Last Thursday, the Isle of Wight Cultural Education Partnership (IWCEP) brought together hundreds of primary school pupils for a unique celebration of childhood, community and creativity.
Held at Carisbrooke Castle in collaboration with English Heritage, the event, titled Our Day Will Come, was led by the Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub.
A collective celebration of youth
Around 600 children from 15 schools across the Island prepared for and took part in the event.
The IWCEP, working under Creative Island, helped fund the commissioning of five original songs written by local songwriters especially for the occasion.
Workshops ahead of the event gave pupils the opportunity to explore their thoughts about growing up on the Island and to express their hopes for the future.
Art and music combine
Alongside the music sessions, the New Carnival Company led art workshops with the children.
The young participants created vibrant, illustrated flags, which decorated the stage area at the Castle during the performances.
These visual pieces echoed the themes of the songs and brought colour and personal meaning to the setting.
Support and recognition
Organisers praised the creativity and effort of all the pupils involved.
They also acknowledged the role of family and friends who came to support the children on the day.
A big well done goes to every young person who took part in the event.
