Sensational Flash Mob Dance Launches Marlborough’s 2017 Litfest

Marlborough’s eighth LitFest launched with a dramatic Flash Mob Dance outside the Town Hall. At 11 am on Thursday September 28, mysterious creatures with whiskers, furry tails, claws and scary faces began to appear in the High Street. Over 270 local primary schoolchildren, dressed as wild things from the book Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak danced to Dangerous by David Garrett.

A large crowd soon gathered and traffic was brought to a standstill. Gavin Abbott, whose daughter, aged 6, was in the flash mob told marlborough.news , “It’s a brilliant idea, and extra special because it was top secret. The kids look amazing.”

Children from eight local primary schools participated in the event and have been hard at work learning the dance routine. LitFest has also held writing and art competitions during the summer, all themed around Where The Wild Things Are. Primary schools involved were: St Michael’s Aldbourne, Ramsbury, St Katharine’s Savernake, Preshute, St Mary’s Marlborough, Chilton Foliat, Great Bedwyn and Woodborough.

Deborah Monks from Great Bedwyn, whose son was dressed as Max from Where The Wild Things Are, complete with tail and whiskers said, “It’s fantastic and integrating with other schools helps with social skills.”

“They are all so excited,” added Caroline Whiting, also from Great Bedwyn.

“It’s really sweet,” said Katy Sigrist whose son was dressed a hedgehog.
The dance was choreographed by Rachel Haines, a teacher at Marlborough St.Mary’s. She told marlborough.news, “I am very pleased with how it went. The children look fabulous. It was nice to bring Marlborough town to a standstill. Thank you to all the teachers for teaching the dance so well.”

LitFest would like to thank Swindon-based Barnes Coaches for their help in transporting the schoolchildren to Marlborough High Street at a reduced rate.

This year’s Marlborough LitFest features over 35 events during the Festival weekend including, among others, Will Self, Frank Gardner, Craig Brown, David Mitchell, John O’Farrell and Francesca Simon, together with workshops and poetry events.