The Advent Fair at the South Devon Steiner School near Dartington saw around 1000 people turning up to soak up the magical winter atmosphere.
The fair, described by one attendee as 'calm, peaceful and wonderful' raised around £10,000 for the school. A red vintage Routemaster bus provided a park and ride service, ferrying people from Buckfastleigh, Totnes and Dartington village centre.
The Advent Fair celebrates the start of advent, a reflective time of preparation before Christmas. It coincides with the darkest time of the year when 'it is important to keep one's inner light shining' according to school PA and Fair Coordinator, Kaycee Fordham.
One of the highlights of the day was King Winter's traditional story telling in his 'grotto' with more than 80 people listening. Small children loved the Angel Garden, where they were able to walk a candlelit spiral to meet an 'angel' and receive a gift. They then set sail their wishes on the Advent Wishing Boats, a floating walnut shell containing a beeswax candle, accompanied by soothing harp music.
There was also a great selection of food, from pizza and curries to brownies and gingerbread.
The whole event is run by parents and students, with the older pupils setting up, serving and selling things. Each class focus on an activity and every parent gets involved.
Kaycee said: 'People loved the fair. It was a warm and cosy event with a lovey atmosphere. It really shows how the whole school community can working together'
'Every family contributed a tombola prize, raffle prizes and one handmade gift. The magic is in it being a community event, with everybody coming together.'
Money raised from the fair goes in part to subsidising school trips, with anything remaining going towards school facilities. Throughout the year, the Steiner School also raises funds for external charities including earlier this year raising a substantial sum for the Luck of Birth charity which supports refugees in Greece.
Kaycee added: 'We would like to thank everyone who came down on a wet day to support us and make the day what it was.'
Excerpt from Kingsbridge and Salcombe Gazette, 25th November 2016. Images courtesy of James Purssell.
The fair, described by one attendee as 'calm, peaceful and wonderful' raised around £10,000 for the school. A red vintage Routemaster bus provided a park and ride service, ferrying people from Buckfastleigh, Totnes and Dartington village centre.
The Advent Fair celebrates the start of advent, a reflective time of preparation before Christmas. It coincides with the darkest time of the year when 'it is important to keep one's inner light shining' according to school PA and Fair Coordinator, Kaycee Fordham.
One of the highlights of the day was King Winter's traditional story telling in his 'grotto' with more than 80 people listening. Small children loved the Angel Garden, where they were able to walk a candlelit spiral to meet an 'angel' and receive a gift. They then set sail their wishes on the Advent Wishing Boats, a floating walnut shell containing a beeswax candle, accompanied by soothing harp music.
There was also a great selection of food, from pizza and curries to brownies and gingerbread.
The whole event is run by parents and students, with the older pupils setting up, serving and selling things. Each class focus on an activity and every parent gets involved.
Kaycee said: 'People loved the fair. It was a warm and cosy event with a lovey atmosphere. It really shows how the whole school community can working together'
'Every family contributed a tombola prize, raffle prizes and one handmade gift. The magic is in it being a community event, with everybody coming together.'
Money raised from the fair goes in part to subsidising school trips, with anything remaining going towards school facilities. Throughout the year, the Steiner School also raises funds for external charities including earlier this year raising a substantial sum for the Luck of Birth charity which supports refugees in Greece.
Kaycee added: 'We would like to thank everyone who came down on a wet day to support us and make the day what it was.'
Excerpt from Kingsbridge and Salcombe Gazette, 25th November 2016. Images courtesy of James Purssell.
