Summer Carnival 2025:Tech, Tunes & Global Tastes Unite

The Summer Carnival and Sea Turtle Music Festival are back.

On 24th May, Wellington College Hangzhou was transformed into a futuristic Tech Park, where more than 3,000 Chinese and expat teachers, pupils, parents and other guests gathered to witness an imaginative summer celebration.

This year's Summer Carnival embraced technological innovation as its central theme, boldly transcending conventional limits to create an immersive summer celebration. Through cutting-edge creative experiences, pulsating musical performances and all-day parent-child interactive activities, we orchestrated a perfect fusion of technology, artistry and joy for all attendees.

Music served as the vibrant lifeblood of this year's carnival. From the moment the first note resonated across the stage, Wellington College Hangzhou's grounds transformed into an ocean of rhythm, where jubilant melodies danced with applause, while sunshine, lawns and dancers composed an early summer symphony of celebration.

Pupils from Wellington College Hangzhou undoubtedly shone as the brightest stars on stage. Under the careful choreography of performing arts teachers, the children captivated the entire audience with their diverse artistic language, spanning from classical to modern, and Eastern to Western traditions.

Passionate piano, fervent violin and harmonious choir melodies intertwined, crafting splendid musical tapestries. Energetic drumbeats, electrifying rock performances, heartfelt musical acts and dynamic street dance routines earned rounds of applause.

As dusk fell, the JQ Band, a group of six international musicians, took to the stage for the grand finale, bringing the event to its climax. From jazz improvisation to classic rock, their professional performance had the audience swaying to the rhythm.

This six-hour musical marathon, filled with melodies that transcended borders and generations, perfectly embodied the holistic education ethos of Wellington College Hangzhou. Where technology meets art and tradition intersects with the future, music remains the universal language of the world.

Some of the biggest highlights of this year's summer carnival were undoubtedly the array of tech-inspired and futuristic play experiences. 

Whether it was the thrilling VR Space Chariot and VR Spaceship, the Internet Celebrity Fighting Robots, or the fun-powered Bicycle Generator Marshmallow Machine and Floor Piano, these activities kept the children entertained for hours, and reluctant to leave. 

The Building Blocks Kingdom was a testament to the children's imagination and creativity as they brought their dream castles to life, while the Inflatable Labyrinth was the arena where their youthful vigour was fully expressed. These engaging and challenging attractions provided an opportunity for children to embrace their innate joy and immerse themselves in the delight of childhood. 

Beyond the amusements, 60 booths within the campus enticed visitors to stop, taste and participate. From exquisite handicrafts to exciting outdoor games and heartwarming parent-child interactions, the carnival was turned into a celebration of life's rituals. As one wandered the campus field, familiar figures could be seen as parents of Friends of Wellington were working on several booths to provide heartwarming support for both adults and children. 

The food market was definitely one of the highlights of the carnival. Over ten carefully selected vendors came together to deliver a true feast for the senses. Whatever their preferences, visitors found something to love. From traditional Western fare to the vibrant tastes of Indian cuisine, visitors were dazzled by over fifty varieties of both local and international dishes available. 

The allure of these delicacies was so great that the market was bustling with activity, with many parents and children queuing up to taste their favourite dishes. The waiting times were sometimes long, yet the enthusiasm and patience of the crowd remained undiminished. All of this was thanks to the food sponsors from the school, who brought not just delicious food but also passion and support for the event. 

A tradition at Wellington College Hangzhou, the Summer Carnival has become an annual event for the international community in Hangzhou and even Shaoxing. Each year in late May, many expatriate families gather at the college to share diverse cultures and lifestyles, turning the grounds into a vibrant ‘global village’ that bridges connections and fosters cultural exchange.

The much-anticipated Wellington College Hangzhou 2025 Summer Carnival and Sea Turtle Music Festival has drawn to a close. Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Golden Mansion, Juneyao Airlines, China CITIC Bank Hangzhou Branch and Halo Dream Centre for their generous support in this event.

Let us look forward to next year's Summer Carnival bringing us even more surprises.