Vandyke students get Leighton Buzzard dancing!

Every year, the gunpowder plot that saw Guy Fawkes attempt to assassinate James I, is remembered through firework displays up and down the country. In today’s age, it is not a surprise that councils are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to mark the occasion and we were pleased to be a part of our local community’s solution: a laser light show.

The event was piloted last year and following its success, came back with a bang last week, albeit slightly earlier than the traditional Bonfire Night. The Laser Light Show was held in the centre of town and attracted a crowd in their thousands, who all flocked to soak up the festivities; a whole evening of live music, rides and plenty of food stalls, what’s not to love?

The evening kicked off at 6 o’clock with its first laser light show display, sending beams and patterns of light up the high street to dance in the sky and on shop fronts, with the crowd watching in wonder. Cottesloe School in Wing got the crowd pumped with their eclectic set lists, including a rendition of Parklife by Blur and Seventeen Going Under by Sam Fender, along with some moments to shout and scream along with their metal band.

With Cottesloe’s bands and two laser displays in the bag, it was time for Vandyke’s band, Dynasty, to take to the stage and blow the crowd away with their disco/funk-inspired set. The group consisted of Amy Bennett (Y10) on lead vocals, Aidan Harris (Y11) on lead guitar, Fabio Borrelli (Y12) on rhythm guitar, Holly Skerrett (Y12) on bass and Ewan Barford-Hart (Y12) on drums and backing vocals.

With their set list including Beat It by Michael Jackson, September by Earth, Wind and Fire, Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars, just to name a few, it is no surprise that every single song had the crowd singing from the bottom of their lungs. The palpable feeling of sadness when their set was over was testament to their musical prowess and ability to engage the crowd.