Charity fashion show students reach final of national competition

Three undergraduate students from Edge Hotel School who hosted a charity fashion show have secured a place in the final of a national competition that promotes women in the events industry.

Shannon Coombes, Charlotte Swain and Florence Sweetman, who are all studying BA Events Management, will attend the glitzy final at the Hyatt Regency in London having impressed judges with their event debrief.

They are one of only three student teams to reach the final.

They hosted their fashion show at Wivenhoe House Hotel in April, raising £750 for Ella’s, a charity which provides safe housing, care and community support to survivors of trafficking and exploitation.

The fashion show was hosted as part of the Fast Forward 15 initiative’s University Challenge competition. Fast Forward 15 provides coaching and support for women working in events. The University Challenge asked university students around the country to devise charity events from scratch before entering an event debrief.

In their event debrief Shannon, Charlotte and Florence outlined how they had used their charity fashion show to raise awareness of contemporary sustainability issues relating to fast fashion. They showcased clothing donated by members of the community that were sold off at the event. With ticket sales, they raised £750.

Having been selected as finalists, the trio, along with their lecturers Dr Nicola Cade and Alex Horswill, will attend the competition ‘graduation’ for selected finalists on 9 May, hoping to win the £1,000 grand prize. Winners will also get the chance to be mentored by Fast Forward 15 founder Faye Sharpe OBE.

Speaking about their achievement, Charlotte said: “This has been a great way to learn hands-on experience whilst raising money for an amazing charity. All whilst competing against other events students. It has pushed me to show my potential.”

Dr Nicola Cade, Lecturer at Edge Hotel School, said: “The University Challenge competition for Shannon, Florence, and Charlotte has been an incredible opportunity and learning experience. It has given them real industry insights, expert support, and dedicated industry mentors.

“The ambition and dedication they have shown is a testament to them, the lecturers, and our School. They have worked so hard and that’s the biggest win in my eyes.”