College prepares to host popular summer festival
ST VINCENT COLLEGE are preparing to host its free summer family festival at their Gosport campus this weekend; which will include the teaching of popular circus skills alongside a day of music and entertainment from its talented students.
The ‘Summer Fest’ is set to return for its third successive year on Saturday (June 8) between 10am and 4pm; where it is likely to attract more than 1,000 local residents throughout the day. Parking will be available within the main car park on Mill Lane and the Forton entrance, whilst disabled access is provided alongside the option to bring assistance dogs (only).
Activities are planned throughout the event and more than seventeen different student bands are scheduled to entertain crowds as they play classic covers, as well as original compositions. Visitors can also explore Ukrainian culture in the Jervis Gallery where there will be food, dance and music being showcased to everybody who may be interested.
Circus skills will further be a feature with colourful jugglers, stilt-walkers, clowns, and other acts set to be showcased by ‘Storm In A Teacup” Circus; the group inviting visitors to try out their free workshops throughout the day. Other departments from the college are also due to be on show with the chance to try gaming with the “St Vincent Sharks Esports” club and rock climbing using the college’s climbing wall.
The college’s Executive Principal Andy Grant said: “We really see ourselves as part of the vibrant community in Gosport and the Summer Fest gives us the opportunity to welcome everyone in to see our beautiful waterside site and to get a taste for what we do here. I know the students and staff really relish the opportunity to show off what they do.”
The School of Personalised Learning will be creating an immersive SpongeBob SquarePants experience in their theatre, which will be featuring several performing arts students. Teacher Karen Philp said of those involved: “They’ve been working really hard on making it fun and entertaining and they are excited about meeting everyone.”
There is also set to be fundraising activities including a raffle and ‘Guess the Name of the Teddy with all money raised going to a number of charities; which include Gosport Boxing Club, The Trash Café Network and St Vincent’s Student Council. Prizes are being offered to winners such as a Nintendo Switch, two Fortnum & Mason hampers and a gaming chair.
These will be presented by new Gosport Mayor Richard Earle and Mayoress Debbie Sherman who are due to attend the festival. A bouncy castle and mini go-carts will also be available, as well as a barbecue, food stalls, soft and hot drinks and a bar.
The festival has been sponsored by Iris Innovations, who are based at the Ordnance Business Park. They manufacture and supply camera equipment designed for applications and environments, such as the marine industry and emergency services.
The Principal concluded by saying: “We are very grateful to Iris Innovations who are the main sponsors of the festival, their support is very much appreciated. We are looking forward to seeing family, friends and neighbours at St Vincent, there will be lots going on for people to see and enjoy. We have some very gifted musicians who will be performing all day so everyone will be entertained.”
More information on St Vincent College can be seen by visiting www.stvincent.ac.uk; which also features a range of courses available for students and local residents.
PICTURED BY ST VINCENT COLLEGE: Families enjoy warm sunshine at the 2023 event held at St Vincent College.
