Chester Speech and Drama Festival

The spotlight was firmly on our pupils at this year’s Chester Festival of Performing Arts. Held at The Queen’s School on Saturday, 14 March, the school was represented a number of talented performers from Willow Lodge and Junior School. 

The annual festival attracts entries from across the region and is an opportunity for infant and junior-aged children to compete in categories that test a number of skills, including verse speaking, improvisation, and prose reading. 

Performing both individually and in groups, pupils from King’s Juniors wowed the judges in all of the categories they entered and came away with an large haul of certificates, trophies and cups.

Mrs Hamer, our specialist Speech and Drama teacher in Willow Lodge and Junior School, accompanied the children to the festival. 

She said: “I am so proud of each and every one of our pupils who performed. They showed huge confidence and creativity in all of the categories they entered, wowing the judges with their enthusiasm and professionalism.

“Their hard work in rehearsals was clearly reflected in the high standard of performances across the day and it was no surprise to me that the adjudicators praised them so highly for their commitment, stage presence and expressive performances.”

J4 teacher Mr Melville also helped some of the older children to prepare for the festival and he echoed Mrs Hamer’s praise for the pupils. 

He added: “I enjoyed seeing our children having so much fun with their performances and just enjoying the experience. I never fail to be impressed by the way that they support and encourage each other throughout the day; their kindness and teamwork left a lasting impression on me this year.”

The festival gives pupils valuable performance experience, as well as an opportunity to celebrate the performing arts with children from other schools and organisations. Congratulations to all who took part, some of whom are pictured here with their trophies, medals and certificates.