A weather forecast of a wet afternoon couldn’t wash out the long-awaited summer fair at Upton Junior School in Broadstairs.
Embodying one of the school’s values of ‘resilience’, staff and children swiftly set to and ensured that their summer extravaganza would go ahead indoors.
A musical programme that was planned for an outdoor stage was rejigged to a central spot inside the main hall, which also contained a variety of adult-run stalls including raffles and tombola.
Attractions that children had planned for their outside stalls were set up in classrooms around the school as every year group provided fun entertainment.
This included guessing the name of a cuddly toy, nail art, temporary tattoos, cake stalls, hair decorations, the sale of sweets and home-made cakes, lucky dip and mystery box, fishing for ducks, foaming pies in the face, and a human fruit machine.
The school was packed with families and friends moving between classrooms and the main hall, keen to soak up the indoor entertainment and try their luck at the fairground stalls.
Musical entertainment in the main hall included a percussion ensemble, folk group, rock band and solo performances, covering a wide range of musical styles that kept the party mood in full swing.
Head of School Darci Arthur said: “There was every chance our outdoor fair could be washed out and rather than risk it being cancelled, we decided to move everything into the school.
“It was hectic but everyone pulled together and we enjoyed a fabulous afternoon that really highlighted our community spirit. Everyone had worked hard preparing for the fair and were determined that the good old unpredictable British summer wasn’t going to stop our fun.
“Our children were fantastic hosting their stalls, the music concert was great, and our staff were first class. Thanks also go to everyone who donated raffle and tombola prizes.”
Money raised will go towards school funds, and a planned outdoor family picnic was rescheduled.