Bedford town centre came to a standstill on Thursday (25 May) as a parade of beauties and barbering models made their way from Brooks Hair and Beauty salon on Bedford High Street to the Corn Exchange.
The students were all taking part in Bedford College’s annual Hair and Beauty Show and to celebrate the Coronation, this year’s theme was Kings and Queens.
Queen Bee, ‘Killer Queen’ Freddie Mercury, Elvis ‘The King’ Presley and the Queen of Hearts all provided inspiration for the eye-catching – and traffic-stopping – styles.
The annual event is part of The Bedford College Group calendar and involves dozens of students and apprentices, supported by hair and beauty salons across the area as well as the Love Bedford organisation.
Love Bedford donated £500 in shopping vouchers as prizes and for one lucky winner there was a £150 voucher from Baker Brothers Diamonds of Bedford.
For College CEO Ian Pryce CBE, this was his last show before he retires at the end of 2023.
He told the audience: “The Hair and Beauty industry is something in which the UK leads the world. Our students are helping others to look great and importantly feel good about themselves.
“Congratulations to the staff and students.”
The hair and beauty industry has faced many challenges over the past few years, from lockdown to the cost of living crisis, supply chain issues and rising overheads.
Despite the challenges within the sector, out of all colleges in the UK, The Bedford College Group came 26th out of 210 for keeping hairdressing apprentices on track during 2021/22.
“I would like to thank all of our staff, particularly Nicky Richard, for their work during these challenging times,”” said Debbie Houghton, executive director of apprenticeships, business development and commercial at Bedford College Group.
“We hope that going forward we can encourage more young people to take up the lifelong career of hairdressing.”
