Following the hugely successful Schools Rock Prom last week, Nigel Hildreth now turns his attention to the more classical version.

Always a huge hit with parents and music-lovers alike, this will be the 20th year of the running of the Schools Prom, which again takes place at Charter Hall.

Nine of our local secondary schools are busy preparing their items to perform at the venue next Friday, March 15, starting at 7pm.

Each of the schools and colleges will perform their own items with ensembles such as choirs, orchestras, bands and brass ensembles with a huge range of music from Gustav Holst to The Pentatonix.

The schools then all combine for a finale which this year are two numbers from the film The Greatest Showman.

Nigel, who is former head of music at the Sixth Form College and runs the Colne Valley Youth Orchestra, says: "This is a wonderful opportunity for young musicians in the town to perform in Charter Hall and to see their talent on show.

"It is also a magnificent feeling to hear and see 300 plus performers come together in the finale."

The schools taking part this year include Colchester Academy, Colchester County High School for Girls, Colchester Royal Grammar School, The Gilberd School, The Stanway School, St Helena School, Thomas Lord Audley School, The Sixth Form College and Thurstable School.

Tickets are available from the Colchester events box office via the Mercury Theatre on 01206 573948 or on-line at www.colchester-events.co.uk. They cost £8 for adults and £3 for children.