Beds Music and Fashion Week is coming to Dunstable

Model's from last year's show in outfits by Lale

Now in its second year, the annual fashion parade is preparing for a dazzling show on July 11 at Dunstable Conference Centre.

Organiser Jamari Coker said of the show: “It’s something that merges fashion and music.

“With every fashion show you go to there’s a music element, you can’t imagine a fashion show without it.

“Just having a live performance there gives it that bit extra.”

Organising, financing and publicising the show is no mean feat, but for Jamari, the challenge is worth it.

He said: “I thought it was something that Bedfordshire really needed.”

Last year’s BMF at the Carnival Arts Centre in Luton paraded some brilliant designs – with Dunstable label Hellavagirl a clear showstopper – and Jamari is confident of an even bigger success this year.

Some 25 designers have already signed up to show. A casting call for models will be held in the Reflex store in the Mall, Luton, on Saturday, June 27 from 12pm.

A promotional event will take place at the Crown pub in High Street North, Dunstable on Saturday, July 4.

The promo will allow volunteers to find out how they can support the grassroots music and fashion event.

Fellow organiser Adina Keeley gave up her job as a teacher to work as a fashion publicist. She said: “There’s always opportunities for people to build their CVs or gain experience.

“We rely on people’s support and it’s a really positive thing for Dunstable. I really do believe things like this can bring the community together.”

Mayor of Dunstable, Cllr Liz Jones, will be attending the show on July 11, and campaign group Don’t Let Dunstable Die are acting as charity sponsors.

The show is still on the lookout for sponsorship and any businesses that want to get involved.

To find out more, visit www.bedfordshiremusicandfashionweek.com.