THE Churchtown Primary playground was officially opened yesterday (Tuesday, 16 September 2025), with celebrity guests including soul singer Heather Small performing for the schoolchildren.

The playground, which was built as a living legacy for Churchtown pupils Alice Da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, was made possible thanks to the amazing generosity of the general public, with almost £400,000 raised.

The grand opening itself featured performances from Heather Small, famed for being the lead singer of M People and her solo hit song ‘Proud’, and Laura Pick, who stars as Elphaba in the West End’s Wicked. The children also met Bluey, from the hit children’s TV show.

The day featured a whole school performance of The Greatest Showman’s ‘A Million Dreams’, as well as a speech and poem reading by headteacher Jinnie Payne.

Jinnie Payne, headteacher at Churchtown Primary, said:- “The journey to make this playground a reality has been a long and emotional one for everyone involved, and this day of remembrance and celebration marks a new chapter for Churchtown. This playground, made possible by the public taking us into their hearts and generously donating their own money, will be a living legacy for Alice and Bebe. Generations of children will enjoy it and be inspired by Alice and Bebe’s unique personalities.”