Wellington College International Tianjin Summer Fayre 2014

On Saturday 7th June 2014, Wellington College International Tianjin celebrated the coming of summer by holding their annual Summer Fayre. The event was attended en masse by over 30 nationalities from all corners of the globe, as over one and a half thousand friendly faces came together in recognition and support of Tianjin’s increasingly global community and premier international school. A distinct international flavour wafted through the air as cuisines prepared by families of our student body were sampled by the crowds, alongside drinks and other light refreshments prepared with all ages in mind. Alongside the sumptuous foods and snacks, traditional games and activities - such as crowd favourites like Sponge the Teacher, kept all ages entertained, whilst competitions such as Tug of War went on in the background. As spectators sat in the shade of blue umbrellas, they were treated to an array of wonderful performances from both students and friends of the Wellington community. Accomplished performances from student rock bands and junior school dance companies were complemented by extraordinary performances from Korean drum troupes, Chinese acrobats and traditional Tianjinese musicians. Inside the school cafe, a mock airport departure lounge was run by our Junior School Literacy Coordinator, and our canteen boasted robots and ice slushies. The organisation of this hugely successful fixture was a joint effort between the parents and staff of the Wellington community, supported all the way by the students of the school in their exceptional on-stage performances as well as the hosting and running of a number of games and activities as part of the House system of the school. Overlooked by white fluffy clouds in a brilliant blue sky, for some the day would have acted as a reminder of home, but for others the day represented the truly international feel that they seek in Tianjin. Having been described by one onlooker as a “truly ‘Wellington’ event”, the bond between the UK and the Chinese school seems stronger than ever.