Festival of Peace
After a gap of three years, the Festival of Peace returned last weekend. The theme of Simplicity and Sustainability linked two of the Quaker testimonies and was the culmination of many months of work across the School. Through Bridging Curriculum days, reducing food waste projects, PASS activities, and curriculum focuses, the School has been exploring the theme throughout the year.
The festival site stretched over three fields, with speakers' marquee, stall holder’s tent, and a music stage. Drama productions, poetry readings, music workshops, and storytelling sessions took place on the Newcombe patio.
The Peace Field hosted opportunities for tie-dying t-shirts, making bird boxes, mindful colouring and activities, and a series of therapies and meditation sessions, offering a range of treatments.
We were privileged to have three outstanding speakers:
- Jaiden Corfield, an Ashoka Changemaker, youth leadership campaigner, and consultant
- Mark McCabe, the head chef and co-owner of the Ethicurean Restaurant which has a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to seasonal eating and sustainable dining
- Pip Rush, Co-founder and Creative Director of Arcadia, supporting cultural celebrations and iconic music festivals around the globe with stages made from recycled materials
The music stage was occupied by a wide range of talent including musical performances:
- Sidcot students
- Ryan Cross, a young, local singer-songwriter
- Starling, a recently formed folk trio
- Jo May and Fiona Burrow on violin and percussion
And headlining the event was Kimberley Rew and Lee Cave-Berry from Katrina and the Waves.
The guest appearance of the School's two Shetland ponies, Mango and Poppet, was an additional highlight, especially for our younger visitors, whilst Thai food, pizza, and refreshments seemed to keep everyone happy, despite the unsettled weather.
I would like to thank everyone who helped with the organisation, set up and running of the day and everyone who came to support our Festival. Our thanks also goes to the George Cadbury Trust and the Ganton Education Trust for providing financial support for the event.