Annual Hair Show at Thurrock College

Thurrock College recently hosted its annual Hair Show, bringing together learners from across multiple courses in support of a very important cause. 

Under this year’s ‘Prom’ theme, hairdressing learners showcased their impressive styling skills on the runway in front of friends and family, before being judged by their tutors. 

The winners were: 

• Paula Engwell – Level 3 Hairdressing Certificate (Adult)
• Ella Bright, Isobell Allen and Peter Warnman – Level 2 Hairdressing
• Olivia Hesketh – Level 3 Diploma Hairdressing

Speaking about the event, Jo Muckle, Head of School for Service Industries at Thurrock College said “Our cross college event brought together the creativity of our Hairdressing students, the technical expertise of our Production Arts team led by Ria Buckingham, and fantastic refreshments provided by Catering. With live singing by talented music student James Rolfe adding to the atmosphere, we were proud to raise £247.45 on the night in cash plus another £200 in online donations towards a life changing operation for Sariel Cespedes one of our adult learners. It was a powerful example of what we can achieve when our college community works together. Congratulations to all learners and staff involved.”

Ria Buckingham, Performing and Production Arts (Live Events & Theatre Production) student who led on the event said “I started working on the fashion show in September 2025, as a part of my final major project. I ran meetings and managed the  event from idea to delivery, organising the crew and getting everyone as excited as I was about this great cause. It was great seeing this event come to life.”

During the event, Sariel Cespedes shared her personal story “It’s crazy the difference a year can make. This time last year I was on stage with the rest of the talented people in the hairdressing course. What I didn’t know is that just a couple of weeks later, I would spend a month in hospital and my life would change dramatically. Since then, I have come out of hospital with a diagnosis of gastroparesis, which in simple terms means my stomach is paralysed. It causes horrific symptoms that have affect my daily life – namely pain and now being tube fed 16 hours a day. Hearing this was hard, but what was harder was imagining what my life would be like moving forward as a mother, partner, student and up-and-coming hairdresser. Thankfully I have had so much support, not only from my family and friends but from the College and now from all of you sitting here today. The weight I have to carry is heavy, but I’m so glad I don’t have to carry it alone. My tutors Nancy and Claudia have been so understanding and supportive. My journey started here, and with your help, I am one step closer to getting better”

The evening concluded with a raffle, combined with fundraising efforts from a recent Talent Show at Thurrock College, in an effort to help raise awareness and vital funds to support Sariel’s life-changing surgery. 

Find out more about Sariel’s story and donate