EVENTS – Stocks Fest
We fi gured the worst- case scenario would be breaking even or losing some money
A mix of professional and local
bands, a DJ and even a 35-piece orchestra created a lively atmosphere throughout the day. We also ran our regular summer fair stalls and fundraising activities, including the raffl e and coconut shy, while headteacher Mr Hipkiss got pummelled with sponges in the stocks. One of the parents is a professional juggler, and a woman on stilts greeted guests, all adding to the festival vibe. We decided to add more variety to
the festival by inviting external vendors. As well as face painting and hair braiding stalls, a local family who run a bubble tea business came
on board. Rachel coordinated the food vans – there was a constant 30-minute queue for Greek food. We charged ten per cent of the takings as a fee. Doing things this way was worth it, as it took away the pressure of organising everything ourselves. The stalls did so well that we made £2,000 with minimal effort. The bubble tea vendors gave us £150, while the ice cream van added another £200. Our dinner ladies served pizza and James ran the barbecue. There was a big demand for food, so we will offer more options next time.
Big outlay, big reward Putting on a festival is a big outlay.
We paid some of the bands and had other expenses too. Our total revenue was £18,000, leaving us with a £13,000 profi t. In the run-up to the event, I was a ball of stress because it was all such a gamble. I had no idea if anyone would turn up or if we would make enough money to cover our expenses, let
alone turn a profi t. There were so many unknowns. Luckily, we had enough in the bank to take the risk. We fi gured that the worst-case scenario would be breaking even or losing some money, but we knew we would gain valuable experience either way. Ken’s beautiful stage remained in
place until the winter. The children used it for Open Play and Learning (OPAL). In the next couple of years, we plan to invest in a more permanent structure that can be used throughout the rest of the year. Even people with no connection to
the school came to our festival. Our supporters are incredibly engaged and I think they would have turned up even if it had been raining. The audience clapped, cheered and sang as loudly to the band of ex-pupils playing their fi rst gig as they did to the orchestra. There was a buzz around the event and everyone wanted to show their support. Other lessons we’ve learned? You
can never have too many volunteers, and we need two Kens! When Ken was introducing the bands or playing drums on stage, he couldn’t help around the site. Next year, Ken will get a Year 6 helper, and we’ll fi nd someone else to be MC. Erin Florendine, chair, Stocks Green School Association, Hildenborough, Kent (213 pupils)
School Fundraising SUMMER 2025 31
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