Princesses, wizards and even Cleopatra were among the costumes on show as pupils dressed up as their favourite literary characters and enacted their own creative masterpieces. As part of this year’s festivities master storyteller Caitlin O’Neill, Acting Up, helped the children to explore their imaginations and bring their own stirring stories to life.

This is the fourth time that A&O and the school have come together for the annual celebration and the longstanding partnership stems from their involvement in Business in the Community’s Time to Read programme. The tie-up sees employees lend time each week to help young readers improve literacy skills and find a passion for reading.

Liesbeth Vermeir, Time to Read Coordinator at Allen & Overy said:
“It was lovely to see the pupils engrossed by the wonderfully weird worlds that Caitlin helped them create. It is hugely rewarding to see children embrace reading with such enthusiasm and bring their favourite book characters to life so vividly. The talent of the young readers, storytellers and performers at Mercy Primary School always impresses us.

“We believe in supporting the local communities where we work. Over the last four years, A&O has been proud to work closely with the staff and children at Mercy Primary School and to have the chance to share our love of reading with them. It has been pleasing for us to see pupils flourish each year and we hope we can help more local children discover and develop their talents in the years ahead.”