Circus Sensible came to Grimsargh recently to support the fundraising efforts of local primary school, Grimsargh St. Michael’s CofE. 

The event was organised by the school’s PTFA and sponsored by several local businesses. It took place within the school grounds, which were completely transformed for the day, replete with big top, bunting and a host of fun games and activities.

The PTFA sold over 400 tickets to families of the school and locals from the surrounding area, with a matinée and early evening showing.

Children enjoyed a variety of activities in addition to the fun-filled performance from Circus Sensible, from a free circus skills workshop which included plate spinning, Devilstick, Chinese Diabolo and beginner’s stilts, to a bouncy castle, tombola, raffle and more.

Food, drinks and sweet treats were on offer from the PTFA, as well as an ice cream van, which came to serve up some cold treats as the sun eventually made an appearance. Children even had the opportunity to douse their headteacher, Mr Stuart Booth, with a wet sponge in the stocks – for 50p a go.

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The event raised over £2,800, bringing the total amount raised by the PTFA this academic year to £7,000.

Event organiser and PTFA Committee Member, Deb Jacques, who has two children at Grimsargh St. Michael’s, said: “It was incredibly satisfying to put on such a fun event for the children to enjoy, whilst raising vital funds for the school. We are thrilled with the amount of money we’ve raised.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in making the day such as success, from Circus Sensible and the sponsors of the event and the parents who helped set up, to the teachers and support staff who gave up their time, and finally, to Mr Booth for letting us commandeer the school, to bring a day of circus fun to Grimsargh.”

A soaked Mr Booth said: “It was such a pleasure to see how much the children enjoyed this fantastic event, which was organised and delivered by our PTFA.

“It is very rare for a school to enjoy such active fundraising support, and I am incredibly grateful to Deb and the wider PTFA, as well as the staff who helped out on the day, for all of their help.

“The money raised from this, and other events organised by the PTFA, will go towards a variety of activities from supporting the cost of travel for our various school trips, and paying for materials for our new outdoor rest and reflect area, to supporting the cost of our Year 6 leavers’ event at the end of the year. Without their help, and in the face of ever-tightening school budgets, none of this would be possible.” 

The event was sponsored by several local businesses, including main sponsors Grimsargh Blinds, Universal Product Solutions and Body Confidence HQ, and the Look Out Café and Craft and Crust. 

Other businesses to support included magician Jason Rae, Bako, Ribble Farm Fare, Asda, Aldi, Hobby Craft, B&Q, Liveseys, B&D Print Services Limited and the Grimsargh Field Day Committee. 

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