Last Friday evening saw the chocolate box village of Pratts Bottom transformed into a Music Festival Extravaganza. The primary school hosted its first ever event of this kind called ‘Prattstock’. The festival saw a huge main stage marquee where the 80 strong ‘Rock Choir’ performed some highly popular sing-a-long tunes followed by local singers and guitarists Isabella and Gemma as well as a Barber Shop Quartet, who were very recent finalists in the National Acapella singing competition held on the Isle of Wight! Every act gave up their time and talent totally free of charge to support the school’s (much needed) fund raising event. The year 6 pupils, who will be leaving the school in July, put on a stellar performance of ‘Uptown Funk’ by the uber cool Bruno Mars complete with synchronised dance moves – the audience were blown away!

Elizabeth and James, two of the school’s Team Captains said, “It was so much fun, a real family atmosphere – we think it should become an annual tradition!”

All this was interspersed with some groovy tunes from local DJ Jack Holloway, who frequently and most generously supports the school and many other local charitable organisations.

Elsewhere in this unique and stunning setting were gazebos selling a vast array of colourful wares in the ‘Festival Bazaar’, the pick ‘n’ mix sweetie cones, face-painting, glittery tattoos and hair braiding were popular attractions with the young and old alike. One local resident, Brenda Johnson aged 70, said, “I have never had my face painted before and I loved it so much I didn’t want to take it off at bedtime!”

There was a well-stocked bar and a gourmet pop-up burger van as well as an ice-cream parlour where delectable refreshments could be inexpensively purchased. The head teacher, Mrs Debbie Smith said “The halloumi and mushroom burger was delicious, perfectly washed down with a chilled glass of prosecco – what a treat.”

Neighbours, school governors and the village fete committee were all invited as special guests to join in the fun as a thank you for all they do to support the school throughout the year, Mr Peter Hudson OBE (Chair of Governors) summed up the evening in one word “Inspirational.”

The event has raised £1200 towards school funds and that money will be put to excellent use replenishing the children’s reading books which are in urgent need of updating, amongst the school’s many other exciting and important projects.

After the event a parent kindly emailed the Head Teacher and said “Just such an up lifting experience tonight. Amazing what a small school such as ourselves can put on..... a real pleasure to be part of it.”

The staff and governors of Pratts Bottom Primary School would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone that donated their time, lent their equipment, put up with the influx of parked cars, attended the function and spent their pocket money at this very special event, which the school certainly hope to repeat in the future.

Submitted by Deborah Smith