This year saw the return of the hugely popular Children First Derby Fashion Show sponsored by Fatball. Now in its eighth year, the event, held on Friday 24th March at the Derby Conference Centre, raised over £2,300 to help support local vulnerable children, young people, and families.
The fun-filled, packed event was hosted by BBC Radio Derby Presenter’s Andy Twigge, (Twiggy) and Dave Fletcher, who kept the audience entertained throughout with their witty commentary. The guests of honour included Children First Derby Patron, renowned Actress and BAFTA nominee, Gwen Taylor, and The RT Hon Dame Margaret Beckett DBE MP.
Louise Webb, Fundraising Coordinator said, “I was delighted with the feedback from the fashion show. From the volunteers that helped organise it, to the models and the retailers, everyone contributed to making the night a huge success.”
The Fashion Show models included local business leaders who strutted their stuff on the catwalk to help raise funds and awareness for the charity, alongside a host of the charity’s longstanding volunteers, trustees and supporters. There were even several younger models this year, who helped diversify the range of clothing modelled as they danced up and down floor.
The dazzling models showcased a range of day wear and beautiful evening wear. There were also some stunning bridal dresses on show, which led to audience participation and a fun game of ‘Say Yes to the Dress’, with young model Zainab taking the crown as best dressed.
Stunning outfits were provided by Threadz Preowned Vintage, Dalrymples of Sawley, She’s A Rainbow Melbounrne, Izzi Fashion, Front Row Fashion Boutique, Cabi, Young Ideas, Next, Rebecca Henry Melbourne and Jillian Hart who all kindly supported the event, and outfits were accessorised with lots of sparkle from Merchants Jewellers.
The interval consisted of some head spinning entertainment from the Trinity Warriors Dance Academy who have recently auditioned for a popular TV Show. From back flips to break dancing, James, Mac & Cannon really got the audience clapping.
As part of the event, various fundraising activities took place throughout the evening, which included a raffle and guess the name of the giant bear – Fred, named after our chair of trustees.
Louise added, “Children First Derby relies on public donations and fundraising from events like this, with all the funds going straight back into running our vital mentoring and family support services, contributing towards costs such as family trips and mentoring activities, allowing children and young people to participate in new, creative activities that they might otherwise be unable to experience.
“We would like to thank everyone who attended for their incredible support, which is, as always, very much appreciated and of course to the sponsors Fatball, the models, our fabulous volunteers, especially Sandra Harrison who created this idea of a fashion show eight years ago and is still active in the organising today. and the generous retailers who all helped make the event possible.”
In an effort to generate even more funds for the charity, cricket commentator Dave Fletcher started an informal auction for a Derbyshire County Cricket T20 Blast Pass, which saw local businessman and continued supporter of the charity Karim Merchant of Merchant Jewellers, place the highest winning bid of £150.
