For many students attending Newstead Wood School, the 9th of February was a day they had been anticipating for multiple months prior to the occasion. All of their great efforts were channelled into a Pinch of Spice, an event celebrating the beauty and vibrancy of African culture which truly resonated in the outcome of the evening.

The responsibility of holding the whole event fell in the hands of a group of year 10 students, eager to share their passion. With very little teacher involvement, the girls were able to fundraise for a Pinch of Spice through proposing ideas they knew would appeal to fellow students. Through events such as the “Before the Spice” disco, a flash mob, food stalls selling home-made cuisine and a cultural own clothes day, enough money was raised to contribute to the prosperity of the night.

The night itself entailed an array of performances both conducted by students and hired entertainers. Solo singing and rapping acts performed by year 10, 11 and 12 students were a dazzling display of the talent Newstead Wood students have to offer. Group performances included Gospel Choir’s cover of “Shackles” by Mary Mary as well as 2 year 11 modern dances choreographed by the students themselves. Hired performers that greatly contributed to the atmosphere of the evening were Tozza featuring Happy Joe who performed his tracks “Sickest” and “Bout to”, Strictly Vim dance crew as well as Tizzy and Brandz. Tizzy is an up and coming artist whose track “All ways” has had almost 3 million views on YouTube therefore, his presence at a Pinch of Spice was anticipated by many. Amongst the performances was a fashion show solely based on the work of 2 year 10 students, Isabelle Bridge and Sian Brady, who sacrificed countless hours assembling African Attire for 10 models. Their pieces included dresses, skirts, bralettes, culottes and tops all made whilst both students balanced the stress of school work. A break in the lively atmosphere allowed the audience a moment of thought whilst student Lois read a self-written poem spoken with great vigour and passion. Her words encouraged everyone to not only embrace the richness of the culture and its history, but to promote the abolishment of inequality in society. She gave a truly inspirational performance and informed me that “A Pinch of Spice to me showed how diverse my culture is and how incredibly and untouchably perfect it is.”

All proceeds of the night went to JAGS foundation, a charity which raises awareness of youth on youth violence. Tracey Ford, the founder of the Croydon-based organisation, spoke on the night thanking Newstead students for their efforts and hoping the relationship between both the school and charity could remain a long-standing one. JAGS is an acronym for her late son’s name, James Andre Godfrey Smartt-Ford, who was killed on the 3rd of February, 2007 at Streatham ice-skating rink. When Tracey informed the audience of the foundations work, it was evident that she was greatly determined to make a difference concerning youth violence by restoring hope in those affected by the issue as well as raising awareness in communities to improve inter-community relationships.

A Pinch of Spice was a resoundingly triumphant event for all the participants and one that they should be very proud of.

Rachel Hawes, Newstead Wood School