Hundreds of children at a Northampton primary school brought the sights and sounds of Rio De Janeiro to the town in a spectacular carnival today - to mark their school's 90th birthday.
Over 400 pupils at Cedar Road Academy, watched by their proud families, took to the streets surrounding the school in Abington in the warm sunshine to celebrate the milestone - in Brazilian style.
Led by their outgoing head teacher Mrs Kay Gerrett, who retires at Christmas, the kids paraded the streets to the sound of drums in hand-made animal costumes and headdresses.
The 90th birthday celebrations came a month after Her Majesty the Queen - who also turned 90 this year - sent the school her 'good wishes' in a letter, while also wishing the head teacher a happy retirement.
The letter - from Her Majesty's Lady-in-Waiting - was in reply to one which was sent to the Queen by the school's parent and teacher association - wishing her a happy birthday and informing her that the school is of the same age.
The carnival was set up thanks to money raised by the school's parent and teacher association - £8,000 in total - and helped them to enlist an outdoor arts company, Festive Road, to help put the carnival together.
The Milton Keynes-based company, Festive Road, also helps to organise the annual Diwali festival in Northampton, as well as the upcoming Northampton Carnival - which Cedar Road Academy will also be participating in.
News source: Northampton Herald & Echo
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Festive Road was delighted to work in collaboration with Cedar Road Academy during the formation of the carnival; guiding the children through creating personalised Brazilian style costumes, as well as a giant multi-coloured elephant named 'Elmer' who walked alongside the children in the parade. Working in partnership with schools is an important part of the work that we do at Festive Road, and offers a range of positive learning opportunities and experiences for both students and teachers.
