Carnival season at Dog Kennel Hill Primary School

Last weekend Dog Kennel Hill Primary School (DKHS) in Dog Kennel Hill, East Dulwich, kicked the carnival season off to a colourful and musical start.

Pupils, teachers and friends used the carnival theme for their summer fair which culminated in a stunning procession.

All the pupils, aged four-10, were encouraged to dress up and take part in the parade.

Children created flamboyant costumes in riotous colours, their own musical instruments, banners, shakers and even floats themed to the name of the school, especially for the event.

There were hundreds of parents, teachers and pupils who followed the musical lead of carnival experts.

Amy Murray Jones, parent and event organiser, said: “We wanted to create an end of term fair that represented the rich mix of cultures and community at our school and strike a chord with everyone connected.

“We created art workshops in the weeks leading so that children could create their own masks, hats, musical instruments and carnival floats, the end result was something quite spectacular.

“There is an incredible amount of talent at the school and our music department is particularly special.

“Their samba and percussion groups were an integral part of the procession.  The carnival was an opportunity for us to show off this talent and creativity in our pupils and we hope to build on this success next year.”

Pupils were handed a certificate of Carnival Excellence and each participant a prize at the culmination of the fair.

The school created a diverse menu at the Carnival Café where parents made dishes from their cultural backgrounds.

Also in attendance were the fire brigade who allowed children to check out the fire truck and an inflatable 10-pin bowling alley.

Visitors created their own accessories at the carnival costume stall, a slime station sold out in minutes, parents enjoyed a rum punch and strawberries and cream and the summer fair classics; coconut shy, stocks and the wheel of fortune did not fail to please.