WINCHESTER school children have echoed the sights and sounds of a traditional form of entertainment as part of their annual Cultural Arts Day.

Year 7 Perins students were joined by members of African Activities – who lead workshops on African drumming, singing, dancing and storytelling – seeing the students mirror the every move.

The children were taught everything from a basic rhythm to unique sounds of African tribes, all before taking part in a Congo dance around the school’s courtyard.

Students also had the chance to make colourful masks, with special help from Portuguese artist and art educator Teresa Paiva.

Liz McLaughlin, acting head of creative arts said: “What a wonderful Cultural Arts day. The whole school was filled with the sounds of Africa as year 7s enjoyed workshops in African storytelling, drumming, dance and mask making. This is the first time we have used the company African Activities and it certainly won’t be the last.

“Kwame and co were certainly a hit with the pupils and came to Perins in traditional dress and bringing with them over 100 African drums! We welcomed back Teresa Paiva for a second year to run the Mask making workshops which the pupils got stuck into producing some excellent pieces of art. The visitors commended the year 7s enthusiasm and attitude which made their day as enjoyable as ours.”