Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and talented Level 3 BTEC Photography & Digital Media students from NSCG (Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group) have teamed up for an exciting year-long project that brings the spirit of the town to life through the lens of emerging creatives.
Throughout the 2024–2025 academic year, students worked to real-world briefs, capturing the people, places and stories that make Newcastle-under-Lyme special. From friendly faces behind the counters of local shops to everyday stories unfolding in the streets, the students explored the heritage, community and landmarks that give the town its unique character.
The highlight of the collaboration is the creation of four public art columns, now proudly displayed in the Ironmarket area of the town centre until September. These vibrant structures feature photographs taken by students, celebrating “Our People, Our Places, Our Castle.”
“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.”
In addition to capturing portraits of residents and business owners, students also partnered with local traders to produce professional imagery for commercial use, building essential portfolio pieces and gaining first-hand experience in working with clients. They also documented iconic landmarks and explored the town’s history, deepening their connection with the area.
“We are absolutely thrilled to see the incredible talent of our Level 3 BTEC Photography & Digital Media students showcased in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme,” says Holly Davies Director of Curriculum at NSCG. “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.”
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 piece reflects the town’s identity and adds a literary dimension to the visual storytelling.
This ongoing partnership has previously seen students involved in town centre events such as Lymelight Festival and Castle Classics, offering hands-on opportunities to develop skills and community engagement.
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
