Earlier this month, our Music and Production students hosted a live gig at The Brit Bar in Weston-super-Mare, performing a diverse range of songs throughout the evening and gaining valuable hands-on experience in front of a live audience.

Throughout the night, students performed sets spanning multiple genres, showcasing both their musical talent and individual stage presence. The event featured solo performances from Scarlett Davidson and Ben Hedges, alongside duets and band performances from Heron, PVA Glue, and Sub Octave. The evening not only celebrated the creativity and hard work of our students, but also gave them practical insight into what goes into delivering a successful live production.

Performing in established local venues such as The Brit Bar offers students an invaluable opportunity to experience the realities of the music industry in a supportive but professional environment. Live performances help students develop confidence, improve their stage presence, and learn how to engage with different audiences which are essential skills for aspiring musicians and performers.

Events like these also allow students to connect with other local artists, venue staff, and members of the community, helping them build professional networks and establish themselves within the local music scene. Experiencing a real venue environment encourages adaptability, teamwork, and resilience, while also helping students discover their own performance style and artistic identity.

For many students, performing live is a pivotal first step towards future opportunities in music and production. Whether pursuing higher education, gig work, or careers within the entertainment industry, these experiences provide a realistic and inspiring introduction to the demands and rewards of not just performing professionally, but also understanding the effort and planning it takes to organise a successful gig.

Oz Cahill, Music lecturer at Weston College, added, “It’s fantastic to see our students performing at external venues, as experiences like this provide invaluable real-world insight that will help prepare them for future careers in the music industry. Not only does it build their confidence, but it also gives them the opportunity to develop their stage presence and learn how to connect with a live audience.”

“We encourage our students to take part in as many enriching opportunities as possible, helping them gain experience, build professional networks, and establish themselves within the local music scene. A huge thank you to The Brit Bar for providing our students with this incredible opportunity and for continuing to support and nurture the next generation of the music industry.” 

Well done to all the students who performed and we look forward to seeing where you go next!

This performance forms part of the Music and Production Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

Photos credited to Photography student, Louis Havinden.