Blackpool school pupils’ right royal parade to launch jubilee celebrations

Blackpool Gateway Academy in South Shore started off the right royal fun with a whole school parade around the local area.

Flyers had been distributed to the school’s neighbours and local organisations such as Blackpool Football Club, which is directly opposite the school and to parents and carers too.

The streets were lined with people cheering on the 354 pupils and staff of the two form entry primary school.

The parade was led by four of the school’s musicians playing their trumpets- Year 5 pupils who have recently passed their Grade 1 music exams with the help of Blackpool Music Service.

Following was Mr Barnaby, Year 3 teacher at the school, who was riding a jubilee-themed trike, wearing a Union Flag embossed suit,. Supplying the musical accompaniment for the parade and flag bearing from the rear of his trike.

The parade set off down Seymour Road, on to Bloomfield Road and then back down St.Helier’s Road to re-enter the school through the rear gate and on arrival back at school, the pupils gathered to sing The National Anthem, supported by Mrs McLellan on her glockenspiel, and gave three cheers for her majesty The Queen.

Headteacher, Mrs Robinson, said: “The children have thoroughly enjoyed every moment and it has been made even better by the amazing turn out of parents and neighbours of our community.

“This is a day the children will remember forever, while also demonstrating British values and building on their cultural capital.”

The festivities didn’t end there, as there was an ice cream van supplying treats for pupils and staff throughout the afternoon and a jubilee picnic with songs from across the decades and a disco in the playground.

Assistant Headteacher, Miss Makinson, said: “The children have missed events like this during Covid and it was heart-warming to see the children and community having such a great time together away from Covid restrictions.”

The children have been participating in a range of activities this half term to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, planting trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project, writing letters to the Queen herself, role

playing having afternoon tea in the nursery and Reception and completing jubilee artwork.