Over 130 six and seven year olds converged on St Edmund’s School, Canterbury, this week (23 June) for a day of music, dance and drama. Launched last year, they were taking part in Little Voices, an event for younger children devised jointly by Janet Frampton Fell, Head of Pre-Prep and Catherine Futcher, Performing Arts Teacher at St Edmund’s Pre-Prep and Nursery.

“There are plenty of music and drama festivals for older children but nothing for the younger ones, and so we came up with the idea of Little Voices where younger children can enjoy a day of music, dance and drama,” said Janet Frampton Fell.

“It is for Key Stage 1 children and we invite local primary schools to join us for the day and make use of the resources at the School. At the end of the festival, the children put on a musical play for their parents, and this year it was ‘The Litter Muncher’, which was a great success and beautifully performed.”

Children from four schools joined the St Edmund’s pupils for the day. The other schools were Wincheap, Blean, St Peter’s and Chartham. In the run up to the event each school learnt two songs to perform in the play and made some of the scenery.

Before performing their grand finale the children spent the day playing percussion instruments, practising new songs, learning new dance steps and honing their acting skills.

“I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we are looking forward to planning next year’s event. The children all work so well together and it is nice for us to be able to put something back into the community,” said Janet Frampton Fell.