Totton school swaps fancy dress for pyjamas - as World Book Day costume prices soar
Parents are thought to have spent around £19 per costume - with some admitting they could be splashing over £50
A Totton primary school's swapping fancy dress for pyjamas this World Book Day - as it's revealed parents are set to spend more than last year on costumes.
A UK-wide survey of 2,000 parents found £19 is the expected average spend on a costume this year - up £2 from last year.
Meanwhile, 22% of parents surveyed admitted they felt the need to impress - while others suggested they could be spending upwards of £50 on an outfit.
Eling Infant School and Nursery are hoping encouraging children to wear their pyjamas instead will ease the pressure on parents, their Reading Lead James Neale explains:
"Parents have to rush and go and buy - or make - an outfit for a special book. "Whereas with pyjamas, it's something all children have and how they enjoy reading at bedtime."
The day-long, annual event hopes to encourage children to make reading into a lifelong habit through celebrating their favourite stories and authors.
James continued:
"The pleasure for reading and love for reading is at the forefront for World Book Day.
"By wearing pyjamas that can eradicate potential competitiveness - and children can just enjoy reading with their friends and family."