A MULTI Academy Trust has organised a festive musical event which raised money for Wirral Mind and Cash for Kids.

Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust (OTMAT), which looks after eight primary schools in Wirral, organised the end-of-term event following the success of its Eurovision summer fundraiser which saw 500 primary and secondary school pupils come together to raise thousands for local good causes.

200 pupils from all over the Wirral got involved in the festive event and performed at Christmas KaraOAKe, including Hilbre and Ridgeway High Schools and Black Horse Hill juniors, alongside OTMAT member schools Egremont, Stanton Road, Church Drive, Poulton Lancelyn primary schools and Brackenwood Juniors.

Groups of children, aged five-16, performed their chosen Christmas songs to entertain the audience and at the end there was a mass flash-mob style karaoke session with 12 schools and the audience joining in with the traditional carol, The 12 Days of Christmas.

There were also performances from the Trust’s MAT band on the night, which include trustees, patrons and parents, and there was several performances from a group of teachers from both the attending high schools.

Representatives from the two charities were also in attendance providing raffle prizes and additional family groups were invited via an Instagram event page to perform on the night.

Tony Lacey, CEO of Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust, said: "We are delighted at the turnout for this inaugural Christmas event.

"The children, staff and parents put on an amazing show and particular thanks goes to our Wellbeing Lead, Mel Eastwood, who is Head at Egremont Primary, and who organised the event on behalf of the Trust.

"Our post Covid-19 strategy as a Trust is to provide children with access to creative experiences to enhance wellbeing, and music and drama play keys roles in this."