Hospitality students from Weston College helped celebrate 100 years of aviation in Bristol last week at an exciting VIP event.

The event commemorated the 100th anniversary of the flight of the first aircraft built at Filton Hill. The centenary of that historic event was celebrated in style last week with an exclusive party and anniversary flight over the city.

20 Level 1 and Level 2 BTEC Hospitality and Catering students were asked by Airbus UK at Filton, Bristol, to support the catering arrangements for a celebratory reception for 300 guests.

Students donned Victorian costume and served canapés and refreshments to guests and VIPs, including two MEPs, co-founder of Aardman Animations and the Undersecretary of State for Defence amongst others.

As part of their course the students provide a live restaurant service, so are accustomed to providing excellent service. 16-year-old Jamie Davies, a former Wyvern School pupil, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for all of us to take part in an event as important as this. As aspiring hospitality professionals, events like this help to broaden our knowledge to the different types of hospitality sectors.”

The students were commended for their hard work, polite manner and friendly temperament. Judith Martyn, Catering Manager for Sodexo, who manage the catering at Airbus Filton, said: “It was wonderful to have the students here as it gives them an insight into catering for a large event and the organisation behind the scenes. It’s important to involve young people in events which celebrate our heritage.”

Katherine Bennett, OBE and Chairman of the BAC 100 Steering Group said: “Working with Weston College is absolutely in the spirit of the BAC 100 celebrations. While we are recognising past achievements, we are also educating and engaging youth to improve their skills and knowledge of careers for the future. We were so pleased to welcome the students from Weston College hospitality courses to the launch.”

If you are interested in studying Hospitality and Catering at Weston College, call 01934 411411.