Real reindeer, The Salvation Army Band, A Handbag of Harmonies and the Cambrian Queens were just some of the attractions joining Father Christmas and his elves at Chester Blue Coat CE Primary School’s first Christmas event in its new school building.
The ‘Evening with Father Christmas’ was organised by the school’s Friends group as a fundraiser for new outdoor play equipment at the school on Walpole Street, in Chester.
Hundreds of families and local residents thronged the school on November 29 to watch Santa and his reindeer arrive and enjoy performances by the Year 6 choir led by music teacher Kate Higgins, in addition to some of the city’s top musical groups.
Stalls included an International Food Stand, reflecting the school’s multi-national community, sell-out chocolate and bottle tombolas, a well-stocked raffle, and crafts and decorations made by the Year 6 children as part of their business enterprise project.
Top attraction for many was storytime with Father Christmas in his grotto, ably assisted by his elves.
Friends of Chester Blue Coat co-chairs Hannah Mabbutt and Rachel Nightingale said: “We’re delighted with how fantastically successful the evening has been. It’s been a lot of hard work and we’d like to thank everyone who has helped; planning, donating prizes, or on the night. We’ve managed to raise over £1,500 for the school, which is marvellous.”
Headteacher Vince O’Brien added: “It’s great to see the school and wider community come together at an event like this.”