Entire Hardwick Primary School in Bury St Edmunds sees Snow White panto at Theatre Royal thanks to fundraising efforts

An entire school has had the ‘amazing’ opportunity to go to the panto, at no cost to families.

Thanks to fundraising and support from councillors, children from Hardwick Primary School, in Bury St Edmunds, enjoyed a ‘brilliant’ trip to see Snow White at the town’s Theatre Royal.

Andy Abbott, chairman of the Friends of Hardwick Primary School (FOHPS), wanted to organise a completely inclusive experience for all pupils.

Fundraising from the Friends group and locality funding of £1,000 each from ward councillors Sarah Stamp and Patrick Chung meant the trip, on December 13, was free for families.

Mr Abbott said: “To see the faces and excitement and enjoyment was just amazing.”

He said there had been a ‘buzz’ at the school about the trip and pupils and staff walked to the theatre ‘which was an amazing experience’.

Zara Cowling, head of school, said: “It was an amazing opportunity for the entire school to enjoy the panto together; 271 of us in the theatre made for a brilliant atmosphere.

“I'm so proud of all the children, they behaved excellently and joined in throughout the show.”

The children were praised for being a credit to the school and Cllrs Stamp and Chung and FOHPS were thanked for making it happen.