Colourful, Vibrant and Engaging: An MK50 Festival to Remember

This weekend, more than 100,000 people visited Middleton Hall in centre:mk to take part in Milton Keynes College’s Festival in the City.

Showcasing the sheer talent of the students and the quality of teaching at MK College, the festival brought excitement and entertainment to the region’s leading shopping centre. With live cooking competitions, music, a fashion show and art exhibitions there really was something for everyone at this year’s event.

The current trend of mindful colouring was just one of the interactive activities that visitors were invited to take part in, with the chance for people to win centre:mk vouchers by completing the Festival in the City Colouring Competition.

End of Year Assessments were also taking place throughout the show, and awards were presented for the outstanding work of students from the college’s Art, Photography, Make-up Artistry and Performing Arts & Media Make-up courses.

The festival ended on a high with the winners of the 2017 Beds, Bucks and Herts Student and Professional Barber of the Year contests announced. Event sponsors Wahl and Chris & Sons crowned Stevie McGrory, co-owner of Gents Barbering, the winner of Professional Barber of the Year and Fabrizio Ciliberti took the title of Student Barber of the Year 2017.

Fabrizio Ciliberti, who is currently completing his apprenticeship, through MK College at Just Gents barber shop and took the prize for winner of the Student Barber of the Year Award, commented: “It has always been my dream to open up my own barbers shop one day, and I am so grateful for the opportunities that the College and Just Gents have given me in getting my first foot on the ladder.  My winning cut was a Teddy Boy Quiff, an iconic style with a very ‘on trend’ retro look.

“I can’t believe how much I’ve learnt in my one year at College and I couldn’t be happier to have won the award, I’m looking forward to entering the Professional Barber of the Year award next year and getting even closer to owning my own barbers.”

Dr Julie Mills, Principal and CEO of Milton Keynes College described her immense pride in the students and staff involved in this year’s Festival in the City. She said: “There was a real sense of celebration at this year’s event; whether that was because it was part of the overall MK50 festivities, or it was down to the enthusiasm of staff and students, keen to show off the college’s truly fantastic talent, I can’t be sure, but I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of such an inspiring education facility.

“The College did an amazing job in showcasing everything that is great about Further Education, and engaging with the local community to bring to life the high quality facilities and learning opportunities available within our growing city.”

For further information about the Festival in the City click here, email and search #MKCFestival on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram