A FESTIVAL which sprung from a music celebration in a family’s garden has raised over £21,000 for Icknield School.

Jazziefest saw families descend on Wyke Down Country Pub and Restaurant on Saturday for a day filled with fun, bands and traditional fair fare.

Now in its second year, Jazziefest is the idea of Tracey Allen who first held a festival for her daughter Jasmine, a pupil at Icknield, in their back garden.

And following its success in 2017 Tracey was overwhelmed at the triumph of this year’s music spectacular, with 1,300 tickets sold.

She said: “It was just an absolutely amazing day, we raised £21,310 for the school. The feedback has been amazing, everyone said there was a family atmosphere and they loved seeing the students having a great time.”

During the day a number of local artists took to the stage, but the highlight for most was a performance by Icknield Glee Club which sang five pop songs using Makaton sign language.

Tracey added: “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after that. Sara-Jane Webb, who works at the school started the club and it is fantastic.”

Tracey thanked those who took part and in organising the festival.

There was also a hoedown, bucking bronco, raffles, Pimms tent and around 40 stalls for festival-goers to enjoy.

The money raised will be used for a loft conversion of a bungalow used by older students and for sensory equipment.