THE annual rite of passage for Sussex pupils saw them parading through a town to celebrate leaving school.

Children in Lewes said farewell to their primary school years took place on Friday, July 1 amongst joyful celebrations.  

Since July 2001, Year 6 children have paraded up the high street in costume to mark the end of primary years and the start of their adolescence in the Patina Parade.  

Patina, which stands for Parents and Teachers In The Arts, is a charity that was set up at the start of the century by a group of parents and teachers in Lewes who were concerned that art was being given less emphasis in the national curriculum that it deserved.  

Each year it chooses a “moving on theme” that it develops with the town’s children through a range of activities and presentations. 

It organises workshops in carnival arts in schools, working with artists to create a stunning moving tide of sculptures, costumes and music that is the much-loved moving on parade.  

This year’s theme was Let’s Make Waves and celebrated the ecology, history and geography of the River Ouse and the sea and how these waterways shape lives and support a wealth of species.  

Children from 14 schools created a kaleidoscopic river of colours as they snaked through the town singing, dancing and playing musical instruments as family and friends lined the streets waving and cheering.  

Carrie Whyte, headmistress at Lewes Old Grammar Junior School (Logs), which takes part every year, said: “It was, as always, an incredibly moving celebration for all the children and their families which marks a real moment in their childhoods. 

“Logs is always honoured to take part in this fantastic Lewes tradition which the children absolutely adore.”