Spectacular Evening Gala

The Coronation Festival Gala encapsulated the Festival's themes of excellence and innovation with a particular focus on youth, in a celebration of the past 60 years of Performing Arts.

The three magnificent Gala performances took place within the Gardens of Buckingham Palace on the evenings of 11th, 12th and 13th July, thanks to the Coronation Festival's main event Partners, Jaguar Land Rover, GlaxoSmithKline and Bentley who each hosted one of the three evenings.

Home-grown UK artists Katherine Jenkins, Russell Watson, Katie Melua, Laura Wright and pop rock band The Feeling topped the Festival's evening music programme which also featured stunning performances by the National Youth Orchestra, Matthew Bourne's New Adventures, English National Ballet and Grammy Award winning composer Eric Whitacre, plus a host of other artists, in a tribute to Her Majesty and the incredible era of change during her Reign.

The Fanfare Trumpeters from the Household Division opened the Gala evening followed by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, one of the most beloved international sopranos and a mentor to young artists, with The National Anthem. This begun a musical journey through Britain and the Commonwealth since HM The Queen's Coronation.

A series of scenes celebrated music of the Commonwealth and reflected Britain's unique leadership role in pop music since the 1960's. British musical, film and television excellence will also be championed with some of Britain's most iconic films, from The Avengers to James Bond, paid tribute to in a specially commissioned theatrical dance performance by Matthew Bourne's New Adventures commissioned by Big Dance.

East London Dance featured courtesy of Big Dance along with the Dhol Foundation courtesy of WOMAD. Welsh rising stars Only Boys Aloud, young performers from the Sylvia Young Theatre School, opera singers from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's Foundation, and talent of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain all came together representing the creative talent of the future.

Specially commissioned pieces were also premiered. Mike Batt created a piece for Katie Melua, choreographer George Williamson created a piece for English National Ballet, featuring Artistic Director Tamara Rojo and Eric Whitacre's pioneering 'virtual choir' also featured in a fusion of tradition and innovation demonstrating the industry's digital future.

Popular classical artists and national treasures Russell Watson and Katherine Jenkins lead the Gala to a rousing and triumphant finale featuring Only Boys Aloud in what was a series of nights to remember.

Event organiser Media 10 Ltd commissioned Raymond Gubbay Ltd to produce this unique, energetic and entertaining show for this very special celebration.

Click the below icons for images of our top artists who headlined the Festival:

Katherine Jenkins	Russell Watson	Katie Melua	Laura Wright	The Feeling