Students Capture Town Spirit in BID Community Project
22 May 2025
Level 3 BTEC Photography and Digital Media students have partnered with Newcastle-under-Lyme BID to launch an exciting creative project celebrating the theme ‘Our People, Our Places, Our Castle’.
The year-long project aims to capture the unique spirit of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Working to real-world briefs, students have been photographing the people, places and stories that make the town special, highlighting its heritage, community and iconic landmarks.
A key feature of the project is the creation of four public art columns, now proudly displayed in the Ironmarket area of the town centre. Showcasing the students’ photographs, the installations will remain in place until September.
Speaking on the project, Holly Davies, Director of Curriculum at NSCG, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to see the incredible talent of our Level 3 BTEC Photography and Digital Media students showcased in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
"Their powerful images, captured in response to a live brief from Newcastle BID, truly bring the unique character of our town into focus and beautifully document what makes 'Castle' so special. This project has been an invaluable experience for our learners, not only developing essential professional skills and building their portfolios but also deepening their connection to Newcastle-under-Lyme. We are incredibly grateful to Newcastle BID for providing such a fantastic opportunity and we encourage everyone to visit the installation and enjoy the work."
In addition to capturing portraits of residents and business owners, students also partnered with local traders to produce professional photographs for commercial use, building essential portfolio pieces and gaining first-hand experience in working with clients.
“This is our most ambitious collaboration with NSCG students to date and we’re proud to see the results out in the town for everyone to enjoy,” said Charlotte Pearce, Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID. “It’s a celebration of Newcastle through the eyes of its future creatives.”
The project also features a special artistic addition: “Down Castle”, a poem commissioned by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and penned by Stoke’s Poet Laureate, Nick Degg.
The displays are free to view in the town centre until September. For more information, contact Newcastle-under-Lyme BID at: hello@nulbid.co.uk