With teddies zooming down a zip wire from the top of the church tower, donkey rides, inflatables, a fire engine to explore and lots of community stalls there was lots to entertain. After a week of miserable weather, the sun shone and organisers estimate that in the region of 1,000 people attended over the course of the afternoon.
Local resident and mum of two, Lisa Stewart, commented:
“Summer on the Mag was really good because it brought the community together….it wasn’t too expensive so my kids enjoyed themselves! Everyone was involved including the elderly.”
Julie Woods, who manages Shrublands Community Trust, one of the stall holders, said:
“It was lovely to see the green used again.”
A stage outside St Mary Magdalene Church hosted live performances throughout the afternoon, with many people soaking up the sun and enjoying refreshments whilst they listened. One of the highlights was a preview of Ormiston Herman Academy’s upcoming performance of Mary Poppins, with the cast performing Step in Time and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
There were also performances from Peterhouse Church of England Primary Academy Choir, the Bridge Choir and individuals, Philip Pearson, Stacey Quelch, Ella Thurtle and Karl Knights and Mary-Lou.
The Revd Matthew Price, vicar of St Mary Magdalene Church, who led the organising team, said:
“Its great to hear the feedback from the local community. As a church, we believe there is something very significant in the community coming together. We were delighted to facilitate that on Saturday and look forward to being able to do it again soon! We’re already planning for our second Christmas on the Mag in December.”