GREATER Gwent Youth Orchestra performed at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday evening as part of the Music for Youth Schools Prom concerts.

The 110-strong group beat off competition from numerous other groups to become one of 33 selected to play at the iconic venue.

Their journey began by being successful at a regional competition before they impressed at a national festival in Birmingham. They were they were chosen to play on one of the three nights being hosted at the Royal Albert Hall this week.

The group, ranging from ages 13-21 and conducted by Peter James, played three separate performances that ended with the iconic Land of Hope and glory.

110 from the orchestra, members of staff and over 50 family and friends made the journey to London for the performance.

Emma Archer, a senior leader of the group, said: “It went very well. The performance went smoothly and it was really exciting.

“The whole group were excited and saying how it was the most amazing experience for them as well as how much they enjoyed it.

“It was a fantastic performance and a spectacular ending with balloons coming down as Land of Hope and Glory was played.

“It’s an internationally recognised event and its given them an opportunity that they may not get again.

“We left Newport at 7am and didn’t get home until 1am so it was a long day but it all went really well.”

Lewis & the Ukes - made up of 15 male pupils from Lewis School Pengam - will be performing tonight.