THE Culture Secretary could soon visit Bradford to see the talents of its young artists after getting a personal invite from Bradford College students.

Students of the Northern School of Creative Industries at urged Matt Hancock MP, the new Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to see their summer show when they met him at a prestigious event.

The students were at the Creative Industries Federation’s annual party at London’s Natural History Museum last week, having been asked to attend the celebration of the UK’s arts, creative industries and cultural education to help launch Circu250, a year-long programme of events marking the 250th anniversary of the first circus being staged in Britain.

Utilising their skills in prosthetics, wig-making and make-up, the students transformed themselves into a variety of fantastical characters, including a fairy popcorn seller and lion ringmaster, and entertained guests at the event attended by key industry figures including Rosie Millard, the former BBC arts editor who was chair of Hull UK City of Culture, and politicians including Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson MP.

Damien O’Keeffe, head of school at the Northern School of Creative Industries, said: “Our media make-up students were brilliant ambassadors at this event. Not only by supporting the 250th anniversary of circus celebrations but by representing the college, The Northern School of Creative Industries and their course in such an engaging manner.

“They raised the profile of Bradford as a city, and really got people talking about talent from outside the London area. It was great to see them interacting so confidently with some very influential people within the creative industries.”