Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy Opens in Historic Pryce Jones BuildingThe historic Pryce Jones Building in Newtown recently hosted the official launch of the Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy, marking a new chapter for the local fashion industry. The event, which celebrated both the town’s rich textile heritage and its future in fashion, featured a range of exciting activities and performances.
A Night of Inspiration and Celebration
The evening was hosted by former Miss World Wales and BBC broadcaster Gabriella Jukes, who delivered a keynote speech on her journey from modelling to media. Her inspiring talk highlighted the dynamic nature of the fashion industry and resonated with attendees eager to learn from her experiences.
The event included several highlights:
Tribute to Laura Ashley: An exhibition of the iconic designer’s work, including a rare vintage dress, honored Ashley’s lasting influence on the fashion world.
Workshops: Interactive sessions on design and upcycling sparked creativity among participants.
Live Performances: The evening featured music by Tabby Kendall, a Level 4 performance student, and a choreographed dance by students from the College’s Performing Arts program.
Food and Drink: Locally sourced food was provided by the College’s catering students, adding to the community atmosphere.
Speeches: Councillor David Selby discussed local growth, while Jenny Hollaway, CEO of Fashion Enter, spoke about empowering innovation in fashion.
The event’s highlight was a runway show showcasing student designs, emceed by Sustainable Fashion lecturer Carys Jones. The show demonstrated the talent of the next generation of fashion designers.
Revitalizing a Historic Space
The Pryce Jones Building, once a hub for modern garment production in the late 1800s, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility for the new Academy. The building now blends historical charm with modern design to create a dynamic learning environment for aspiring fashion professionals.
The Academy offers courses in sustainable fashion, sewing, and pattern design, providing both aspiring designers and career changers with the skills needed to thrive in the industry. It is set to continue Newtown’s long-standing textile legacy.
Government Support for the Academy
The Academy has received £526,603 from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), awarded by the Powys SPF Local Partnership Board. The funding aims to support the development of the sustainable fashion sector and preserve Newtown’s textile history. The partnership board is backed by Powys County Council’s Economy and Climate Service.
Community Impact and Vision for the Future
Councillor David Selby praised the Academy’s potential to stimulate local growth: “This Academy breathes new life into an iconic space and empowers our community to thrive in the creative economy.”
Mark Dacey, CEO of NPTC Group of Colleges, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in the students’ talents and the hard work of staff. “By combining creativity with technical expertise, this new Academy will help shape the fashion leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
With its innovative approach and community-focused vision, the Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy is poised to play a key role in the future of sustainable fashion and textile design.
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