A primary school has launched its first-ever storytelling and arts festival inspired by the Hay Festival.
Perry Wood Primary School hosted its debut ‘Make Hay’ Festival, a week-long celebration of creativity, literacy, and artistic expression.
The mission was to “unlock children’s innate creativity, give them a platform to find their unique voices, and showcase the immense talent brewing right here in our community.”
And from the very first workshop, it was clear the pupils were ready to rise to the occasion.
Headteacher Suzanne Beston said: “We were absolutely thrilled to welcome the spirit of the Hay Festival right into the heart of Perry Wood.
“To see our corridors buzzing with so much energy and to watch the children create such deeply inspirational content has been an absolute joy.
“I am profoundly proud of our children for their bravery and talent, and equally proud of our wonderful staff whose pure dedication made this magical week possible.
“It is a milestone we won’t soon forget.”
Perry Wood Primary School’s first-ever ‘Make Hay’ Festival (Image: Perry Wood Primary School)
Throughout the festival, pupils engaged in a wide range of creative activities, including poetry writing, storytelling, visual arts, and live performance.
Children explored different mediums of expression, developing their confidence and discovering the power of their own voices.
One visiting creative mentor said: “We knew our pupils were capable of great things, but the level of maturity, empathy, and raw talent they showed this week has been nothing short of extraordinary.
“They didn’t just write stories; they found their voices and spoke their truths.”
The festival also gave children the opportunity to overcome their shyness and step into the spotlight.
Many pupils who were previously quiet or reserved took centre stage, sharing inspirational ideas, and realising that their thoughts and words have the power to move an audience.
The week concluded with a special showcase event featuring poetry readings, artwork, and performances created by the children.
Although the festival has come to an end, the impact is expected to last much longer.
The school said the experience will continue to leave behind “a newly inspired generation of young writers, thinkers, and creators.”
