Families flocked to Stone for the Puppet Tree Jamboree, a vibrant event featuring puppet shows and interactive fun.
The event featured beloved characters like Punch & Judy and Muffin the Mule, and some brilliant performances were given by children from St. Dominic’s Primary School and solo performer 10-year-old Maggie Watson.
The event began with a parade led by the Stone Scout & Guide Band, who marched through the High Street. The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jason Metters, officially opened the event, kicking off a day of puppetry fun!
Veteran puppeteer David Leech was the man behind the curtain (and sometimes in front) planning and curating a brilliant day of free shows in Stone’s Market Square.
Throughout the day, families watched both local children and seasoned professionals put on show after show.
With benches and blankets out, the event catered for all ages, and it’s clear from the rounds of applause, laughter and clapping that everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Talking to A Little Bit of Stone about the event, David Leech told us:
“I set up the Staffordshire Puppet Tree project last year with the main aim of inviting local children and adults alike to the magical and fascinating world of puppet theatre.
The Puppet Tree Jamboree was the result of nearly six month’s work and preparation and it was very encouraging to have many young people actively involved, including a wonderful group of children from St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School, a group of very talented young people from the Sanctuary Dance Studio, the members of the Stone Scout and Guide band, who played exceptionally well and led the small parade through the High Street and, if I may say so, my own 10 year old granddaughter, Maggie too. They all performed extremely well with confidence and professionalism.
Thanks too, to Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Jason Metters, for formally opening the day’s event even though he was at risk of becoming a victim of not just one, but two Mr Punch’s slapsticks or even being eaten by a crocodile!
The work and dedication of all the performers, the children and the professional puppeteers and our compère who brought along a fantastic musical fairground organ, made it an entertaining day of truly “having fun with puppets” and I was delighted to see large audiences throughout the day for each of the shows with many people staying for the entire day’s programme!
I am very grateful to Jon Cook at A Little Bit of Stone, who also freely built our website and to Dan at the Stone & Eccleshall Gazette for the much needed advance marketing and promotions and to Keeley Spilsbury and the staff at Stone Library for all their help and participation too.
The event could not have taken place without funding from Stone Town Council and a grant from Stafford District Arts Council, which enabled us to present all the shows and activities totally free of charge for everybody. I am also extremely grateful to the Town Council for all their advice, assistance and support, not only with the funding but also in providing the venue, the marquees and other essential facilities to ensure the smooth running of the event.”
Here’s some of the photos kindly provided by The Staffordshire Puppet Tree
