BBQ & Bounce: St Michael's C of E summer fayre raises over £4,000 for Bishop's Stortford primary school

Barbecue and bounce were a match made in heaven for St Michael's C of E Primary School.

The summer fayre, branded BBQ & Bounce, at the school in Apton Road, Bishop's Stortford, on Sunday (June 26) raised over £4,000.

It was hosted in conjunction with Evo Inflatables, sponsored by North Street estate agent Russell Property and attended by the mayor, Cllr Dave Anderson.

As well as the bouncy attractions – for which children aged 3 to 11 could have unlimited use with a £7.50 wristband – and barbecue food, it featured a bar, a soccer shootout, games stalls, face painting and a raffle among other draws.

Admission was a discretionary donation to the school's parent-teacher association (PTA).

PTA chairman Marie Gorman said: "Thanks to the impact of Covid and the rise of inflation, school budgets are tighter than ever.

"Previously, funds raised by the PTA were used for nice-to-have things like climbing frames and a sandpit. The funds are increasingly being used to plug holes in the school budget for things needed to keep the school running – things that make a difference to the children's education.

"Without these much-needed funds, the school will suffer and in turn the children's experiences of primary education."

She thanked the "supporters, sponsors and army of volunteers" who made the fundraising possible.