A primary school is hoping to add some star power to a special anniversary.

2024 sees Ysgol Y Waun, in Gwernaffield, mark 50 years since opening its doors, and the children are coming up with ideas on how to celebrate.

Along with Amy Bletcher, who provides pastoral support at the village school, a group of pupils have been meeting regularly to discuss plans.

One ambitious hope for the landmark event is to have former pupil, and Coldplay guitarist, Jonny Buckland return to his old school.

Jonny, a co-founder of the global hit band, would be the icing on the celebration cake for the school, who are doing all they can to get the musician and songwriter's attention.

Amy said: "Jonny learnt to play his first chords of guitar in our very own school, and we are hoping to get in touch with him in hopes he will come for a trip down memory lane. This idea has particularly excited all of our students and we hope to make it happen.

 

"I've set myself a challenge and I proposed an idea to the children during assembly that we could learn a Coldplay song and perform it and possibly make a music video to bring more attention.

"The children were very excited at this idea and I had a classroom full attend our first get together to listen to some of Coldplay songs, which included Viva La Vida, A Sky Full of Stars, Fix You and a few others.

"Luckily we must have a lot of parents that are Coldplay fans, as most of the children all began singing together, with myself, and it really did make me emotional as I could see how passionate they really are to make this happen."

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The children voted unanimously on which song to sing, choosing Viva La Vida. They are working hard on learning and practicing, even giving up their breaktimes to learn the song.

Amy added: "The children are so excited and have been very positive. I've got a classroom full, from Year 2 to Year 6.

"Even the parents think it's a great idea and are supporting us.

"I'm trying everything, I've even reached out to Greg James on Radio 1, who recently did a piece with Dua Lipa, where he took her back to her old primary school."

As part of the anniversary, the school is also appealing for former staff and pupils for any old photos or memories of the school.