To set the carnival mood, an infectiously joyous steel drum band played while 650 children from schools all over London and the Home Counties, were entertained in the big top by stilt walkers, a strolling magician, face painters, amazing big animal puppets, animal hula hoopers and Chinese acrobatics workshops.

The theme was continued with a Christmas in the jungle pantomime, lunch and finally a dance party with Santa and elves handing out Christmas goody bags.

A special thanks to ACI UK who funded the party and to owners of the Big Top, Denis and Diane McCourt.