There’s quite a bit of my work at Sanderstead Community Day that happens before I pick up a microphone. Finding and booking the acts, putting the running order together and making sure everyone knows when they’re performing has been my job for nine years now. Then, on the day, I get to host it all – and fit in a little magic of my own.
This year’s entertainment ran from 11am until 4:30pm, so there was plenty to keep me occupied. I introduced every act, kept the energy up between performances and ran the three tug of war matches. They’re always popular. For all the work that goes into booking the entertainment, a rope and two determined teams still draw a very enthusiastic crowd!
This year’s line-up included Pluto Swints Rubber Band, Rock Choir, Songsations, Cavat Theatre School, Mattias and Gordon’s Magic. It was lovely to welcome Mattias back for his third year. He’s only ten and already has three Sanderstead Community Days under his belt as a violinist.
I’ve included short videos of Rock Choir and Cavat Theatre School below, along with photos from across the day. When you’re hosting, you’re always keeping an eye on what’s coming next, so it’s good to have a chance to look back at some of the performances afterwards.
Then there was my own 30-minute magic show. What a crowd! Seeing so many people gathered to watch was a real highlight of my day. There’s a lot to think about when you’re responsible for the whole entertainment programme, but for that half hour I got to enjoy being the act as well as the organiser.
I also come ready to perform again if an act doesn’t turn up. Hopefully that extra show never needs to happen, but having something ready to fill a gap is part of the job. A running order is useful; a backup plan is useful too.
I’m proud to be an event sponsor as well. After nine years organising the entertainment, I enjoy being involved in several different ways, and this year there was plenty to enjoy: a record number of stallholders and food vendors, bright sunshine all day, and that huge audience for my show.
Thank you to all the performers and everyone who came along, watched, joined in and supported the day. Whether you were singing, dancing, enjoying some magic or putting everything into the tug of war, you gave me plenty to enjoy from behind the microphone.
If you weren’t able to make it this year, then make a note to look out for the date next September, so you don’t miss out.
