Three local churches are joining forces to host a lively and nostalgic evening of music, memories and meaning at a special event called Assembly Bangers.
Taking place on Thursday 26 March at 7:30pm in the school hall of Peterhouse CofE Primary Academy on Magdalen Square, Gorleston, the evening is being hosted in partnership by St Mary Magdalene Church, Gorleston, St Nicholas Church, Bradwell and Cliff Park Community Church.
The event will celebrate the unforgettable songs of school assemblies — the soundtrack of childhood for so many — in a fun adult sing-along designed to bring the community together.
Music on the night will be led by local music sensation and teacher John Stephens, who will guide the audience through a mash-up of well-loved assembly classics that have echoed through school halls for generations.
But this Assembly Bangers is about more than nostalgia. The evening will also offer an opportunity to explore the deeper spiritual meaning behind the songs many grew up singing. Graham Daniels — former professional footballer and current Director of Cambridge United FC — will help unpack the faith and hope woven into these familiar lyrics, offering reflections on why these songs have endured and what they still have to say today.
Rev Matthew Price, Vicar of St Mary Magdalene, said: “These are songs many of us learned as children — songs touching on the themes of nature, kindness, hope and faith. They’ve stayed with us for decades. Assembly Bangers is a chance not only to enjoy those memories, but to rediscover the deeper meaning behind the words. We’d love people from across our community to come along, have fun, and perhaps encounter something of significance along the way.”
The evening promises a warm welcome, plenty of laughter, drinks and an old-school tuck shop – a shared experience that bridges generations. Whether people come for the nostalgia, the music, or simply a great night out, organisers hope it will be an uplifting and memorable event for the whole community.
Event Details: Thursday 26 March 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm) Peterhouse CofE Primary Academy, Magdalen Square, Gorleston, NR31 7BY. Tickets available from: Sing Along Assembly Bangers Night (26-Mar-2026) · ChurchSuite Events
Organisers are encouraging members of the community to send photos and memorabilia of school days to the St Mary Magdalene Church office on admin@stmmgorleston.org.