Brecon High School has marked its new status as a School of Sanctuary by hosting its largest ever Welcome Day - welcoming around 280 guests from more than 28 countries.

The event, held in partnership with Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR), brought together pupils, families and community members for a day of activities, music and shared food.

Despite starting under light rain, the day quickly brightened as guests were welcomed with a range of things to do – from flower arranging, pottery and face painting to circus skills, origami and sports. Powys Sports Development Officer Nicola Jones led sessions in football, table tennis, archery and basketball, while younger children enjoyed a dedicated play area.

There was live music throughout the day, including a performance by local group Spym, who encouraged crowd participation and added to the festival feel. A selection of donated clothes, kitchenware and toys was made available for families to take home.

The food – a central part of the day – was provided with support from Bwyd Powys Food and local businesses including Zeera, Gail of the Comfort Kitchen, Pobl Bakery, Claire’s Wholefoods, Matthews, Abergavenny Market and Black Mountains College. Volunteers and community members contributed homemade dishes, cakes, fruit, and locally picked strawberries and cherries.

Guests also received handmade orange heart pins made by volunteer Amanda, raising funds for HBTSR.

The day also saw the handover of funds raised through an art exhibition at Found Gallery in Brecon, supporting the charity’s work with refugees and asylum seekers.

Organisers Rowland, Sally and Meriel, along with the school’s Sanctuary Committee of pupils, were praised for their efforts.

In his closing remarks, Rowland said: “Brecon High School is the epitome of ‘welcome’ and shows us we have nothing to fear from people who are different - in fact, we have much to gain.”