On Thursday 7^th March, a team of twelve pupils, Mrs Holmes, five members of staff and a host of supportive parents arrived at Stratford Park Main Hall in a high state of anticipation for the newly reinstated Country Dancing Festival. This was the first festival to be held since February 2019 and we were all very excited.  Practices have been happening after school on Tuesdays since January, learning seven difficult dances with much fun and laughter in the sessions.

During the evening, we joined nine other schools in the main hall and our dancing was accompanied by the Downfielders Folk Group and a caller to help us out when we forgot what came next! All schools danced at the same time and it was quite a powerful sight seeing so many children together. Although initially nervous, our children performed brilliantly and kept going throughout the evening. They had a wonderful time and enjoyed being part of an event towards which they had worked so hard.

A big thank you to Mrs Holmes for giving up her time to teach Country Dancing as well as for sewing such swishy skirts for the dancers to wear.  Also, to all of the staff that came to support on the night and our parents who supported their children and took part in two adult dances.  Of course, most importantly, enormous thanks and congratulations to the lovely Country Dancing team that represented our school in such a positive manner.