Bi-centenary celebrations get off to awesome start

It was one of the most magical evenings ever at Haileybury, according to those who attended. The sounds of choirs, jazz bands, soloists and orchestras, combined with atmospheric and dramatic lighting, left the audience in awe last Friday night.

The occasion was the celebration of 200 years of history and education at Haileybury. The magnificent buildings formed the backdrop to a unique promenade concert through which the history of each building was brought to life through the music and the narration given by pupils at the school.

More than 350 people – parents, pupils, governors and the local community – enjoyed the spectacle. Quentin Thomas, Director of Music, with his musicians and choirs, took the audience on a journey which celebrated the history of the buildings and 200 years of musical styles. The evening ended with the guests departing from Chapel to the amplified sounds of our present and future environment created by our music technology students. The grand finale was when Quad was lit up with hundreds of candles and each of the main feature buildings was superbly highlighted in red light. Viewed from the centre of Quad, guests looked on in wonder at the tunnel of light which ran from the Porters Lodge through the Form Room Block arch and settled on the spot-lit memorial at the end of Avenue.

On Saturday, the Bishop of London, Right Reverend and Right Honourable Richard Chartres, took to the pulpit and gave one of the most thought-provoking, challenging and empowering sermons heard in the Chapel. One hundred and thirty five guests, including local mayors and other dignitaries joined parents, pupils, teachers and the Chapel Choir for this thanksgiving service which will remain with them for a long time.

A celebratory lunch in Big School was followed by a walking tour of the site, led by Teacher of Art, Toby Parker, as well as a lecture on the history of the East India Company by Andrew Hambling, archivist at Haileybury.

The bi-centenary celebrations will continue in April with a fashion extravaganza when the pupils of Haileybury will present a lavish catwalk presentation of the last 200 years of fashion. This unique event is being created in conjunction with the UK’s leading fashion producer, Lesley Goring.

Other events include:

March 4th
Lecture: The architecture of Haileybury
Speaker: Toby Parker
Starts 11am

April 22nd
Dialogues at Haileybury
A dramatic presentation of life in the East India College
Starts 8pm

Summer 2006
There will be a final lecture by the broadcaster and India expert, Mark Tulley.
Details to be announced.

Spring/Summer 2006
Exhibition of the East India College at Haileybury 1806-1857
Stephen Austin Room in the Clock House
For further details, please contact the Haileybury Box Office on 01992 462507 or email the Box Office