Students from a Dewsbury high school ‘dressed to impress’ last month as they hosted an evening full of fashion, music, dance and food in the name of community cohesion.
The fashionable team, from Westborough High School, hosted their first ‘Community Fashion Show’ on Friday 27th May at Batley Town Hall.
Inspired by Kirklees Council’s Community Heritage Team, the project was led by eight pupils who aimed to promote a greater cultural understanding between communities.
The night was a product of a lot of sweat and tears over a two-month period, as excited pupils and staff took to the catwalk – where they also showed off their dance moves and vocal talents.
Two girls hosted the night’s free extravagant proceedings, which involved fashion parades from Eastern, Western and African cultures.
The acts were extremely well received by the audience who demanded encores from two of the performance pieces; a duet by two Year 10 girls, Aqsa Hussain – who also co-hosted the event with Ayesha Siddiqua – and Tia Ramsden, and an upbeat and energetic Bollywood-style routine.
Habiba Patel, who oversaw the project, said: “The event was a tremendous success. It was a pleasure to work closely with some amazingly talented and dedicated young people. It was also nice to see other staff get involved – especially strutting their stuff on the catwalk.”
She continued: “But it wasn’t just people from Westborough, though, as others from the local area kindly volunteered their services – namely Kiran from Amana Beauty and Spa and former pupil Suriya Sadiq who assisted with hair and makeup, along with Kulsum Patel and other students from the University of Huddersfield.”
Once the live show was over, there was the chance to enjoy catering from all of the cultures featured with guests tucking into plates of African, British and Asian foods.
The eight pupils who led the project all have a keen interest in fashion, as well as business management, which are key areas in which they want to continue to expand their knowledge and experience.
Co-host, Aqsa, said: “I thoroughly loved every single minute. I love fashion and I love talking – so hosting it with my good friend Ayesha was brilliant! Everyone got involved and it was amazing to see so many people come out and support us. We can’t wait for the next event.”
