Celebration

Thursday May 22nd saw 8 local primary schools with almost 300 children visiting the university for our annual Celebration event.

This event was the culmination of all the efforts and achievements of children and volunteers participating on the ‘Creative Arts’ project.This project used art and music to help children realise the effect they have on other people; from discussing the difference they make to people all over the world by looking after the environment, to the difference they make to their classmates by being there for them.

During the morning the children discussed topics such as recycling, pollution and bullying. As well as this they sang songs and created some fantastic pieces of art work. Then in the afternoon the children acted out these performances in front of an audience of parents, teachers and VIPs. The VIPs included Pro-vice Chancellor Amanda Chetwynd and the Right Worshipful Mayor of Lancaster. The children's artworks were displayed, including an artificial meadow comprising of flowers made entirely from recycled materials.

One of the most poignant moments of the performance was when the children stood to take part in a moment's silence to think about the importance of friendships and the harmful effects of bullying. This 'stand against bullying' involved the children and the audience in the national 'Big Stand' organised by www.beatbullying.org.

The mayor gave a speech after the performance to thank the children for such an entertaining afternoon. He then went on to congratulate the volunteers for their hard work , commenting that such a great day for these children would not be possible without all the hard wortk of the volunteers.

A big thank you to everyone who took part.