Calling all young composers and musicians across the UK!
The Purcell School is proud to be collaborating with the Met Office on an exciting nationwide competition to mark a historic moment — 100 years on air of the Shipping Forecast.
To celebrate this centenary, we’re inviting primary and secondary school students, as well as music groups and centres, to create their own musical response to ‘Sailing By’ — the iconic orchestral piece by Ronald Binge, broadcast nightly on BBC Radio 4 ahead of the Shipping Forecast.
Two winning compositions (one from a primary and one from a secondary entrant) will be performed live at a special Met Office centenary event in Central London on Tuesday 1st July 2025.
Ten finalists will be shortlisted by a panel of expert judges.
Entries can be for soloists or ensembles using flute, clarinet, violin or cello.
Whether you’re working in a classroom or composing solo at home, this is a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity on a national stage.
Deadline for entries: Sunday 8th June 2025, 6.00pm
Click here to enter the competition
Download the melody for ‘Sailing By’ here
Listen to the piece on YouTube here
For questions or guidance, please contact Alison Cox.
Let your musical imagination set sail — we can’t wait to hear what you create!
