Cheerleading and martial arts were among the activities children could try out as part of a community festival.

Whitfest was held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Gladstone Street, in partnership with Move More Glossop and High Peak School & Sport Partnership.

During the afternoon, the children had the opportunity to take part in a range of sports including: rugby with Glossop Rugby Club; tennis with Glossop Tennis Club; Military Fitness; cheerleading with BACE; Matrix Martial Arts; cricket with Old Glossop Cricket club and basketball with Glossop Leisure Centre.

They were also joined by the local community police team, local councillors, the Community Allotment and Glossop Adult Education service.

Sarah Rudd, Head of Saint Mary’s, said: “We are really pleased with the success of Whitfest, and have been extremely grateful for all the support from High Peak School and Sport Partnership and Move More Glossop in making the event possible.

She said it was wonderful to see the children and the families enjoying all the activities on offer.

“I know that the day has certainly sparked some interest from the children in sports that they have never tried before, and they are looking at joining some of the local clubs that attended on the day.

“We are already looking forward to planning Whitfest 2024, and as a school we are continuing to focus on getting more pupils and families active.”

Dawn Richardson, Partnership Development Manager at High Peak School & Sport Partnership, said Whitfest had been an amazing team effort to show the children and their carers the wider community opportunities that they can get involved in.

Helen Thornhill, Move More Glossop lead, said they had been delighted to be involved.

“I’d like to thank all the coaches that came on the day and the hard work of the school staff to ensure it was a fun packed afternoon.

“The clubs demonstrated that moving can be fun, you can move by dancing, playing tennis, doing martial arts, taking part in team sports like basketball and rugby along with many other available locally.”

Adding, “It was great to see the parents and teachers joining in with the activities, especially the tug of war, where I think we could call it a draw.”