News and events
We aim to keep you up-to-date with the very latest Weston College news and events. Take a look below at what's going on at the College!
Got news you want to share with us? Email marketing@weston.ac.uk
Latest events at Weston College
Latest news and developments at Weston College
Weston College music alumni Kezia Povey was recently a contestant on ITVs singing performance show “Starstruck”, hosted by Olly Murs.
In the vein of “Stars in their eyes”, Starstruck sees members of the public transformed into famous music icons, performing their classic hits to impress a panel of star-studded judges and win a cash prize.
Since finishing her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production at Weston College, Kezia has been writing and releasing music whilst singing at a local holiday park.
The 19-year-old singer added: “I was approached on Instagram during lockdown last year as I post lots of singing vids on my social media. I then did a zoom audition which led to a producers audition in London. I wasn’t sure of the format or what the show was about - just that it was going to be an ITV prime time singing show! So I knew it would be a good opportunity.”
After this lengthy audition process, Kezia’s sensational singing skills earned her a slot on the show where she became American pop super-star Miley Cyrus. Kezia shared the stage with two other Miley mimics, each embodying a different era of her career whilst sporting the singer’s signature raspy vocal style.
Kezia continued: “Miley has a very distinct voice - funnily enough I have done a couple of Miley covers before, including one for a college project and have been told I have a similar sound to her. I have been told I look like her too!"
The show featuring Kezia aired on ITV’s prime-time slot on Saturday March 26th.
Although the talented trio just missed out on the final spot, the Cyrus singers were highly commended for their performance of "Midnight Sky" by judges Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford for their extreme talents in bringing the pop-star to life.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, this is not Kezia’s first time singing on TV as she also appeared in ITV’s X Factor in 2018 when she was just 15, making it through the auditions with 4 “yes’” from the judges.
Speaking about her return to national television, Kezia said:
"The whole experience was great. I’ve loved my TV appearances, it’s a very surreal experience, especially meeting the judges.
"Talking to Olly Murs was also amazing, he’s so nice and really puts everyone at ease. Knowing he’s been through being judged on a tv show too is really reassuring.
"This show was all about having fun, transforming in to your idols and just an all round feel good Saturday night family show. I learnt a lot from the vocal coaches and of course the choreographers about working the stage and making the most of the performance."
Starstruck has now concluded and had a staggering 4.7 million viewers, warranting its renewal for a second season. You can watch her full performance on the show here.
Previously studying at Priory School, Kezia joined the Weston College Music department and quickly impressed peers and staff with her epic vocal abilities as she studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production.
She added: “My experiences at Weston college helped me learn the kind of direction I wanted to take with music. It gave me great experiences working with other musicians and using the great facilities that are within the music department at Loxton Campus.
I loved my time at Weston college, performing with the other musicians on the course was my favourite part and doing gigs with a live band is still my favourite type of performance."
A well-deserved recognition for such a talented young person with a bright future ahead! We’d like to with Kezia the best of luck as she continues writing, releasing and recording music regularly in London.
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Digital marketing agency "Purplex Marketing" have planted two new trees in support of the Queen's Green Canopy initiative, supported by Weston College Principal and Chief Executive Dr Paul Phillips CBE.
Working with clients across the UK and Europe, Purplex Marketing is a powerful full-service PR and digital marketing agency that specialises in construction, building products, home improvements and professional services. Founded by entrepreneur Andrew Scott in 2004, Purplex provide ongoing support with advertising, banding, web design and many more services to enhance the growth of businesses across their ever-expanding portfolio.
Operating under the Ascot Group umbrella, Purplex recently celebrated the opening of their brand new state-of-the-art office building in Worle, Weston-super-Mare, where the trees were planted. Weston College sustainability governor Ian Porter visited the modern facility, joined by Ascot Group Founder and CEO Andrew Scott, to mark the planting of two apple trees to mark the Jubilee which now proudly stand outside the main entrance.
Andrew added: "Purplex's focus is all about growth and helping businesses upscale with the help form our expert digital marketing services. I can think of nothing more fitting than to have these trees growing outside our new building as we too grow and expand! Sustainability is a key ethos throughout The Ascot Group and we are proud to support the Queen's Green Canopy".
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a national campaign that was created to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. With a focus on reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability, the initiative encourages people from across the country to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”. Once planted, the trees are then uploaded to the official QGC website and interactive map for all to see. Principal and Chief Executive Dr Paul Phillips CBE, has pioneered the support of the QGC by encouraging staff students and local businesses to “do their bit” by planting a tree in a space available to them.
Dr Phillips continues: "‘I am delighted to see Purplex support this great campaign. The Purplex trees are in addition to the QGC trees planted as part of the College’s wider sustainability initiatives at each campus. with trees at Loxton Campus, South West Skills Campus, the Puxton Park Animal Management Education Centre, and at Uncle Paul’s Chill Charity at Butcombe Farm.
The campaign, along with many upcoming green initiatives, falls under Weston College's new Sustainability and Social Action Framework which will soon be launched to promote sustainable practices and projects across the college and the wider community.
Visit www.queensgreencanopy.org to see who’s already planted in your area and how to pin your tree to the interactive Jubilee map, as well as to find out more information to engage with wider sustainability in support of Her Majesty the Queen. The best tree planting season restarts in October for the end of the year.
Two guest chefs made an appearance this March to teach our Hospitality and Catering learners a range of exciting and innovative new cooking skills. Linking up with people from industry is an important factor in our Hospitality Career Excellence Hub.
First up was Prayag Rajpura, head chef of Lympsham Pavilion. Prayag’s lesson focussed on demonstrating the use of spices, seeds, and herbs to create high protein, intensely flavoured dishes. These meals were also either vegetarian or vegan, a key demographic in today’s hospitality industry, for example the chickpea curry which was served with chutneys and pickles.
From the business side of hospitality, Prayag also taught about sourcing ingredients, costing products and how to make smart business decisions as a chef to ensure good revenue and profits.
Prayag has helmed several restaurants in Weston, including vegan pop-up restaurants and local community café the Stable, which provided thousands of free school meals to households in Weston during the first Covid lockdown.
The second guest chef to make an appearance was Dave Newman, the Patron chef of the Ginger Pig Kitchen who made a sticky toffee pudding blended with ‘porkcorn.’ Dave was able to demonstrate cooking technology to the learners when using his Thermomix to make the pudding element of the dish.
This recipe used gluten free flours since Dave has his kitchen aim to produce foods for all dietary requirements, highlighting that more customers can be reached, and a restaurant can gain higher customer satisfaction by replacing allergens.
Dave garnished the pudding with a popped pork fat known as pork corn to add flavour. Speaking about pairing flavours, he went on to add a rich butter scotch sauce and salted caramel ice cream to add a modern twist.
Dave has broad experience producing a uniformed product which can cater to most diets, having previously led his own course of a Brit awards banquet!
A big thanks to both of these chefs for coming and speaking to our learners, the skills they gain from this will be excellent.
If you want to find out more about our Hospitality and Catering courses, click here: Hospitality and Catering | Weston College
