AN EASTER bonnet parade which has taken place every spring for 50 years, will go ahead as usual – albeit online.

Larkrise Primary School in Cowley says its annual Easter Hat Parade cannot take place because of the lockdown, but will carry on, virtually, to avoid breaking the tradition.

Every year since the school opened in 1972, staff and children have marked the start of the Easter holiday with a parade around the neighbourhood showing off their creative home-made hats.

For generations of children and parents the colourful procession has been a highlight of the year – withstanding rain, hail, snow and even, once in a while, bright sunshine.

However, due to the school’s closure, staff have had to be extra creative and have allowed children and parents to show off their creations in their gardens or from immediately in front of their homes.

Local people are also being encouraged to make a joyful noise using pots and pans, dustbin lids, garden tools and whatever else they can find to bang together.

The results will be available to view online.

Teacher and leader of the school Samba Band Ed Finch said: “We were so disappointed to think of the Easter Parade tradition being broken that we knew we had to find a way to keep it going.

“This year will not be quite the same, but we will still be showing the power of our community and the connections we all share. This year, maybe more than any other, those connections are important for all of us.”

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Easter bonnet parades have long been celebrated at this time of year, with many primary schools having a long tradition of staging the events. Tell us how your schools and churches are continuing the custom this year. Email news@nqo.com