On Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 750 children from 37 Glasgow Schools were present at the Primary Schools Scottish Country Dance Festival in the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow. The event, introduced in 2006, was jointly organised by the Primary Physical Education Team of Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.
The day began with a Grand March of two banner bearers from each of the schools involved, marching behind the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band to rousing cheers from the rest of the children seated in the North and South balconies.
There were opening speeches by Baillie Gordon Matheson Education Convenor of Glasgow City Council, Wendy O'Donnell, Area Education Manager and Irene Bennett, Chairman RSCDS. The children were divided into 2 groups, Red and Yellow. The Yellow team danced Highland Fair, A Reel for Jeannie, Mr Watson's Favourite and the Round Reel of Eight. The Red team danced The Dhoon, Lady Catherine Bruce's Reel, the Old Man of Storr, the Reel of the 51st Division and the Round Reel of Eight. The groups danced alternately but both groups joined to dance 2 firm favourites; the Dashing White Sergeant in 3 huge concentric rings and the Flying Scotsman with accompanying train noises.
Eight members of Glasgow Branch Demonstration Team gave a spectacular demonstration which kept the children mesmerised.
At the end of the afternoon, representatives of each school collected participation Certificates and the Day finished with all the children on the floor singing Auld Lang Syne.
This amazing day was the culmination of many months of teaching and organising. The list of people who contributed to the day is huge, parents, teachers, PE staff, floor stewards and all merit thanks and congratulations. Special thanks to Fiona McDonald of RSCDS Glasgow who taught the School Teachers, Ruth Beattie of RSCDS Glasgow Branch, Christine Watson, Primary PE Manager and Les Lambert who did an amazing job as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
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