On Friday, 13 December, Ascent Autism Specialist College, Newton-le-Willows, hosted its annual Christmas market event.
The Ascent Christmas markets have become a highlight in the college’s calendar as they welcome family, friends, and community members.
This year, the college welcomed a host of VIP guests, including Deputy Lieutenant, Dame Elaine Inglesby-Burke DBE, MP for St Helens, David Baines, the mayor of St Helens, Cllr Jeanette Banks, and Cllr Terry Maguire.
Members of the Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club were also in attendance, bringing with them another ‘special’ guest, Father Christmas in his sleigh.
Keeping with tradition, students from across Ascent College played a key role in the planning and preparation of the event. Over the last few weeks, students had made hand-crafted, bespoke items to sell at the markets including sweet cones, chocolate wreaths, and personalised letters from Santa.
During the event, students promoted their enterprise businesses – business ideas they have developed within their classes as part of the Peter Jones Foundation’s ‘Tycoon Enterprise Competition’.
The market stalls were decorated by students, who carefully crafted decorations to make their stalls stand out.
Resident musician at the college, Yanick, took to the stage to provide a festive soundtrack of Christmas classics, including covers of ‘Deck the Halls’ and ’12 Days of Christmas’.
At the Cosy Corner Café, students served attendees hot beverages, toast, sausage and bacon sandwiches and a Christmas staple, warm mince pies.
Head of adult services at Ascent Autism Specialist College, Julliet Doherty, said: “Our annual Christmas market event is a real highlight of our academic here at Ascent College.
“Each year, our students worked extremely hard to plan, prepare, and manage the event, spending weeks making bespoke gifts and items to sell at the event. It is incredible to see our students, staff, and the wider community come together.”
Cllr Jeanette Banks, mayor of St Helens, said: “I have supported Ascent College for many years, and they have always made me feel so welcome at events.
“I am always in awe of the talent demonstrated by the college students. Each year they work so hard to deliver a community event that brings joy to everyone. The handmade items available at the market demonstrate how skilful these young people are; I am delighted with my personalised Christmas mat; it will make a great addition to my home.”
CEO of Remarkable Autism, Robin Bush, commented on the event’s success. He said: “The students and staff at Ascent College have delivered another fantastic event for families and the wider community.
“The event was the perfect way to end an incredible start to the academic year.”