Bournemouth, Education | Posted on December 17th, 2025 | return to news

Christmas party for Boscombe schoolchildren

Bethany Junior School pupils enjoyed food and entertainment and met Father Christmas at a party funded by Wessex Wishes.

Father Christmas was the special guest when 55 excited children from Bethany Junior School in Boscombe enjoyed a Christmas party at the Cumberland Hotel in Bournemouth. The party was funded by Wessex Wishes, a new ‘not for profit’ company, that aims to support children with challenges by organising events that will give them positive memories.

There was food, dancing and magical entertainment provided by children’s entertainer Krazy Kev. The children were in stitches of laughter as they did silly dances and helped him with his tricks. Before the show, the youngsters tucked into slices of pizza, sausages, chicken goujons, chips and jelly and ice cream.

Before returning to school, all the children met Father Christmas, who gave each child a big Christmas stocking full of treats and toys. It was a magical occasion, and the children loved it all.

Krazy Kev will also entertain children with a live show, funded by Wessex Wishes, at Heatherlands School, Parkstone, and provide a series of Zoom shows for children with special needs who respond better to entertainment in school. He started these shows following the Covid pandemic when it was impossible to hold a party in a hotel. Some schools found Kev’s Zoom shows were much enjoyed and less disruptive for children with particular disabilities.

Wessex Wishes funded Krazy Kev’s Zoom parties taking place during the last week of term.

Frances Cornelius, chairperson of Wessex Wishes, said: “On behalf of Wessex Wishes, I would like to thank all those who helped to make our Christmas party so special. Thank you everyone at the Cumberland Hotel for your helpful staff and chefs – the food and service were first class.

“Thank you Krazy Kev for your fantastic show – the children love what you do.

“A huge thank you to Matthew Fleming-Duffy and the Foresters for funding presents for the children and for making sure that Santa was available on the day. Finally, a very big thank you to our committee members and other volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure our events run smoothly.”

For more information about the work of Wessex Wishes, please contact Frances Cornelius on: francesaaa@aol.com