Hundreds at Huntington School's Arts Festival in York

After a triumphant return last, following an enforced two year break Huntington School's Arts Festival returned with about 300 pupils creating visual art and live performances for the audience.

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Two of the dance performers (Image: Cassie Garbutt)

Cassie Garbutt, the school's subject leader for art said it was an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in one of four disciplines: art, dance, drama or music.

The theme this year was Hopes and Fears and the team created an immersive art space featuring digital animation and projection as well as large scale sculptural pieces with photographs of staff and students sharing their hopes and fears for the future.

Friends and family turned out in support (Image: Cassie Garbutt)

In drama the students performed a pirate story called ‘Kitts’ Gold’, a play by Paul Birch. This explores the twin theme of hopes and fears, themes at first glance that seem worlds apart but like the pirates themselves, appearances can be deceiving.

In dance students explored their own choreography for the theme of hopes and fears with original performances.

There was live music throughout (Image: Cassie Garbutt)

And the music team performed pieces that explored how music is used to express innermost emotions.

Ms Garbutt, who was also the  festival director, said: "It is an opportunity to be a part of a large-scale project that builds a sense of community across year groups. Former students come back to facilitate and coach current students as part of the festival process.

"They are our best advocates, passing on their skills and demonstrating how their arts education at Huntington has shaped their adult lives."

Head teacher Matt Smith said: "This weeks Arts Festival highlights how important art, dance, drama and music are in shaping well rounded individuals. We must never stop offering our children the opportunity to learn through the arts.

"Our new school vision, aims to develop confidence, resilience and independence in our young people.

"It was a wonderful night to end the school year, and the weather was kind. We will be back next year."

Hope was one of the key themes (Image: Cassie Garbutt)