FIVE hundred people enjoyed an afternoon of music, food and fun family games last Saturday at this year’s Hale Fest.

Held at Hale School, Hale Fest 2016’s most popular activities included a real-life Angry Birds-style game with a giant catapult, a human-sized medieval fruit machine, welly wanging and face-painting.

Music, meanwhile, was provided by a range of local performers.

The event was organised by Hale School’s PTA and raised £2,623 for the school, to be spent on a cultural experience for the school’s year two and six children.

The PTA recently paid for Hale’s current year two children to see Mary Poppins at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton and the year six children will go on a trip to London’s West End in July to see The Lion King.

Hale Fest organisers Jo Strover, PTA chairman, and Lucy Capeling, PTA secretary, both agreed: “Hale Fest was wonderful fun. There was a great atmosphere throughout the day, with entertainment for all ages - lots of new games for the children, superb food, fantastic live music and great company!

“We would especially like to thank all our volunteers who made Hale Fest possible.”

(Photos: Paul Doyle)