Eastbourne: Circus comes to St Thomas a Becket schools

A Catholic primary school on the south coast held a circus-themed Summer Fayre before the end of term - to raise funds for the school. St Thomas a Becket Infant & Junior School in Eastbourne attracted a great crowd of families from the school and across Eastbourne, all joining in the fun.

Highlights included three professional circus performances in the Mini Big Top, by Circus Pazaz, roaming circus acts from volunteers at Ashburnham Place, a circus school led by Sue Morris and Community Stuff, a fancy dress competition, a display by Sama Karate, dancing by pupils of Eastbourne Academy of Dancing, Street Style 4 All and Indian dancing by pupils from the school.

People didn't go home hungry either as the cultural diversity of the school's Catholic community shone through with a wide variety of foods including Indian, Filipino, Italian and Polish.

Many local businesses and individuals sponsored the day and also donated raffle prizes.

As well as the £5200 raised, two of the parents involved in the organising of the event work for Barclays and both have applied for Matched Fundraising through a community charity scheme run by the bank. It offers a maximum matching of money raised to £1000 per employee. So far they have had one application confirmed and are hopeful to receive the second.