Norwood School’s Lassoo were crowned winners of Trinity Laban’s Battle of the Bands 2026 at Blackheath Halls last week, impressing the judges with their powerful performance.
Battle of the Bands is an annual event which invites young musicians aged 11-18 from schools, music centres, and youth projects to perform covers and brand-new music to a panel of industry specialists. The event provides an exciting opportunity for young performers to develop their skills, expand their networks and share their music with a new audience.
Lassoo, the five-piece all-female band, composed of Year 12 students, performed their original song Dancing Through the Night as well as a cover version of Beyonce’s Crazy in Love. Lassoo’s prize includes a visit to Trinity Laban for a coaching session with one of our BA (Hons) Music Performance and Industry band tutors, and a professional recording session in our studio to help develop and promote their music further.
All eight bands put on an amazing performance to a packed house, highlighting the talent of the local area. Runners-up Benefit of the Shout who represented Southwark and Lewisham were also praised for their fantastic performance. The event welcomed bands from Lewisham Music, John Roan School (Greenwich), Sedgehill Academy (Lewisham), Bromley, Deptford Green (Lewisham), St Cecilia’s (Wandsworth) and BRIT School ACM (Guildford). Last year’s winners Soulstice from Langley Park School for Boys Sixth Form (Bromley) joined for a special guest performance.
Lula Nicholson, who is a BA Music Performance & Industry student at Trinity Laban, presented the event, and the judging panel consisted of industry experts, including Head of BA Music Performance and Industry at Trinity Laban, Jo Townsend, radio DJ Jasmine Rowland and music producer, rap artist and educator Paramdeep Sokhy.
Joe Townsend, wished the winners well: “Congratulations to Lassoo. This band typifies the spirit of music coming out of south London at the moment – there’s definitely something in the water! There’s clearly talent being nurtured across schools, and Trinity Laban provide support and a platform for this, but the real creativity and talent comes from the young people themselves and their ability to make great music together.”
Showcasing the incredible talent of young people in South East London and beyond, Battle of the Bands reflects Trinity Laban’s commitment to supporting the next generation of musical talent and creating opportunities for young artists to develop their creativity.