COWBOYS and cowgirls took over Medstead Primary School for a Western-themed ‘Medstock’ music festival.

It was a jam-packed day and evening of music, dancing, sports, and the chance to listen to top local bands.

Organised by the Friends of Medstead School, it is the first time they have themed their music festival and pupils came dressed as cowgirls and cowboys, there was Western-style dancing led by Booted Out Line Dancing Club, the chance to milk a model cow called Daisy, and a real highlight, panning for gold which almost caused a gold rush among the visitors.

“This was very popular,” said headteacher Jane Oborn.

“Visitors were invited dip a colander through a trough filled with sand and any ‘fool’s gold’ – or small gemstones – they found they could keep.”

There were Western wagon rides, courtesy of Sam from Pottery Pantry and her horse Pinto, who was kept busy all afternoon, and there were sporting activities to enjoy, as well as a bouncy slide, arts and crafts, and face painting.

The pupils added to the musical theme by singing three songs, using sign language as they went along as Medstead Primary School has specialist pioneer equipment installed for deaf children.

Another big attraction were the remote-controlled cars run by Ian Bugden, who owns Modellbau UK in Four Marks, and in between there were stalls to browse and a variety of refreshments to enjoy.

The Medstock festival certainly lived up to its name as some of the top local bands played through the afternoon and evening, including Interlude, Unlimited Philosophy, Lost Keys and The Arford Ukulele Jam, as well as Jack Trinder and music from DJ Francis.

“It was a day full of music, activity and fun, and a very successful one thanks to Friends of Medstead School who are dedicated to the school and its fund raising, and they created a real community spirit,” said Ms Oborn.

The festival raised a magnificent £4,000 on behalf of the school and which, according to Ms Oborn, will be used to “re-vamp” the school pond so the children will be able to use it to enhance their science work.