Schools put on a spectacular display of summer festivities with events ranging from theatre performances to appearances from members of 1980s music legends Madness.

The playground at Brookfield Primary was transformed into a concert arena on Saturday as Madness turned up to play at the Centenary Year Summer Fair, part of the school’s celebrations to mark its 100th year.

Saxophonist Mike Barson and keyboard player Lee Thompson, who both attended the school in the 1960s, played classic tunes like Our House and Baggy Trousers.

An estimated 800 guests enjoyed non-stop entertainment at the school in Chester Road, Highgate.

Headteacher Mark Stubbings said: “Sharing this centenary with Mike and Lee was a fitting climax to the event for everyone involved.

“People were even hanging out of their windows and stopping in the street to have a listen – they could sense that something really special was going on.”

Swiss Cottage School Development and Research Centre in Avenue Road continued the theme of seasonal festivities with a sizzling summer fete on Saturday.

Friends and family enjoyed face painting, a bouncy castle, food, raffles, music and dancing.

Money raised went to the school’s own charity, Pigs4Kids, which helps provide facilities and a brilliant education for children with complex learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Headteacher Kay Bedford said: “There was a buzzy atmosphere, the weather was beautiful and it was lovely to see the children and parents making the most of the school grounds.

“The fact that we raised money in the process was an added bonus!”

Highgate School also put on a two-day festival over the weekend to celebrate the end of the school year.

On Saturday the highlight was a talk by Times journalist Kaya Burgess about his profession.

On Sunday the school gathered at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm where parents watched films showcasing pupils’ sporting talent and scenes from this year’s production of West Side Story.