Some of Ledbury's budding young designers and performers have been working with professionals over the last six weeks to prepare for a feast of fashion, dance and music.
With help from Herefordshire Council's youth service and Ledbury Youth First, a spectacular fashion show will take place at the Market Theatre, Ledbury in the new year, where the audience will be treated to a display of unique designs modelled in true catwalk style by the young people who designed them.
They will be accompanied by music wrapped up by the boys who have been participating in DJ workshops with DJ Trickster from the DJ Academy. The girls will also entertain the crowds with dance routines and singing to rival the x-factor finalists.
The idea of putting on a fashion show came from the girls. With help from the Ledbury youth workers, they successfully put together a bid for funding from the Youth Opportunities Fund and commissioned local textile artist, Wendy Ruddick, to work with them on producing the garments for the show. As the girls became embroiled in designing, stitching and modifying existing garments, more young people became involved; some creating banners and backdrops for the show and some working on catwalk choreography and dances with Urban Edge. Altogether around twenty to thirty 11-15 year olds have been involved in the project.
Pippa Hart, Herefordshire Council community youth worker, said: This project has grown with support from Ledbury Youth First and Urban Edge Dance group.
"The girls had their first success when they put their funding bid together and it's grown from there. I've been really pleased with the way they have worked in their groups and kept focussed on their goals. Most importantly, they've had great fun.
"We've had lots of new-comers who have made new friends and kept coming to the youth club. Their enthusiasm has been amazing and the designs they've come up with will definitely give some of our top designers a run for their money."
All proceeds will be reinvested into fashion-based activities for young people in Ledbury.