An Ely Primary School is putting community at the heart of its annual Summer Fair, supporting local businesses and keeping entertainment affordable while raising cash for the school.
Friends of the Lantern School (FOTLS) is hoping its Lantern Summer Fair on June 15th is even more popular than last year’s event, which attracted over 1000 people and raised over £4000.
But keeping entry free, with affordable activities for the whole community to enjoy, was as important as raising funds, FOTLS chair Meredith Hux Atkins said.
Meredith added: “We know times are tough for many people – so we really want this to be something that everyone can afford. Most of our stalls will set you back just 50p to £1, our refreshments are mostly being done cheaply in-house and you can enjoy some activities without spending a penny. Of course we want to raise as much as possible for our amazing school! But we need to balance that with being inclusive and catering for all budgets.”
The fair will boast inflatables, face painting, traditional stalls and games like Hook a Duck, performances by The Lane Academy and Ely Dojo, arts and crafts, a raffle and tombola and even a chance to soak headteacher Anthony Aguda while he stands in the stocks!
Also planned are visits by a fire engine and G’s tractor as well as Stormtroopers from the UK Garrison 501st Legion (Vader’s Fist).
FOTLS have also planned to support local business, Ely’s City Cycle Centre, for its main raffle prize – a £300 voucher to be spent on anything within the store.
Meredith said: “Whether you’ve got your eye on a huge Lego set, fancy a splurge in the craft department or even want to buy a bike, some lucky person is going to win this incredible voucher!”
She added: “It was really important to the committee that we shopped local for our main prize – this way we are giving three times – to the prize winner, to the school and also to a local business that does so much for the local community. We are also very grateful for all the fabulous prizes that Ely’s generous local businesses have contributed.”
Seventy-five per cent of proceeds from this year’s fair will go towards providing Cost of Living Grants to classrooms at the school.
For the second year running, FOTLS have issued £100 Cost of Living Grants to each class at the Lantern this year – something they hope to expand on in future.
Teachers can choose how the money is spent – the only caveat is that it has to benefit all children. Grants this year have been used to subsidise trips to the Stained Glass Museum and Oliver Cromwell’s House, fund a nurture garden and beanbags and Yearbooks for Leavers – to name just a few!
Meredith said: “Imagine what your child’s class could do with even more funding? What might they create together? Where might they go to grow?”
Mother of two Sarah Follett, whose daughter Kara recently attended the Stained Glass Museum trip added: “We are so grateful that our children get to do amazing activities at school that take into account Ely’s history.
“The support FOTLS provides classes for their trips to places like the Stained Glass Museum is invaluable.”
Keep up to date with the Lantern Summer Fair on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/300560223106178
Press release from Friends of the Lantern School
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