FAMILY and friends attended a Christmas-themed event at the Dean Academy in Lydney last week as students hosted a special, musical evening of festive song and dance.

The evening was also combined with an opportunity to purchase locally-made gifts at a Christmas craft fair.

Georgia Watson, Alfie Paine and Betty Hughes sang Christmas carol solos while Chloe Watts treated the audience to a contemporary dance performance. There was also a brass duet from Chris Taylor and Tianna Gwynne and a piano recital of O Holy Night from Honey Richards. The academy’s drama club performed a thought-provoking piece entitled The Christmas Truce 1914.

Year 11 student Lily Shilston organised a craft fair for the evening where local businesses and artists were able to support the academy by participating in the well-attended event offering a chance for last-minute Christmas purchases.

Kathryn Rodway, director of performance at the academy, said: "The evening was a great success with lots of guests including the mayor Bob Berryman in attendance. Lily Shilston did a great job of organising the fair. Students both front and backstage worked really hard to ensure a smooth running and successful event.”