From Student Fashion Shows to Building Communities in Manchester
When people ask me how I became an event organiser, they’re often surprised to learn that my journey started long before Burton Road events – in fact, it began while I was still a student in Scotland.
The Birth of Label: A Different Kind of Fashion Show
While studying at the University of St Andrews, I founded a Community Interest Company called Label. Its mission was simple but powerful: to celebrate body positivity in all its forms.
At the time, student fashion shows were a huge part of university culture. One was even made famous by Kate Middleton. But coming from Manchester, I was struck by how exclusive and expensive those shows were. They felt out of reach for most students, and the focus was overwhelmingly on appearance.
Label was created as an alternative. Instead of choosing models for how they looked, we chose them for the stories they wanted to share. Our shows featured a diverse cast of students of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. The events combined fashion, art, and performance — and people came.
The Ripple Effect of Inclusive Events
What surprised me most wasn’t just the turnout, but the impact. People started talking differently about themselves, their bodies, and each other. I remember one person telling me on a night out that Label had helped them — even though they’d never taken part directly. Just knowing that a friend of a friend had been involved had shifted how they saw themselves.
That ripple effect taught me something vital: events can change how people feel about themselves and their communities. They have the power to spark confidence, connection, and kindness.
Lessons Learned: Teamwork and Community
Running Label also taught me another key lesson: no event succeeds in isolation. Behind every show was a team of passionate, creative people who believed in the mission. The best events happen when you surround yourself with people who inspire you, pick you up when times get tough, and bring their own strengths to the table.
Bringing It Home to Manchester
Fast forward to today, and those lessons still shape the way I run events. At Burton Road, I’m growing teams in Manchester, Preston, and York to expand our singles night series. Just like with Label, the focus is on inclusion, joy, and creating spaces where people feel they belong.
And while my studies took me to Scotland, my roots are firmly Mancunian. It’s the humour, the grit, the politics, and the feminism of this city that continue to inspire me. Building communities through events isn’t just my job — it’s my passion.
Why This Matters
Whether it’s a singles night in Didsbury or a community-driven project at university, events are about more than entertainment. They’re about bringing people together, sparking connections, and creating memories that last long after the night is over.
That’s the journey that started with Label, and it’s the same mission that drives Burton Road events today.