Miles Jermy THE Retro look is often in vogue whether its 60s hippy style, 70s flares or even 80s power dressing.But the latest creations from a group of fashion students have been inspired by a somewhat earlier style.

Miles Jermy

THE Retro look is often in vogue whether its 60s hippy style, 70s flares or even 80s power dressing.

But the latest creations from a group of fashion students have been inspired by a somewhat earlier style.

The medieval themed costumes for Great Yarmouth's Charter feast were being modelled this week ahead of the banquet on Saturday night in St Nicholas Church.

The long black habits were made by fashion students at Yarmouth College for the feast celebrating the 800th anniversary of the granting of the town's charter.

Fashion team leader at the college Donna Goddard said: “The garments were based on designs supplied to us from the town hall.

“They were all made in one day and it was something very different from what the students would normally be doing. It was a very useful experience and the clothing had to be made to a high standard.

“At the moment they are working on the fashion show collections based on themes like the circus or festivals and using a lot of bows and sheer fabrics.”

The completed design brief will be used by some of the students towards their HND qualification in fashion and textiles.

Zoe Grant, 17, was one the team working together to make the garments, some of whom will be attending the feast

She said: “We are pleased with how the costumes turned out they look good but also need to be comfortable and practical. It was fun for us all working together and it was bit like being in a factory.”

The lavish banquet at St Nicholas Church is being cooked and served by the college's catering students.

Dishes will be based on popular medieval recipes, but adapted to suit current tastes.

Guests will feast on chickens, a hog roast to be cooked outside the church over an open fire, roast ribs of beef, a selection of baked vegetables and soup.

Oat and spiced biscuits are being served between courses finishing with an old English apple tart for dessert washed down with goblets of Blackfriars Brewery coriander and orange ale.

Kevin Bayes, team leader for catering and hospitality, said: “We have tried to keep it as in-keeping with the time as we can, but feasts of the time went on for eight hours at a time so obviously we've adapted the number of courses

“It's been great to be involved working in the community and for the students to appreciate our culture and history, their town's connection with royalty and the Charter.

“It is an excellent opportunity for our youngsters to enrich their knowledge of Great Yarmouth and gives them a chance to be part of that history.”

Floristry students at the college's horticulture centre have created Medieval-style flower arrangements using foliage of the time, roses and candles under the guidance of course leader Julia Knights.

A competition for the best floral arrangement, sponsored by Palmers is being judged by the department store's chairman and vice chair of the college governors Bruce Sturrock.

The Princess Royal will unveil a commemorative plaque to mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of Great Yarmouth's charter. Princess Anne will attend a civic service and unveil the plaque, created by local stonemason Colin Smith, at St Nicholas' Church on Monday, June 9. The Royal visit will be preceded by three days of celebrations in the Market Place with street entertainment including jugglers, minstrels, apple dunking and pelting troublemakers in the stocks.