A LITTLE SUTTON school is beginning to look a lot more festive after it was transformed into a winter wonderland.

The Christmas revamp at Little Sutton Church of England Primary School was made possible thanks to the generosity of Burleydam Garden Centre and Cheshire Oaks.

It was all part of a Nutcracker project by Little Sutton Primary School, with children learning the story of the Nutcracker, culminating in a whole school visit to watch the ballet at the Liverpool Empire Theatre on November 28.

Synonymous with Christmas, the Nutcracker is Tchaikovsky’s most famous ballet, telling the story of a young girl’s journey into a magical land on Christmas eve.

Year 5/6 teacher Jane Edwards said: “The classrooms, corridors and hall at Little Sutton have been decked out with tinsel, baubles and lights, and nutcracker soldiers.

"Burleydam Garden Centre helped us dress the corridors by loaning us Christmas trees, garlands and hand-painted nutcracker soldiers whilst Cheshire Oaks delivered several 5ft nutcracker cut-outs and baubles aplenty.

"Our parents have also contributed with decorations, tutus and ballet shoes. Our school looks amazing.”

Every class at Little Sutton Primary School, from reception up to Year 6, has been involved in the project. The story of the Nutcracker has been slowly revealed.

Pupils have undertaken creative writing, musical composition, dance, drama and artwork, as well as listening to some of Tchaikovsky’s pieces.

Miss Edwards says the atmosphere at the school, based on Berwick Road in Little Sutton, is extremely festive.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our parents and the wider community for helping us to make this project such an immersive experience for our pupils," she said.

"Watching pupils’ mesmerised faces taking in the decorations at school, listening to the music boxes in the corridors, and singing the musical pieces to themselves as they walk through the corridors has been wonderful.

"During our studies of the story in the weeks leading up to the theatre experience, the children were fully invested in the plight of Nutcracker at the hands of the evil Mouse King and couldn’t wait to visit the Land of Sweets.”

Pupils from Little Sutton were taken to Liverpool by coach for the performance of the Nutcracker at the Liverpool Empire, performed by the English National Ballet, an experience that lived up to expectations said Miss Edwards:

“We couldn’t have hoped for a better reaction. The children were sat forward in their seats, leaning into the action and absorbing the costumes, music and dance.

"The older pupils supported the younger, whispering the story as the dancers danced it. We are so proud of our pupils who received praise from audience members.

"A retired ballerina and a retired headteacher both approached members of staff to comment on the wonderful behaviour of our children and on their intelligent reactions to the music and dance.”

The winter wonderland at Little Sutton C of E Primary School will remain until the children break up for Christmas, and pupils from the school will be spreading the Christmas cheer further when the Little Sutton Primary School choir perform at the Burleydam Garden Centre in December.

Sally Cornelissen, director of Burleydam Garden Centre, said: “We are delighted to support Little Sutton Primary School as they explore the wonderful story surrounding the Nutcracker ballet.

"We would like to congratulate the teaching and support staff at the school for their dedication and enthusiasm for the project.”

Kenny Murray, general manager of Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet said Cheshire Oaks were pleased to support the local community during the festivities: “We hope the children of Little Sutton Church of England Primary School continue to enjoy their decorations throughout the Christmas period.”