Six Bristol pupils prepare to join the stars for Prom on the Close

Six teenage girls from Redland High School, in Bristol, are preparing for the most exciting challenge of their lives – singing live in front of an audience of thousands at this year's Prom on The Close.

The girls are part of a choir named The Six, which won the chance to perform at Bristol's "very best summer party" after taking part in a "last choir standing" competition run by the organisers.

This year's prom, sponsored by Ashfords Solicitors, takes place in the grounds of Clifton College on Saturday and The Six have been rehearsing morning and night to extend their repertoire – in addition to studying for exams.

The girls, Julia Loveless, Rosalind Russell, Kim Mather, Felicia Whitley, Becky Brown and Elizabeth Nolland, came together as a choir originally to take part in a school production and decided to continue, getting in before lessons in the morning to rehearse.

The Six are one of four local choirs who will be singing at the prom – the others are the Bartones, a vocal harmony group based at Barton Hill; Nota Bene, a seven-strong acapella choir from St Bonaventure's Church; and Partsong, a Bristol-based acapella group led by James Vaccaro.

Topping the bill at this year's Prom on The Close are two of Britain's best young classical music talents, soprano Natasha Marsh and tenor Nicky Spence. Sharing the limelight will be two Clifton College students, 15-year-old singer Elleri Hughes and talented violinist Julia Hwang.

The Prom, which is part of Bristol University's centenary celebrations, will also include a fly past by the Red Arrows and a firework display.

There will also be a surprise for one lucky couple attending this year's prom – Continental Airlines has provided two return tickets from Bristol to New York as a special prize draw on the night.

Tickets for Prom on The Close start from £20 and are available on the booking line 0870 7740577. Gates open at 4.30pm with music from 5.30pm.