Gala FAQs

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When is the 2025 Hertfordshire Schools’ Gala taking place, and what time?

The Gala will be on Sunday 23 March 2025, at the Royal Albert Hall in London! There will be two concerts, one at 1.45pm and one at 7.45pm.

What’s the theme for the 2024 Hertfordshire Schools’ Gala?

The 2025 Gala “For the record” will be a celebration of music across the generations, featuring music making from Hertfordshire Music Service and surrounding schools. Check out our social media pages and website for the full programme announcement!

Our school have never participated in a Gala before, what should we expect?

If you’ve never been to a Gala before, take a look at our highlights video from Gala 2023 so you can see what it’s all about at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. The video is linked on this page.

You can see schools singing together in the massed choir, the orchestra, the dancers, winners of the rapper, composer and songwriter competitions, plus many more inspiring young musicians and performers who all made the 2023 Gala incredible!

Support is provided both musically and logistically so if you aren’t sure whether to apply or have a question get in touch.

Check out our 2023 Gala film!

Can our school apply to take part if we’ve participated recently?

Yes you can. If you have taken part recently in a Gala, please be aware that priority is given to new schools who haven’t participated before as we are always oversubscribed. When applying for a place, you will be asked when you last took part in the Gala.

Who performs at the Gala?

The Gala showcases the talent of over 2300 young people from across Hertfordshire!

Performers include:

Massed primary, special, and secondary school choirs
Hertfordshire Schools’ Symphony Orchestra
Hertfordshire County Youth Choir
Secondary school instrumental groups/bands
Dancers
HMS Steel Orchestra
Winners of the rapper and songwriter competitions
Youth presenters

& many more!

How much does it cost to participate?

There is a £15 per head participation cost for all performers.
Schools will be charged a £45 non-refundable deposit per school if successful in gaining a place, which will be deducted from the final invoice

What do HMS provide for participating in the Gala?

A printed teaching pack for the massed choir with musical scores, lyrics, and notes from the conductor
Links to tracks on Soundcloud of the choir items for rehearsals
A digital general information pack for all groups
2 concert tickets per school
Secondary schools: Twilight INSET session with conductor Rufus Frowde to guide secondary school choir leaders in autumn 2024 and a massed choir rehearsal in spring 2025.
Primary & Special schools: Twilight INSET session with conductor Rufus Frowde to guide primary & special school choir leaders in early spring 2024 and a massed choir rehearsal in spring 2025.

What do participating schools/groups need to provide?

Rehearsals in school. It will be the responsibility of the choir/ensemble/dance leader to rehearse their group
£15 per head participation cost
£45 non-refundable deposit per school if successful in gaining a place, which will be deducted from the final invoice
Cover staff costs and transport to and from the Royal Albert Hall
It is the responsibility for schools to print music for rehearsal purposes, if required. A digital score can be shared with participating schools.

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets will be available to purchase from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office at 10am on Monday 13 January 2025. Please visit Hertfordshire Schools’ Gala | Royal Albert Hall or call 020 7589 8212.
A limited number of debenture returned seats will also be available on Eventbrite from February 2025. Please check back to the Gala webpage where tickets will be linked when available.
For guidance on purchasing accessible tickets, please visit Accessibility at the Hall - Royal Albert Hall
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Who can I contact if I have a question about the Gala?

Please reach out to Gala Project Manager, Lucy Buckland, either by emailing rahgala@hertfordshire.gov.uk or on 01992 555093.

RAH Gala Project Manager: Lucy Buckland
RAH Gala Project Co-ordinator: Daisy Enfield

Email: rahgala@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Tel.: 01992 555093 or 01438 843987