The pupils of Knockavoe School are getting ready to bring the sunshine to this weekend’s Summer Jamm festival in Strabane.
The super talented pupils and staff of Knockavoe will perform their musical extravaganza ‘Walking on Sunshine’ this Saturday, 8th June at 12.40pm
The ‘Walking on Sunshine’ show received a great reaction earlier this year when the students performed on the Alley Theatre stage.
The production is part of a campaign to pay for the training and upkeep of the school’s star pupil, Póga.
A Labrador/Poodle-mix Póga arrived at the Strabane school earlier this year, and immediately began to make an impact.
One of the school’s young pupils, Dylan McCarron, who had been non-verbal throughout his life, said his first words when he met Póga at a training day prior to his arrival at the school. The four-year-old said the word ‘dog’ on a number of occasions while playing with Póga.
Since he has arrived at Knockavoe Póga has captured the hearts of everyone involved with the school. But Póga doesn’t come cheap… to this end the school has been fundraising to pay for all the dog’s training and ongoing costs.
This week the pupils of Knockavoe are busy rehearsing for their Summer Jamm slot and staff at the school couldn’t be happier with their charges.
Teacher, Ciara McLaughlin explains, “The pupils have put their utmost into this show, and we are so proud of every single one of them.
“Every pupil in the school is showcased in this performance in the form of art, drama, music, Makaton, and much more.
“‘Walking on Sunshine’ is an incredible show and that’s down to the hard work and dedication of all the pupils and staff involved. We are a Rights Respecting School and taking part in events like this are so important.
“We had a standing ovation when we appeared at the Alley recently, and we can’t wait to perform again for the Summer Jamm audience.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support and donations made by our local communities and businesses, thank you all for your support.”
Catch the Knockavoe pupils and their performance of ‘Walking on Sunshine’ on the Main Stage (Castle Street junction) at the Summer Jamm this Saturday, 8th June.
The Summer Jamm fun starts when Cullen’s funfair arrives in the Canal Street car park on Thursday (June 6th).
On Saturday the town centre is where all the family fun and activities will take place.
Head over to Castle Place where Urban Excel will get people up to speed in their Parkour play station and help them brush up on their BMX skills. Not to mention busting some moves in their break-dance workshops.
From here it’s onto Castle Street and a step back in time to the Jurassic period to visit the Baby Dino Petting Zoo where you can pet, feed and learn about various species of Baby Dinosaurs including a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, Triceratops, Pachycephalosaur, Brontosaurus and Parasaurolophus, and meet some of their more fearsome friends.
Visitors will learn about the science behind fossils, experience a fossil dig and have the opportunity to create a fossil of their very own.
In Your Space Circus will be spreading the fun to Abercorn Square with appearances from the warm-hearted Lukey Luke, the oh so elegant Butterflies, the air band Steampunks and the hilarious Frankie Magiligan.
Pick up some new skills in the Circus workshop running from 1-3pm, followed up by the Drum Circle from 3-5pm.
Main Street will be a hive of activity and entertainment with live music, cute critters at the Kidz Farm, market stalls and on=street animation throughout the day.
The Main Stage will host a talent showcase for some of the best local musicians, with something to suit every taste.
From 1-4pm the Alley Theatre will also be buzzing as the resident DJ keeps the tunes coming, while an array of creative workshops and arts and crafts will keep the kids entertained
For more information about all that’s happening throughout the day go to: www.derrystrabane.com/subsites/summer-jamm
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