DEEP burnt orange and red lights lit up the Grand Theatre stage like the warm glow of the African sun last night as hundreds of children joined in a celebration of cultures, song, dance and drumming.
Youngsters from eight Blackpool primary schools, guided by Cape Town's Batanai Marimba Band, captivated the audience with their colourful, lively exploration of African countries.
For some, it was their first time on stage, but they soon
forgot their nerves and proved to be natural performers as they sang, spoke, danced and drummed with ease and
confidence.
The infectious rhythm of the music meant it wasn't long before the audience – mainly proud parents, grandparents, siblings and teachers – were
tapping their feet and clapping their hands as the children danced about life in Nigeria and chanted some South African sayings.
A stampede of youngsters dressed as Kenyan animals and banging their tiny feet like
elephants commanded the stage before the final group of
children took control of the drums with delight spread across their faces as they banged Botswana beats together in time.
The real treat came from the six-piece Batanai Marimba Band whose finale made the audience jump to their feet swaying and shimmying to the music.
It's the band's fourth visit to the resort and there's no doubt the pupils will want to be back on stage with them again next year.
Julia Bennett