STUDENTS from Woking College involved in creative studies celebrated their success at their newly-launched Arts Fest 23. 

This was the first art festival held at the college in Old Woking, creating a platform to celebrate the breadth of talent across all disciplines of the creative arts. 

Central to the event was the A-level and vocational art and design end-of-year private view showcasing hundreds of works from textile design, fine art, photography, graphic design, 3D design and vocational art.   

This expansive exhibition was bursting with creativity and talent. Awards were given to Laila Greene as student textile artist of the year with her fine art/textile submission, while Grace Ragget was voted best in show for her fine art illustrations. 

Grace said: “My time at college has been wonderful, especially in the art department. I was thrilled to receive not only one but two awards for my work. 

“The art department at Woking College has done a wonderful job at aiding our progression of work and I can feel proud about the work I have created with their guidance and support. 

“I’ll always remember my time here as the best years of my education thanks to the art department.”

Music students from the performing arts department provided music throughout the evening while The Woking College Theatre Company performed  extracts from their award-winning production of Metamorphosis by Steven Berkoff.  

This production has just won the youth and adjudicator’s awards at the prestigious All England Theatre Festival.

A-level textile design students and CTEC vocational art students showcased their designs in a stunning and colourful live fashion show. Dance students introduced the show, with a jazz composition leading students who wore their creations down the catwalk.

Reaching out to local secondary schools, the college ran a Creative Rising Stars competition which was an open-to-all future creatives in Years 10 and 11, with many wonderful entries on the theme of Festival.

Head of creative arts Becky Barnes said: “The evening was absolutely fantastic, showcasing the multiple talents from so many departments. 

“It was a remarkable end to a year full of talent, creativity and hard work by our Year 13 students.”