With 1,500 people eagerly bursting through the gates, the event was spread across the school – the sports hall was laden with activities for the youngest generations, which followed the theme of Bugs and Butterflies; whereas the outside was a combination of international cuisine (with everything from sticky iced buns to poppadums), refreshing drinks for all ages and tastes, and traditional games and competitions – such as Bat the Rat and Tug of War, to name but two.

A group of pupils bring a wonderful concert for visitors at the annual Wellington College International Tianjin Summer Fayre in Tianjin, North China's coastal city, on June 7. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Performances from students and staff went on throughout the day on the outdoor stage – with junior school dance troupes, senior school saxophonists and the newly-formed Wellington Male Barbershop Quintet being just some of many highlights. Kung Fu experts from Sichuan and local stilt-walkers brought to the event a carnival feel as well, and local vendors from Tianjin’s Ancient Culture Street were found practicing their craft. The event culminated in a Raffle Draw, which symbolized the immense support that the school receives from the local and national business community.

A folk artist makes tangren, or candy man, a kind of traditional snack at the annual Wellington College International Tianjin Summer Fayre in Tianjin, North China's coastal city, on June 7. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"The desire to thrill and entertain, to hold events that involve the whole school community and more, and to go beyond what we thought possible – these are all alive and well here in China," said Murray Fowler, master of Wellington College International Tianjin.

A combination of international cuisines, with everything from sticky iced buns to cupcakes are served for all ages and tastes at the annual Wellington College International Tianjin Summer Fayre in Tianjin, North China's coastal city, on June 7. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Edited by Liao Wei and Brian Salter