Following Founders’ Day, on Saturday 27 June, the school hosted a spectacular Lily Ball, themed as ‘Midnight in Montmartre’, for our Upper Sixth students, parents, guests and staff.
The highlight of the Summer Term and the final event for our 2026 Leavers, this year’s theme, chosen by the Upper Sixth students, set the scene for an unforgettable evening beneath a star-studded sky. The marquee was transformed into a magical Parisian nightscape, filled with glittering lights. A stunning deep red, pale rose and gold colour scheme added a note of opulence and drama, perfectly complementing the romantic Montmartre setting.
In the early evening sunshine, 245 guests enjoyed a delicious selection of canapés and fizz, generously sponsored by the Calne Girls’ Association. Following a wonderful Gallic inspired dinner, of Poulet Sauté Chasseur and Tarte au Citron, the phenomenal Will Blake Band filled the marquee with energy, keeping the dance floor alive for hours as guests celebrated in style beneath the glittering lights. The evening continued until 11.30pm when the girls were whisked off to the after party.
Our huge thanks to the parent donors who subsidised the cost of ball tickets for our staff. Thanks to their extraordinary generosity, we were delighted to welcome a record 97 staff members alongside pupils and parents this year.
We are also grateful to the Parents’ Guild of St Mary’s (PGSM) and to the generous individual parents and programme sponsors whose contributions helped to transform the marquee décor. From softly glowing fairy lights and the star-lit ceiling shimmering above the dance floor to thoughtfully chosen details such as the elegant raspberry-hued water glasses, every element enhanced the atmosphere.
It was a truly fabulous occasion – an elegant, and joy-filled evening marking the end of our Leavers’ years at St Mary’s Calne. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who played a part in making this unforgettable evening possible and to those who embraced it with such gusto.
