We were truly honoured to be be asked to perform at the swearing in ceremony for the new Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday morning, May 7, 2016.

St Bonaventure’s was the only school to be chosen in the whole of London – a huge privilege. No other schoolchildren were invited. 

Miss Brocket hastily assembled the choir and held secret rehearsals on Friday afternoon. Even the boys didnt know what they were practising for. They only knew it was a top secret, high profile event.

After gathering at Stratford station early on Saturday morning, the 19 students ranging from Year 7s to Year 13s were told of their mission. The excited group were quizzed by Borough Market shoppers as they gathered outside Southwark Cathedral,  keen to find out what was going on inside the historic church. They deflected their questioning like true professionals and apologised and said they were not allowed to say. 

One inside the beautiful building and after a quick rehearsal,  the formal proceedings began. The atmosphere was one of excitement, joy and celebration as the students watched as Ed Miliband, Sir Ian McKellen, Owen Jones, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and the Met Police Commissioner all took their seats. Television cameras and photographers were in abundance,  all waiting to capture the historic moment.  

Once the new Mayor addressed the audience and signed the official declaration our students went up onto the altar to sing ‘Fight Song’ and ‘Hold Back the River’. The audience loved their song choices. 

Straight afterwards ‘Lord of the Rings’ actor Sir Ian made a beeline over to our students after Mr Halliwell had earlier asked him to meet the excited lads. He happily posed for selfies and photos and chatted.

Afterwards on the lawn,  the VIPs including our new Mayor himself were happy to pose for photos and selfies with our boys. 

It was a memorable morning indeed and the students were a credit to the school, their parents, Forest Gate, Newham and the whole of London.

The eyes of the world were on them and they behaved impeccably.