More than 400 young musicians took part in this year’s Pembrokeshire Valero Secondary Schools’ Music Festival.

Musicians from each of the County’s eight county secondary schools, Pembrokeshire College and further afield took part in individual and ensemble competitions throughout the day.

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “The atmosphere at this year’s Valero Secondary Music Festival was wonderfully supportive, allowing every pupil to shine.

“It was a great example of the Music plan for Wales in action, with community, schools and Pembrokeshire Music Service working together to give young people outstanding musical opportunities. Our thanks go to Valero for their continued support”.

Ryan Block from Ysgol Bro Preseli, was announced as overall winner of this year’s festival.

Earlier in the day Ryan had won the open percussion class with his performance of ‘War Pigs’ by Black Sabbath, featuring the late Ozzy Osbourne.

The Open String competition winner was cellist Seren Barrett from Ysgol Greenhill in Tenby. She performed ‘Humoresque’ by WH Squire.

Open Jazz was won by bass guitarist Iestyn Barellie, from Haverfordwest High VC School. He performed ‘Amazing Grace’ by Victor Wooten.

Euphonium player Carys Rycroft of Ysgol Bro Gwaun won the Open Brass competition, playing ‘The Ash Grove’ by H Round.

The Open Piano & Harp competition was won by harpist Lleucu-Haf Thomas of Ysgol Bro Preseli. She performed ‘Sonata number 4’ by Thomas Parry.

Mia Burnett, of Haverfordwest High VC School, was the winner of the Open Vocals competition, performing ‘Silent Noon’ by Vaughan Williams.

Open Woodwind was won by flautist Gemma Armstrong, of Ysgol Bro Preseli. She performed the first movement of Poulenc’s flute sonata.

George Penney, of Milford Haven School, was the winner of the Open Guitar. He performed ‘YYZ’ by Rush.

The Open Vocal Ensemble class winners were a Vocal trio from Haverfordwest High VC School – Mia Burnett, Nyah McKee and Lois Capitao. They performed a lively rendition of ‘Joyful Joyful’ from Sister Act 2.

Triawd ffliwt Bro Preseli were winners of the Open Ensemble. They performed Boismortier’s Sonata in G for 3 flutes movements 1 & 2.

The final performers of the afternoon were The Monarchs from Milford Haven School, with their performance of Bon Jovi’s ‘You give love’. They were winners of the Open Rock and Pop band class.

The invited professional adjudicators - Timothy Angel and Ben Richards, vocal; Sam Baxter, ensemble; Catherine Hare, woodwind; Gareth Kirby, brass; Karin Jenkins, strings; Rhiannon Pritchard, piano/harp; Jenny Weir, jazz/vocals/guitar; Joel Rees, percussion/rock and pop – were greatly impressed with the high standard and strength of schools’ music on show from across the County.

Timothy Angel, vocal adjudicator, expressed his admiration for the day. He added: “The wealth of musical talent within Pembrokeshire Music Service is evident to see and made my job both very rewarding and difficult.”

Piano and harp adjudicator Rhiannon Pritchard commented: “Once again it was such a well organised fun event to be a part of, and the standard was so incredibly high!”