AFTER weeks of confusion surrounding the future of Rock Challenge in Southampton, it has now been confirmed the show will go on.

The Rock Challenge and J Rock ‘Education in Action’ Tour will arrive in the city at the start of next month despite rumours that the event had cancelled its week with the city’s O2 Guildhall.

The company would not comment on the confusion surrounding the event but confirmed it would take place on March 4-9.

Previously the Guildhall said the event had been cancelled but confirmed it would now go ahead.

Wellow Primary School in West Wellow is preparing for the competition this year after taking top-spot in 2018 and being presented with an award from MP Caroline Nokes. They were followed by runners-up St Patricks Primary School, with Bitterne Manor Primary School in third.

A spokesperson for Wellow said: “We are definitely still preparing to entre. We have been very busy rehearsing today. As far as we are concerned, it is all still going ahead.”

Dozens of schools from across Hampshire take part every year, investing hundreds of hours of their time, both during school and in the evenings and weekends.

Teams of students spend months preparing for powerful stage shows to reflect the foundation’s message that young people can get a natural high from performance and don’t need drugs or alcohol.

They produce eight-minute performances on subjects of their choice and are involved in everything from set design and costumes to make-up, acting and lighting.

This week, the event has been taking place at Portsmouth Guildhall.

Thirty-three Hampshire schools will taking part in the Portsmouth Rock Challenge and 14 primary schools are to contest the J Rock event.