Loretto Day 2026 was (thankfully!) blessed with glorious blue skies and sunshine, setting the tone for another warm and wonderful whole-school event.

The morning Chapel Service led by Ed Barker (Hon.) offered an early opportunity for families and OLs to connect, reflect, and enjoy exquisite performances from the School’s Chamber Choir.

The Pipe Band and Highland Dancers then kicked the afternoon off in style with a professional and stirring display on Pinkie Oval.

As is tradition, the day itself centered around the annual OLs vs 1st XI Cricket Match and, while we are sorry to report that the OLs once again suffered defeat at the hands of the pupil team, this match was played in excellent spirit and with equal measures of competitiveness and camaraderie. A full match report can be found at OLs vs 1st XI Cricket Match 2026.

The Walled Garden – which we are delighted to say is ‘back in action’ following the temporary relocation of Seton – played host to a charming Summer Fair featuring inflatables, face painting, outdoor chess, garden games, a tombola and well-stocked bake sale. We are incredibly grateful to the Junior School staff and families who volunteered their time to make this fair such a success. We also thank Wild Outdoors for facilitating (separate!) fire-pit and axe-throwing activities.

Elsewhere on campus, musicians and thespians performed on the Head’s Lawn, local business Ravelston House provided a bar beside Pinkie Pavilion, and street food trucks served up pizza, hot dogs, burgers and traditional Sri Lankan kotthu.

The other competitive sports fixture of the day was the Staff vs Pupils Netball Match on Hope Courts. Looking decidedly more professional than in previous years, the staff team stepped onto the court wearing matching Loretto-red headbands and steely looks in their eyes. It was clear they meant business, and no prisoners were taken on either side as goals stacked up for both teams and ‘sweat’ became the unofficial sponsor of the match. Despite a valiant effort from pupils, the score finished 16-20 in favour of the staff team. This match was also played in great spirits, with light-hearted ‘ribbing’ from both sides showcasing the unique and positive relationship between Loretto's staff and pupil bodies.

An 'Old School Sports Day' on Pinke Astro was altogether more silly, featuring traditional sack, egg-and-spoon and three-legged races. Adding to the family-feel was the appearance of five huge, inflatable animal competitors. Watching a giant unicorn try to squeeze itself into a hessian sack was a rare sight to behold, and it was lovely to hear the laughter of little ones drifting across the campus.

A Golf Challenge in Pinkie Golf Nets saw successful participants young and old walk away with highly-coveted Loretto Golf Academy merch, and Mr Neal’s Rocket Challenge once again tested pupils and families to build epic paper spacecraft ready for pneumatic launch.

Finally, it was wonderful to welcome OLs from 1966, 1976, 1986 and 1996 back to the school to celebrate 60, 50, 40 and 30 years since leaving Loretto with a BBQ and drinks on the Head’s Lawn. It was fantastic to hear what everyone has been up to in recent years, and we thank everyone again for making the effort to attend - especially those who travelled internationally!

In short, Loretto Day 2026 was another glorious celebrataion of our incredible Loretto community, and we are already looking forward to next year’s extra special ‘200th anniversary’ event!