Weybridge Festival Launches

Brooklands College were delighted to be asked to launch the Weybridge Festival 2023 by hosting a black-tie dinner in their on-site restaurant. Guests included The Mayor of Elmbridge Cllr Richard Williams, members of the Weybridge Society, local Councillors, as well as members of the festival organising committee, all keen to be part of this growing community event.

The event started with welcome drinks and canapés in the College’s Art & Design department to showcase the work of the talented students. Media students were also involved with filming the event while student ambassadors were on-hand to greet guests.

Christine Ricketts Principal at Brooklands College, welcomed guests by explaining that “the community is essential to the vibrancy of the College and the college serves a central part in the community – we have a sense of place.” She continued “The College is on an exciting journey, we are working in partnership with Cala Homes to stabilise our future. The planned development will strengthen the work that we already do with the community and more. It will create state of the art facilities so that the college can continue to be responsive to the skills agenda and continue to offer a good quality of education and experience to all our students. We will have a sports centre, a community hub and will release access to 12 hectares of woodland. All of which I am sure you will agree can only strengthen our sense of place in Elmbridge.”

David Arnold, Chairman of the Weybridge Society also gave a speech about the festival activities and over 60 guests enjoyed the 3-course meal in Brooks Restaurant; prepared and served by the hospitality and catering students at the College.

The evening was sponsored by Cala Homes and was raising funds for local charity ElmbridgeCAN, who aim to build a culture of welcome to refugees within the local community. A silent auction was launched by Cllr Judy Sarsby who introduced local artist Maya Schulz who had donated paintings for the auction.

Cllr Sarsby summed up the evening saying; “Brooklands College surpassed themselves when hosting the opening event of the Weybridge Festival on Friday. Students greeted guests and escorted them to view the creative work of the art department and the exceptional hors d’œuvres were a prequel to the quality and presentation of the meal, later served in the restaurant. Every detail from the precision of coordinated serving, charming waiting students, the delicious and beautifully presented food, to the appearance of the restaurant’s table dressings, exhibited the true level of training and education offered at Brooklands College. Principal Christine Ricketts has everything to be proud of in her staff and students. We look forward to welcoming them at the Weybridge Community Fair on Saturday”

For all Weybridge Festival activities this week, please click here