The Regents Picnic in the Park took place on the afternoon of Sunday 12th May and this annual event, now in its third year, has become a popular event on Pattaya’s social calendar.
Many musicians, singers and dancers from The Regents School arrived to perform and also invited were students from Garden International School and St. Andrews School.
In the previous two years the event was held at the Father Ray Children’s Village, but this year it was staged at the Father Ray Children’s Home, a more intimate venue.
Big by name, big in talent.
For more than three hours hundreds of performers climbed on stage. Younger children were kept occupied with many activities including a bouncy castle, an electric car track, face painting, a soccer competition and manicures, while the adults relaxed under the shade of the trees with a cool beer and a burger.
The band from the Father Ray Children’s Home performed three well known Thai songs, but while many in the audience could not understand the Thai lyrics, they cheered at the end of each song. But while they played well, it was the drummer who drew a crowd of onlookers and fans.
This young drummer’s nickname is Big, and even though he is short in stature he is big in talent. Several drummers from other bands came to over just to watch him play and with each song there seemed to be an ever growing crowd of female admirers.
One of the many highlights of the day was a duet between two teachers from Regents, Ms. Neufeld and Ms. Naylon, who performed a version of the Alicia Keyes song, ‘If I ain’t got you’. As they sang the crowd sat in silence and awe as they listened to two beautiful voices singing a beautiful song.
While the afternoon was filled with lots of talent, great music, fun activities and delicious food there was a serious side to the event.
The money raised by charging admission to the event will be donated to help the many children who have special needs, and their families, and who go to the Father Ray Foundation for help. They have nowhere else to go in the Pattaya area for the support, therapy and education they need, but the Foundation will always make them welcome.
More information can be found at www.fr-ray.org or email [email protected]
Lots of games kept the children occupied.
Mr. Press gave a rousing version of ‘Sit Down’ by the rock band James.
Ms. Neufeld and Ms Naylon performed ‘If I ain’t got you’, written by Alicia Keyes.
Meeting new friends.
The dancers from the Father Ray Children’s Home.
Many of the visiting bands also showed off their talent.
Several children spent most of the day on the bouncy castle.
