Ballet Dancers, a String Quartet, pyrotechnics and a 21st Century light show set the scene and entertained over a hundred guests at the National College Creative Industries Graduation event last week.

Those graduating in the 2017/18 class received their certificates while 10 awards were presented to students who had gone above and beyond and to employers who made the courses possible.

Dame Rosemary Squire DBE, the informally dubbed ‘Queen of Theatre’ came along to the event and gave a moving speech about how these courses, and these students, will have access to the exciting job market for which there is currently an employment gap.

She said: ““Howard, my husband and I have always believed in building creative skills for the future and growing a workforce from the grass roots up.

"It's therefore essential that employers offer unique training opportunities for young people wishing to pursue careers in the creative industries.

“We’ve always prided ourselves in discovering and nurturing new talent, both on and off the stage, and equipping them with the industry skills and knowledge needed to kick-start their careers.

“Congratulations to everybody receiving their certificates and those who won awards this evening.”