Our annual Day of Celebration should celebrate all that is good about King’s. One could argue that one day is not enough, so it had to be very full!

Although we were not blessed with glorious sunshine all day, it did not stop nearly 40 classic and interesting cars (and one motorbike) owned by parents, Old Brutonians, friends and staff from gathering on the Memorial Hall Lawn. Pupils, staff and visitors mingled amongst the vehicles, enviously admiring them, before many of the gathered vehicles were waved off on a pre-planned 50 mile ‘Somerset Cheese Tour’. 

Meanwhile, a team of young and keen old boys met on Hyde to play the in-form King’s 1^st XI whilst a team of slightly older alumni and parents set about playing the 2^nd XI on Abbey. Both matches were played in a good spirit with the King’s 1^st XI finally winning by 5 wickets in this the inaugural match for The Doggart Memorial Trophy (in memory of former Headmaster Hubert Doggart who died earlier this year). The School’s 2^nd XI were very narrowly beaten in a well-contested yet friendly match. Both teams and gathered guests took tea on Hyde, which coincided with the return of the cars. The lavish tea provided by Chartwells and the BTEC Hospitality pupils was an absolute feast and much enjoyed by all.

No sooner was the cricket finished than nearly 150 guests, whilst enjoying drinks and delicious canapes (sponsored by The Old Brutonian Association and The Friends of King’s), assembled outside the Memorial Hall to listen to the Military Band beat Retreat. The quality of the music was matched only by the smartness of the band’s turn out. The proud Headmaster took the salute as the band marched off parade and the guests made their way into the Memorial Hall for a Somerset Supper. Again, the BTEC Hospitality pupils proved their worth by excellently waiting on table, before the King’s Big Band (many of whom had only moments earlier performed in the Military Band) entertained the gathered throng to some excellent swing music and dance tunes.

By midnight all was quiet, guests had left, musicians were sleeping peacefully, and it was hard to imagine what a busy, action-packed day we had enjoyed. Many thanks to all staff, pupils, Old Brutonians, parents and Friends for supporting this annual event. We look forward to welcoming you all back for next year’s Day of Celebration on 15^th June 2019. Save the date! 

A video of Beating Retreat and all the albums of photos from the day can be seen below.

?Gilly Bunday - Events Manager

Classic & Interesting Car Display Photo Album:

Cricket Photo Album:

Tea on Hyde Photo Album:

Beating Retreat Photo Album:

Somerset Supper & Dancing Photo Album:

Beating Retreat Video: