Telford College’s inaugural Community Day has been hailed as a huge success, bringing families together for a packed programme of activities, entertainment and hands‑on discovery.
The Wellington campus was transformed into a vibrant festival of workshops, live performances, demonstrations, street food and family‑friendly fun.
From engineering challenges and VR experiences to beauty treatments, sporting competitions and treasure hunts, guests of all ages were able to explore the college’s facilities and try something new.
Staff and students from every curriculum area were on hand to showcase their work, answer questions and give people a taste of college life.
A music stage, featuring performances from student singer-songwriters and bands, was set up in the college restaurant, and the automotive training centre became the backdrop for a mini Formula One drag racing track.
Street food sellers included Caribbean dishes from Ketley-based Nanny Brown’s, and Chinese choices from Red Dragon of Wellington Market, and guests were also treated to free ice creams, plus displays from the public uniformed services.
The fun around campus included a bouncy castle, nail painting, street dance classes, Minecraft coding challenges, an escape room, craft stalls, cookery demonstrations, painting, wallpapering and bricklaying challenges, and much more.
Fran Simpson from Shawbirch, who attended with three generations of her family, said: “We’ve had an absolutely great day. I came here for some evening classes about 10 years ago, and can’t believe how much the place has changed.
“It’s like a university. I’m sure a lot of people in Telford have no idea just how many great facilities there are – they really should come and have a look at what’s available right here on their doorstep.”
Clair Speight, who tried her hand at winning a B&Q gift voucher in a ‘spot the hazard’ challenge in the construction department – alongside son Alfie who is starting at the college in September – said it had been ‘a great bit of fun’.
Clare Weaver, a former Telford College student who is now commercial lead at the Shropshire Star, attended with her daughter Sophie-Louise. She described it as ‘an excellent way to showcase the college’s enhanced facilities’.
“This event highlighted how important the local community is to Telford’s largest college, its facilities and the next generation,” she said.
Telford College principal and chief executive Lawrence Wood said the day captured exactly what the college had hoped to achieve.
“Our Community Day was an opportunity to re‑connect, to inspire future generations and to ensure that our community has a good understanding of who we are and what we do.
“It provided people with the chance to see what an amazing place to learn and work this college is. I am very proud of what we do here every day, and this was a fantastic way of sharing our story.”
