Hopping into Community Spirit: College’s First Easter Festival!

Spring was in the air, and so was the buzz of excitement, as Dearne Valley College hosted its first ever Community Easter Festival!

What a day it was, a true testament to the vibrant spirit of our students, staff and more importantly the incredible support of our local community.  

The aroma of sizzling hotdogs and burgers mingled with the sweet scent of churros, while wood-fired pizzas emerged from the oven, tempting taste buds. Warm drinks offered a comforting respite from the spring chill, ensuring everyone was well-fed and ready for the fun ahead. 

The College’s carpark transformed into a bustling marketplace, showcasing the incredible talent of our local artisans! Stalls brimmed with unique treasures: intricate 3D printed artwork, lovingly crafted crochet and hand-knitted goodies, fragrant candles and wax melts, jars of homemade jams and chutneys, and beautifully crafted handmade cups, bottles, and mugs. Thats just to name a few!  

From delicious food to unique handcrafted goods and engaging activities, the festival was an egg-cellent event! 

The canine companions were not forgotten, with a lively dog show attracting a crowd of proud pet owners. Categories ranged from “best veteran” to “best dressed” ensuring every dog had a chance to shine. Each entrant received a goody bag which was kindly donated to us by Artero Pet Care, and they received a voucher for a free pampering session at our on-site dog grooming salon. 

Our land-based students designed an interactive Easter egg hunt, leading participants on a trail of clues to collect stamps and claim their chocolatey reward! The animal care unit provided a delightful opportunity for children to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for nature.  

The esports department opened its doors, offering a thrilling experience with various gaming platforms from PC gaming, the Wii, PS5 and anyone was welcome to try our brand-new F1 racing simulators, providing entertainment for gamers of all levels and ages. 

Adding a unique touch to the festival, one of our Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services students, who is also a student ambassador, named Thomas even hosted a radio stall showcasing his very own radio station shockwaves radio, broadcasting live throughout the event, adding to the festive atmosphere. 

The festival was a true celebration of community spirit, bringing together people of all ages to enjoy a day of fun, food, and friendship. With so much to see and do, it’s safe to say our first-ever Community Easter Festival was a resounding success, and we can’t wait to host our annual Community Summer Festival on Saturday the 28th of June!