William Penn’s May Day celebrations

Children danced a series of intricate dances around the May Pole, between 1.30pm and 2.30pm during the annual event which involves the whole school coming together.

Maddie Howell, was crowned Queen and is attended by Year 6 children who play the roles of flower girls, sweep, jesters, man of green, sweep and our town crier who presides over events and announces the different dances to the audience of relatives and carers.

Lesley Hart, at William Penn School, said: “Our May Queen is always crowned at the beginning of the festivities and then she and all the other children take part in the dancing.

“Each year group performs a different dance to create a different pattern around the pole with the ribbons and are taught these by Mrs Yvonne Breacher, one of our Teaching Assistants, who works tirelessly to ensure a smooth event and that the children are confident with their roles and enjoy them as a result.

“It was, as always, a lively day and one the children thoroughly enjoyed.”

The school also held their school fete on the day between 3.15pm to 7pm.

Lesley added: “This we had an Alice in Wonderland theme and our PTA were busy constructing beautiful paper mache flowers, mushrooms and characters to decorate the fete.”

The fete was held on the school field and a huge range of events included races, dancing by our children supported by their DanceTime teacher Mrs Sarah Foster, a magician, face painting, fairground rides, a hog roast and barbeque.

“The good weather ensured that lots of fun was had by everyone and the PTA had worked hard to ensure there was always lots going on to keep everyone amused,” continued Lesley.