School's summer event has distinctly British feel

More than 1,500 people, including students and parents, enjoyed a British-style gala at Wellington College International Tianjin in June.

Wellington College International Tianjin is the first overseas partner school of Wellington College in the UK, founded by Queen Victoria in 1859.

The annual event was organized by the Summer Fayre Committee of the school, which consists of parent representatives of different nationalities from across the school working in cooperation with the academic and non-academic staff.

During the Summer Fayre, the sports hall was laden with activities for the youngest generations, which followed the theme of bugs and butterflies, whereas the outside was a combination of international cuisines — with everything from sticky iced buns to poppadums, refreshing drinks for all ages and tastes, and traditional games and competitions — such as Bat the Rat and the Tug of War, to name but two.

Performances from students and staff went on throughout the opening ceremony day on the outdoor stage — with junior school dance troupes, senior school saxophonists and the newly formed Wellington Male Barbershop Quintet being just some of many highlights.

Kung fu experts from Sichuan and local Tianjin stilt-walkers brought a carnival feel to the event, and local vendors from Tianjin's Ancient Culture Street practiced their craft.

The event culminated with a raffle draw, which symbolized the immense support the school receives from the local and national business community.

Master of Wellington College International Tianjin Murray Fowler said, "Having just attended and spoken at Wellington College UK's Speech Day, an event of extraordinary ambition and sophistication, I can safely say that here in Tianjin, we absolutely share that same strand of DNA."