A group of talented students, who were inspired by a visit to Halvergate Marshes, have taken to the stage for a special performance.

The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft showcased a debut live performance of the Broads Album last Wednesday, May 9.

Students from Lowestoft Sixth Form College and Pakefield High School combined to produce the album that was performed during the concert.

It concluded their project to compose, record and perform an album of songs inspired by the Broads, with the finished album now kicking off a new competition which will see the students' work go on tour.

The initiative is a part of the Heritage Lottery funded Water, Mills and Marshes project, which is managed by the Broads Authority to enhance local engagement with the history and conservation of the Broads.

After visiting Halvergate Marshes earlier this year the students were able to spend time immersed in the Halvergate area of the Broads – and it was here where they drew their inspiration from the natural landscape for the album.

The students' experience was then used as a muse as they took time in the classroom to work individually and in groups to compose, write and produce their own score of music. The project – from composition to finished product – was a six-month journey with the final pieces being collated into 11 tracks that feature on the official Broads Album.

Lowestoft Sixth Form College teacher, Guy Nottage, said: 'Being given a real-life compositional brief has inspired our students to produce truly exceptional work, in a way that is hard to replicate in the classroom alone. The project encouraged the students to step out of their comfort zones, challenged them to compose using less familiar methods and themes, whilst giving them reason to engage with their surroundings. The results were stunning and left the students with a collection they can be truly proud of.'

The Broads Album is now going to be taken 'on tour' with a competition to see how far the album can be played with an emphasis on public spaces. To be involved, entrants must take a video of the Broads Album being played publically – as long as it's not a private residence.

Will Burchnall, project manager of the Water Mills and Marshes programme, said: 'We're so excited to be able to launch the 'Broads Album on Tour' competition. It means that the students involved won't just have had the experience of creating music and performing it to a live audience but also of seeing the public response to their recorded album. It's our way of bringing the Broads to a much wider audience.'

For further information on the Broads Album competition visit the official Water, Mills and Marshes website or their official Water Mills and Marshes Facebook page, where all video entries should be submitted.