A TALENTED group of young singers from a Carlisle primary school are set to perform with hit music stars on an arena stage in Manchester.

Youngsters from St Cuthbert’s Primary on Victoria Road in Botcherby will make the 240-mile round trip to the famous arena in the city centre next Thursday.

The major performance - entitled The Young Voices choir - will see dozens of other schools from across the north west take part.

The music initiative, which has ran for several years, holds 23 concerts involving school children in venues across the country each year.

Up to 40 pupils - from years three, four, five and six - will perform a selection of old and new songs as part of the bill.

Among the line-up that the young ones will share the stage with are Spandau Ballet lead singer Tony Hadley, country music duo The Shires, and 2018 winner of The Voice UK, Ruti.

As excitement continues to build, music teacher Daniella Mason has been busy prepping the pupils for the big performance.

Daniella told The Cumberland News: “Since last September we’ve been practicing for Young Voices.

“After receiving details of all the songs, everyone has been so excited.

“The concert isn’t a competition, but a chance for the children to go down and really savour that atmosphere down at Manchester Arena.

“I don’t think the children will realise just how big the event will be until they step out onto that stage next week.

“The pupils don’t know who Tony Hadley is, but the other teachers are looking forward to him appearing.”

The pupils’ appearance on the big stage comes a few weeks after they featured on national television.

Earlier this month, children from the school were broadcast on the BBC’s Songs of Praise.

Crews from the TV show filmed at St Cuthbert’s Church in June last year.

“It’s going to be so exciting to sing-along with Tony, The Shires and Ruti.

“We’ve got a wide repertoire of songs, which include tracks from western musicals like Calamity Jane, plus a pop medley ranging from George Ezra, Queen and REM.

“The whole experience has been wonderful to introduce the pupils to different types of music that they may not have had the chance to sing before. They absolutely love the western songs.

“The real joy about Young Voices is that it brings out a passion of music with the pupils,” Daniella continued.

The scheme aims to highlight music that might be new to youngsters, but spark a sense of nostalgia in parents, with the ultimate goal of improving self-confidence, and connecting families through music.

The Young Voices Choir concert will start at 7pm in Manchester Arena on January 30.