Innovation and imagination shines at Brighton MET’s METFest 

Brighton MET College came alive this June with the vibrant energy of MET Fest – the college’s annual celebration of creativity, innovation, and student talent. 

From captivating performances to stunning exhibitions, the festival showcased the incredible work of students across the creative industries in a series of exciting events throughout the month.

It began with BarberFest, with a beautiful array of photos showcasing the college’s barbering students’ work, taken by photography students.

The event also featured a live barbering demonstration by Elvis Gjokaj of Glide Barbers, who demonstrated some of the techniques involved in a fade haircut and a beard trim. He said:

“All the students were amazing, it’s more than I expected, they’ve been really good and engaging, especially when I did the beard trim, something that is a little bit new for them…I’m really happy with all the students.”

Hair and makeup students took centre stage next, with a stunning show at St. Bartholomew’s Church.

The show embraced the theme of ‘elements’, drawing inspiration from the natural forces of earth, air, fire, and water. There was also an award given out for ‘best in show’, which went to Teela Andrews, with her piece focusing on the element of fire, she said:

“The teachers are incredible, the course I am doing is incredible, everyone is so flexible and friendly, and they have helped me overcome my fears and have helped me win this award.”

Next, it was the turn of the Fashion show, which took place the following day at St. Bartholomew’s Church. It featured a variety of student works, which were presented in a runway walkthrough around the church, with awards being given out at the end.

One of the winners from the evening was Romily Beadell, a fashion business student who received a runner-up award in the Emerging Fashion Designer category, she said:

“I’ve enjoyed tonight, it has been really fun…my project is called ‘the dolls revolt’, and it mainly focuses is inspired by toy soldiers and dolls, it represents artificial production and modern beauty standards.”

METFest came to a showstopping finale, with the Creative Industries End of Year Show, which showcased work from all the creative industries students, with artwork and projects being put on display in the college foyer, as well as some classrooms.

Local samba band Barulho also performed outside at the event, impressing those in attendance with a mix of Afro-Cuban and South American traditional influences, blended with modern funk, hip hop, and drum & bass.

Elsa Gordon, an Art and Design student who had work on display at the event, said:

“It’s been great, I like the samba band, that’s really fun. I thought everything looked professional…it’s been really nice, really enjoyable, there’s been a bigger turnout than I expected, I’ve had a great time.”