The festival was a delightful culmination of talent, dedication, and a deep passion for music that was enjoyed by all who attended. The atmosphere was wonderful as students, teachers, parents, and members of the local community gathered for a relaxing afternoon of music on the front lawn in the sunshine.

The event began with an amazing set from our Year 12 band, Surround Sound, who played music from a variety of music genres. This was followed by Funkee Junkee who stepped in at the last minute to play a classic set of rock classics. Next came our Cabaret slot with some amazing performances from our talented students. Year 7 student, Haadi K, started off by singing a song in Japanese, followed by notable performances from Year 10 student Grace S and Year 12 students Annabel R and Luca C. Next our Year 10 music class performed the hit song Don’t Stop Believing, followed by a high energy rendition of Happy by Year 7 students Bea O and Maya S. The Blue Circle Band performed next with a set of classic songs with guest vocalists Simon Hurst and Jane Werry. This was followed by the much-anticipated set from the school’s very own teacher band, Random Band Name Generator. Finally, as the sun was setting, we witnessed a blistering high energy set from our headline act, Shred Zeppelin, who were simply breathtaking.

The festival not only showcased the exceptional talent of our students but also highlighted the invaluable support of our dedicated, newly founded PTA with funds raised going to Warlingham. This was the first large event organised by the PTA and they did an outstanding job. Special thanks to Sarah Dench and Sharlene Hogan, without whom this event would not have been possible. We would also like to thank the PTA for supplying refreshments, Mr Pizzey for running the ball games area and suppliers including Napoli on Wheels, for the delicious ice cream and Fouzia Ilyas the henna tattoo artist. We would also like to give special mention to SubFrantic for providing an excellent stage and making everything sounded fantastic on the day. It is also important to thank all the stewards, Site Team, Marketing Team and all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a flawless event. Finally, we would also like to give a special mention to our students Phoebe H (Year 7), Henry W (Year 8) and Sophie W (Year 9) and who gave up their time to support the PTA.

As we look back on the Warlstock Music Festival, we celebrate the unifying power of music and its ability to bring people together. The festival served as a reminder that music is more than just notes on a page; it is an expression of emotion, a catalyst for personal growth, and a language that transcends barriers. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the participants, whose commitment and talent shone brilliantly on stage. Your performances were nothing short of breath-taking, and we applaud your hard work and passion for music. Your dedication serves as an inspiration to all aspiring musicians in our school community.

Finally, we would like to thank the Warlingham community for your unwavering support. Your appreciation for the arts and commitment to fostering a vibrant and creative environment have been instrumental in the success of the music festival. Warlstock was a true celebration of the magic of music. We eagerly anticipate Warlstock II.

Mr Mark Tucker
Assistant Headteacher