Something New to Discover

This year's festival offered plenty of fresh additions alongside much-loved traditions. Visitors explored the new willow structure in the lower school playground, the beautifully renovated canteen area, and the newly installed recycling point fences — all achieved as part of Class 9's work projects in partnership with the maintenance department. In the Walled Garden, a charming new duck house — built by Class 3VG for their very own newly hatched ducks — was a highlight for all.

New to the festival this year was a softball game on the hockey pitch at 2.45pm, hosted by the gym department and open to all — a wonderful addition that brought a fun, active energy to the afternoon.

Exhibitions

The festival opened with exhibitions in the Dick Chester, showcasing Early Years displays alongside the art and Main Lesson books of Classes 1–8. The Eurythmy Studio was filled with craft work from across the whole school, Classes 1–12, while the Clock House displayed GCSE and A Level art, photography and BTEC work.

The Pageant and Sideshows

A highlight of the Midsummer Festival, the Pageant with Classes 1–5 took place on the Valley Field in the afternoon, followed by the much-loved sideshows on the South Lawn — coconut shy, face painting, the slippery pole, splat the teacher and more, all hosted by Class 7.

Old Scholars Reunions

This year saw five Old Scholar reunions on the lawn in front of the Mansion, welcoming back the classes of 1996, 2006, 2014, 2016 and former Broadstone boarding house residents. We were also delighted to introduce Lorraine Jones as our new Old Scholars contact — an Old Scholar herself — who has been developing the new Old Scholars page on our website.

The 2026 Midsummer Festival was a truly special day — a joyful celebration of everything that makes Michael Hall such a remarkable community.