Celebrating 5 Years of the Wellington College Arts Fund

On Wednesday 25 June, parents and Old Wellingtonians gathered at the Royal College of Music for a dazzling celebration of five years of the Wellington College Arts Fund (WCAF). Organised by the Arts Parent Ambassadors, the evening marked a significant milestone in the life of the Fund and raised vital support for its mission of extending arts opportunities to young people across local communities.

Guests enjoyed a drinks reception followed by dinner, set against the backdrop of spectacular cabaret-style performances by a cast of professional artistes, talented pupils, and Old Wellingtonians. The evening was hosted by Simon Williamson, Wellington’s Director of Arts and Music, who opened the night with a presentation of six short films from local schools; Ranelagh School, Garth Hill College, Edgbarrow School, Oaklands Infant School, Reading Girls’ School, and St Crispin’s School, each highlighting the transformative impact of WCAF grants on their arts programmes.

A particular highlight of the evening was a set of exceptional live performances. West End performer Scott Davies, renowned for playing The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera over 2,000 times, took to the stage alongside a number of OWs, including Harriet Woods, Matt Lowrey and Thomas Humphreys. Current Wellington pupils also shone, with standout performances from harpist Rosie W, singer Darcey H, and Thommy BV who was joined by younger sister Martha, another West End talent, having recently appeared as Young Anna in Disney’s Frozen.

In a touching tribute to Wellington’s enduring influence in the performing arts, the event featured a unique video performance of Shakespeare’s ‘All the World’s a Stage’ by OWs working in the industry. Contributors included Michael Ohomka-Lindsay, Baxter Westby, Joshua Hogan, Hayley Canham, Hugo Williamson, Will Kirk and Charlie Renwick. Guests also enjoyed surprise video messages of support from OWs and current cast members of Hamilton, Starlight Express, Les Miserables and Back to the Future.

The evening was capped with a silent auction, generously supported by parents, OWs, and friends of the College, helping to raise an impressive total for the WCAF. All proceeds will go directly towards supporting creative opportunities for young people, something the Arts Fund has championed with impact and ambition since its inception.

Simon Williamson, Director of Arts and Music said, “Celebrating 5 years of the Wellington College Arts Fund in the wonderful setting of the Royal College of Music with some 70 parent supporters and a number of stunning OW performers was a truly memorable experience. But this event was not only about celebration; it was also about raising money to continue to cultivate grass-root projects in the arts at our local schools.  Thank you to the parents for organising such a successful auction – a fantastic achievement”.

Wellington College extends heartfelt thanks to the Arts Parent Ambassadors for their vision, hard work and leadership in bringing this event to life, and to everyone who contributed, whether by attending, performing, donating prizes or bidding in the auction.

Here’s to the next five years of the Wellington College Arts Fund.