in Virgin Media’s Christmas Stars competition 2019.

“Everyone at the school should be proud of their fantastic festive entry and we’re delighted they’ve won a prize.

“We wish all pupils and staff a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year!”

Aelred Whelan, a teacher from St Peter’s Church of England primary school, said: “We are over the moon to have been shortlisted for the competition. It has brought an extra sparkle to Christmas time here at St Peter's. 

“We are so proud of the children, for how much joy and enthusiasm they put into our Nativity each year.

“Both staff and pupils have enjoyed the whole process of the competition and cannot wait to perform our spectacular Christmas show to our family and friends.”