Bolton College students create showstopping carnival outfit

The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Lynda Byrne, paid a visit to some excited competition winners yesterday, and thanked them for contributing towards her annual charity ball. 

Year 4 classes from primary schools across the borough were invited to design a collage board for the theme of this year’s event, ‘One Night in Rio’. On the night, the boards were displayed and Red Lane Primary School’s entry received the most votes. 

At Red Lane, the Mayor answered questions from the children, and complimented them on their collage board, which used feathers, glitter and photos of carnival dancers who had visited the school.   

Year 9 secondary school students were asked to draw a carnival inspired costume. The Mayor chose her f avourite design, and art and design students from Bolton College created two spectacular costumes that also took pride of place at the ball. 

Lauren Walker-Grayson’s design, from Canon Slade, was chosen by the Mayor as the winner, whilst Izzy Dzulkifli from Westhoughton High School was chosen by Bolton College as runner-up. Both costumes were transported to the respective schools for the students to see their winning designs realised. 

Lauren, who received a £50 voucher, said ‘I was excited about meeting the Mayor and seeing my costume design brought to life. I’m still deciding what to buy with my voucher!’ 

Izzy was equally impressed and said, ‘I took inspiration from the birds of Rio. I think the costume conveys my idea really well. I love the colours and my favourite part is the headdress, it’s so vibrant!’ 

The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Lynda Byrne, said, “The designs were spectacular. The boards and costumes were commented on by so many guests, and they really helped to capture the spirit of Rio. I am so grateful to all of the schools for getting involved, they made the night so special.” 

As well as making the costumes, Bolton College performing arts students entertained the guests on the night with a show-stopping carnival dance. Foundation learners made favours, whilst construction students designed a your-face-here-board. The Mayor also received a £500 cheque for her charities, raised at the College, and she was presented with a Rio cake, also made at the College.   

To see more photos from the visit, please click here.