A community fashion show celebrating Salford’s history will return this October.
Organisers hope to involve more young people in the event – called 100 Years of Salford Fashion & Celebrities – that explores the city’s identity through fashion and performance.
BodyMind Educate is organising the event as part of Salford’s centenary celebrations. The city received official city status in 1926. Rebecca Marshall, who runs the organisation, said the idea grew from an earlier community event showcasing prom wear. The event proved popular with young people.
When funding became available for the centenary celebrations, Rebecca wanted to create a show exploring Salford’s fashion trends and industrial heritage.
She recalled growing up in Little Hulton, where a clothing factory once operated on her estate.
Residents wore coats made at the factory, even when they were imperfect. Rebecca explained that their parents worked there, making the clothes a personal connection to the local community.
These memories inspired a wider look at how fashion has changed over the decades. The show will also explore what has remained constant about Salford and its people.
The production will celebrate people who grew up in Salford and later made their mark on culture and entertainment.
Rebecca said her research into the city’s history revealed how many successful and well-known figures came from the area.
She believes their stories can challenge assumptions about Salford and inspire young people to pursue their ambitions. “It’s all about whom you’ve got inside,” Rebecca said.
She believes people can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Rebecca also expressed pride in her Salford roots. She said she was proud to come from the city and to receive recognition as one of its heroes.
The project also aims to help young people try new activities in a welcoming environment. Rebecca said participants do not need previous experience and can choose how much they want to get involved.
“Its all about having fun,” she said. The events aim to help young people learn about themselves and build confidence.
Rebecca hopes the project will encourage people to support one another and strength the local community.
“We don’t get old, we don’t stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing,” she said.
The centenary fashion show will take place on Saturday, 24 October at St John’s Community Centre. A second event, the “Spooky Salford Frightening Fashion” show, will follow on Saturday, 31 October. It will bring a Halloween-themed twist to the celebrations.
Organisers are encouraging more young people to take part in fashion, performance and dance. Participants can get involved at their own pace and they do not need previous experience.
Young people interested in joining the project can contact BodyMind Educate through its Facebook profile or email Becky at becky@bodymindeducate.com for more information.
Although only a limited number of spaces remain, organisers will do their best to accommodate young people who want to participate.
