A SPECTACULAR evening of dance, live hair styling, catwalk models, pyrotechnics and speeches celebrated the start of Cultural Olympiad events in Weymouth.

The sell-out Inspire 2012 charitable evening at Weymouth College Bay Theatre saw students showcase their skills in hair styling, dance, media and event production.

The college’s own version of the London 2012 Games opening ceremony was followed by a welcome from vice principal Ross Kay and members of the Maritime Mix, Cultural Olympiad by the Sea programme.

London 2012 Creative Programmer for the South West Richard Crowe said: “This is a fabulous event. It’s 2012, a culmination of five years’ work for some of us.

“It’s not just about Sailing but also about the culture we wrap around it.

“Weymouth and Portland is the only venue outside London with a full timetable of sport and we’re putting on the Maritime Mix – the biggest cultural event Dorset has ever seen.”

College Young Ambassadors Maria Lochrie, Gemma Taylor and Joe Walker introduced the Olympic and Paralympic values, facts about the Games and the many opportunities for residents to get involved.

Maria said on a research visit to China, volunteers from the last Olympics told them: “To be a good volunteer you must follow your heart.”

She added: “Our experience showed us how proud we should be that we’re hosting the Olympic and Paralympic sailing.

“And that a smile is your best business card.”

The entertainment included the live final of a ‘Games and sailing’-inspired hair show where 18 college students competed for gold, silver and bronze awards, which were judged by local professionals and the audience.

Weymouth College part-time Level One hairdressing student Michelle Acton won gold, full-time Level Two hairdressing student Kerry Poulton claimed silver and Megan Plumb from Blondz Hairdressers was awarded the bronze medal.

Full-time NVQ level three apprentices hosted a catwalk show inspired by London’s role as Olympic host city, looking back to the last home Games 1948 to 2012 and beyond.

Organiser Julia Cohen said: “This very visual and arty event really kick started all the events that are happening locally with the Maritime Mix.

“Students from across the college were involved.

“Our special guests included local salon owners, the chief executive of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy John Tweed, members of the Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations Team, the Maritime Mix and Castle Cove Sailing Club.”

Vice principal Mr Kay said: “It was absolutely amazing to see the amount of talent the students displayed and the fact we’re able to use this amazing facility.”

The Maritime Mix is a programme of more than 80 events in the borough, of which 95 per cent are free. For more information visit maritimemix2012.co.uk

• ALL proceeds from the Inspire 2012 event’s ticket sales and raffle went to The Will Mackaness Trust.

The borough charity, which was formed in 2008 in memory of former Wey Valley School and Sports College head boy Will Mackaness, enables youngsters to participate in watersport activities, which they would otherwise not have access to.

Trustee Pam Govier said hundreds of young people had since participated in watersports, which were loved by her son Will, including some who had progressed into national windsurfing and sailing squads.

She said: “Each year we add something new and exciting and this year we hope to offer swimming lessons to young people who don’t feel confident in the water.

“They can then take part in windsurfing with us.”

She thanked the college for its support and added: “None of this would be possible without the generosity of local people.”

Find out more at weyvalley.dorset.sch.uk/ will_mackaness.htm