THE spirit of Glastonbury visited a Swindon school with a student-led music festival fundraiser.

Isambard Community School, in Redhouse, rocked out at the all-day musical extravaganza, which featured performances from talented arts students and established musicians.

Pupils from Uplands, Bridlewood and Orchid Vale schools were treated to morning shows by Isambard’s art students with assistant head teacher Kirsty Winnan revealing the youngsters were treated to an authentic festival experience.

“It went really well. It was our version of Glastonbury,” she said.

“We hired a stage and a sound engineer to make sure the music sounded its best.”

About 800 pupils and their parents were in the audience.

“We also had performances from singers, bands and our guitar groups. It was something that everyone enjoyed.”

Topping the bill for the afternoon line-up was up and coming jazz singer Max Restaino, vocalist Charley and Bristol-born headliners Coasts who dropped in at Isambard’s festival on route to their own Glastonbury gig.

Entrepreneurial students also set up their own funfair-style business stands selling jewellery, hair accessories, cakes, teddies and comics, with proceeds split between Isambard school and Cancer Research UK and Swindon Foodbank.

The day had one more touch of the iconic music festival when rain put an end to the final afternoon gigs, but Alison said even British weather could not dampen the students’ enthusiasm.

“Arts are really important to us as a school and it was great to showcase the talent the school has. The students put a lot of time and effort into this event and it has really paid off... even the rain couldn’t spoil it," she said.