Orchard Manor School has held its first ever Christmas Cracker Craft Market and Concert.  Following the success of the Dawlish school’s summer fete back in July, they decided to put on a Christmas event. 

Spokesperson Abilgail Norris said: ‘Little did we know, it was going to be just as successful!’

The idea around the Christmas Cracker event was to bring the community together in the countdown to Christmas. The evening was full of music, food and crafts. 

They invited the SW Comms Brass Band to open the evening, playing an hour of Christmassy music, followed by Terrie-May McNulty, a local singer, who performed a range of Christmas songs. 

Abigail said: ‘It was amazing to see everyone enjoy the music, and many pupils got up and had a dance.  The music provided such a wonderful atmosphere to the evening.

‘We had a wide range of stalls selling lovely gifts and items. We also had pupil-made items which were being sold, including a range of Christmas decorations.

‘The stall holders were brilliant and many people went away with a couple of bags of goodies.

‘The dining hall, selling turkey baps, mince pies, sweets and cakes, was amazing.  ‘‘Everyone wanted a Christmassy bite to eat and we sold out of most things!  

We were absolutely amazed by the number of people who came to the evening.  We were blown away from the support by our families and local community.  The event couldn’t have been better attended.’ 

The ‘wonderful’ evening for the school and community, providing a sense of belonging and togetherness. The proceeds will go towards equipment and experiences which will directly benefit the children at Orchard Manor School.  

Graham Tolliday, vice chairman of the PSFA, said: ‘The Christmas Cracker evening was hugely successful every level.  Everybody had a lovely time and that is what it is all about.  The SWComms Brass Band and Terrie-May, the singer, couldn’t have been better.

‘There were lashings of festive food and around 15 craft staff holders dotted around the classrooms selling wonderful gifts. 

‘The staff team worked really hard to transform the sports hall into a Christmas concert hall as well as the dining room and the classrooms.  It was a great team effort.  The event was not only to bring everyone together but also to raise money for the school, with the grand total being £1,729.65. It was a fantastic effort from everybody and we can’t wait to do it all again next year.  Following the event, we are all full of Christmas joy and spirit.”