Level Two’s young people are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime performance after being featured by the BBC ahead of this year’s Suffolk Day celebrations.
The BBC recently highlighted the exciting collaboration between Level Two Youth Project and legendary keyboard player Rick Wakeman, who will perform alongside members of the Level Two choir at the Suffolk Celebration Concert taking place at St Edmundsbury Cathedral on Sunday 21st June.
Known worldwide for his work with the progressive rock band Yes and an extraordinary career spanning decades, Rick Wakeman has recently become involved with Level Two and has been working closely with our young performers in preparation for the event.
Speaking to the BBC, Rick praised the young people involved, saying:
“They have been excellent, absolutely fantastic. It’s going to be a lot of fun on the day.”
He also hinted that the audience can expect something a little different, adding that the song being performed has probably “never been sung in a cathedral before.”
A Special Opportunity for Our Young People
For members of the Level Two choir, the experience has been both exciting and inspiring.
Eighteen-year-old choir member Ruby Barker spoke to the BBC about the opportunity, describing it as a real honour.
“It’s just beautiful. It’s such an honour, all coming together to celebrate Suffolk and I never thought I’d get to say, ‘I sang with Rick Wakeman the other day’.”
The Suffolk Celebration Concert forms part of the county’s annual Suffolk Day programme and brings together some of Suffolk’s finest performers, artists and community groups to celebrate everything that makes the county special.
Music That Changes Lives
The Level Two choir is led by Suzi Lowe and forms part of the charity’s extensive creative programme for young people.
Alongside choir and drama groups, Level Two also operates a professionally equipped music studio where young people can learn music production, songwriting, recording and performance skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Level Two CEO Shez Hopkins told the BBC that music continues to play a vital role in supporting young people’s wellbeing and development.
“One of the things I really value about Level Two is that we offer everything without charge to young people, which means it’s properly accessible to those that need it most.”
She added that the programme supports everyone from highly talented musicians looking to develop their skills through to young people who use music as a tool to improve confidence, wellbeing and mental health.
“We’re incredibly privileged to have Rick Wakeman endorsing the work of Level Two and supporting us by encouraging our young people. It’s just amazing.”
Celebrating Suffolk Together
The Suffolk Celebration Concert will bring together performers from across the county in a unique evening of music, creativity and community spirit.
For Level Two, it is another opportunity to showcase the incredible talent, confidence and potential of the young people who attend the charity’s programmes every week.
We are incredibly proud of every young person involved and grateful to Rick Wakeman, Suffolk Celebration, Suffolk Community Foundation and everyone who continues to support opportunities like these for young people across Felixstowe and Suffolk.
Event Information
Suffolk Celebration Concert
📅 Sunday 21st June 2026
🕖 7:00pm
📍 St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds
The concert forms the grand finale of Suffolk Day 2026 and celebrates the people, communities and creativity that make Suffolk such a special place.
BBC Coverage
You can read the full BBC article covering the collaboration between Rick Wakeman and Level Two’s young people here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy8d300455eo
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