Gruffalo sings along with star-struck pupils

Award-winning children’s author Julia Donaldson joined hundreds of Oxfordshire school pupils in a musical extravaganza at the County’s Centre for Music.

The creator of The Gruffalo gave three performances of songs inspired by her famous stories, alongside her husband Malcolm and 900 youngsters from 28 different schools.

Packed audiences of family and friends joined in with much-loved characters from tales such as Room on the Broom, Monkey Puzzle, and of course,The Gruffalo himself.

Julia and Malcolm were invited to perform with Oxfordshire school children, who have been learning the songs this year in music lessons.

Julia said: "A lot of people don't know that before I wrote any books I was a song writer. I was thrilled when I heard that lots of children from Oxfordshire schools would be performing these songs and they invited me and my husband Malcolm to join in the performance."

She added: "It was a really, really great day. Something just a bit different and I've had a lovely time."

Memorable occasion

Central Area Manager for the County Music Service Jess Gray said: “It was a real privilege to welcome Julia Donaldson to our Centre for Music. To have so many schools taking part and learning the songs was fantastic, and I’m sure it wil be a day to remember for everyone involved.”

Oxfordshire’s Centre for Music is on Bayswater Road Headington, Oxford.

Find out more about the County Music Service