Summer fayres bring Carlton Academy Trust communities together

This summer, our primary schools welcomed hundreds of families and members of their local communities to a series of summer fayres and events.

From Marshfield Primary School’s Summer Fayre, which attracted over 1,000 visitors, to Carlton Mills’ family-focused afternoon and Thorpe Primary School’s inaugural Thorpe Fest, each event provided an opportunity for families, staff, pupils and members of the wider community to come together.

All three events were free to attend and open to everyone, with a range of activities, entertainment and refreshments on offer.

Marshfield Primary School

Marshfield Primary School welcomed more than 1,000 people to its Summer Fayre, with fairground rides, donkeys, Little City, cakes, pizzas, pakoras and a range of stalls and activities for visitors to enjoy.

The event was supported by staff, families, volunteers and local businesses, who helped make the afternoon possible.

A particular highlight was welcoming former pupils back to school to share their university experiences and talk about their ambitions for the future. Their return provided a great opportunity for current pupils and families to hear about the different paths former pupils have taken since leaving Marshfield.

Carlton Mills Primary Academy

Hundreds of parents, families and members of the local community attended Carlton Mills Primary Academy’s Summer Fayre.

Visitors could take on the inflatable 100ft assault course, meet a range of animals, enjoy candy floss and browse the toy stalls. The ‘Sponge the Teacher’ was very popular and gave visitors the chance to soak members of staff! 

The fayre was also an opportunity for families to meet other parents and carers, talk to staff and current pupils and spend time together as part of the Carlton Mills community. The event also welcomed prospective families, giving them the opportunity to visit the school and meet members of the school community.

Thorpe Primary School

Thorpe Primary School welcomed hundreds of families to its inaugural Thorpe Fest 2026, with the school grounds hosting a range of stalls, games and activities for children and adults.

The funfair was a popular feature throughout the afternoon, while the school choir performed for families. Head of School, Mr Mennell, and other members of staff also took to the stage, with Mr Mennell singing and playing guitar.

The event provided an opportunity for families to spend time together, meet members of the school community and enjoy activities outside the usual school day. It was supported by staff, stall holders and the central team at Carlton Academy Trust.

Bringing our communities together

While each event had its own character, they all provided an opportunity for our schools to welcome families and the wider community through their doors and create opportunities for people to connect.

Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, pupils, families, local businesses and supporters who helped make this summer’s events possible. We are also grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making each event a success.