Despite the inclement weather, Balfest was a very successful day!

We were incredibly lucky to welcome Rogers Codgers to our event. Of the original line-up of the Balshavian group The Freewheels (the artists formerly known as the Freewheelers in 1966). Former Balshaw's Headboy, David Lawrie is the only Balshavian still playing but his fellow Codgers delighted the Balfest crowd with their Rock & Roll set.They were amazing and we thank them very much for joining us. We also were able to showcase a great range of talented musical performances, that included our current students and former students who delighted our crowd with their wonderful singing, drumming and guitar skills.  Once again, Zac and Esme did a wonderful job of compering all the acts.

There were a variety of amazing stalls – including plants from Leyland Market, jewellery, painted & decorated plant pots, handmade gifts, upcycled candle holders, keyrings, bookmarks, personalised box frames, clay creations, bead bracelets & cups, knitted toys, toys, a jigsaw stall, gift & games tombola and not forgetting our legendary chocolate and sweet tombola!

Refreshments were aplenty with yummy cakes, pizzas, ever popular drinks, snacks and  tasty ice cream.

Lots of fun was had on the giant inflatable, hook-a-duck, coconut shy, twister, giant Jenga, fun games. This year we also had a stall for each of our Houses with a great variety of fun things to do including beat the lemon, guess the amount of coins, eating jelly beans with chopsticks, tombolas, name the bear, darts, along with a fun penalty shootout and more!

We welcomed representatives from the Leyland Taekwondo group, who also demonstrated their fabulous skills, Leyland Squadron RAF cadets, St.Catherine’s Hospice lottery draw and teddy stall, the Waitrose truck, along with the Leyland Fire Engine.

Our raffle this year was especially magnificent and prizes including, a hair wand, that was kindly donated by celebrity hairdresser and former Balshavian Michael Douglas, a lovely planter from Avant Garden Centre, vouchers from Gym Etc, Med 3, Heaven and Earth, a hamper for Morrisons, along with bottles of wine, candles, games and gifts galore.

We are so grateful for all our dedicated staff, students, PTA, volunteers and supporters who give up their time to make this day so much fun and those who donated to help us add to the funds raised!

A huge thank you to everyone who come along to support our event in any way. The total amount raised was over £2,331 – which is incredible!

Here are some photographs from the day to enjoy: