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Mamma Mia! Warriner School is 50
12/05/2022
A one-day festival will see Abba Mania headlining the school’s anniversary celebrations
It’s 50 years since the Warriner School in Bloxham first opened its doors. To mark the occasion a one-day festival in July will remember the sounds and styles of the school’s early years with the help of West End musical stars.
Abba Mania has been invited to headline the seventies themed event. The band are widely recognised as one of the best Abba tributes. They have toured 30 countries and recently completed a successful run at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre.
The Warriner School opened in 1971 for rural North Oxfordshire pupils. As part of the new comprehensive system, which was launched in 1964, it merged the Windmill School in Deddington; Dr Radcliffe’s School in Steeple Aston and Hook Norton Secondary School.
Due to the pandemic the 50th anniversary celebrations had to be delayed to this year. Now the school is keen to invite the surrounding community to join them for the special birthday bash.
Head of School Sharon Nicholls said: “The Warriner School was and is the heart of this vibrant and exciting area and we are really excited to celebrate – 1970s-style – with past, present and future students and staff at our celebration summer festival. We look forward to many of you joining us.”
Back in 1971 Warriner School opened with 700 children, aged 11 to 16. Five decades later it has doubled in size and now includes a successful sixth form.
Staff estimate that more than 850 teachers and support workers have been employed there and around 11,000 pupils educated there.
Mrs Nicholls added: “We would love to see some of our former pupils and colleagues for the celebration – after all, it is these people who have made the Warriner the centre of this community.”
The 50th Celebration will take place from 3-11pm, on Saturday 2nd July in the school grounds. Abba Mania will headline the event’s evening entertainment, but there will also be family fun, school performances, tours around the campus, an exhibition of the school’s archived photos, and a dog show throughout the afternoon.
Tickets cost £15 for adults, £10 for 11-18-year-olds and £5 for 5-11-year-olds. Under 4s will be free.
More information is available from Warriner Raising Standards Coordinator Elizabeth James on 01295 720777 or by email: e.james@warriner.oxon.sch.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam