Festive season brings community, creativity and celebration to Coastland College

Coastland College has enjoyed a busy and festive run-up to Christmas, with students and staff across both the Weymouth and Kingston Maurward campuses taking part in a wide range of events that celebrated creativity, community and giving.

Vicky Durrant with the Luxury Christmas Hamper raffle prize

At the Weymouth Campus, the annual Christmas Fair, organised by Foundation Learning staff and students, proved a highlight of the season.

The event raised £100 for the Two Little Birds charity, a local organisation supporting young people’s mental health, and £350 towards a new Foundation Learning sensory room, while also giving visitors the opportunity to see the College’s newly-developed SEND facilities.

The fair showcased the hard work and enthusiasm of Foundation Learning students and demonstrated the inclusive and supportive environment at Coastland College.

Students and staff from the Foundation learning department celebrate Christmas

Christmas Jumper Day brought festive cheer to both Weymouth and Kingston Maurward campuses, with students and staff donning their best Christmas knits to raise funds and awareness for Save the Children.

Chocolate treats were handed out, and at Weymouth Campus students took time to reflect on the year ahead by writing their wishes and hopes for 2026, which were displayed on the College’s Christmas tree.

Students at Kingston Maurward Campus take part in Christmas Jumper Day

The Christmas Showcase Spectacular saw Performing Arts and Music students from Weymouth Campus take to the stage at the Bay Theatre for a sell-out performance. The audience were treated to an impressive programme featuring dance, comedy, drama and musical numbers, highlighting the talent, confidence and professionalism of Coastland College students.

Performing Arts and Music students impressed with their Christmas Showcase Spectacular

Catering & Hospitality students served more than 650 Christmas dinners

Festivities continued in the kitchen, where Catering and Hospitality students served a total of 651 Christmas lunches throughout November and December at The Avenue Restaurant on the Weymouth Campus. The popular festive dining experience gave students valuable real-world hospitality experience while providing a warm seasonal welcome to guests.

At Kingston Maurward, families and visitors were invited to a festive Doggy Grotto and Open House event. Four-legged friends met Father Christmas at Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens, while the 17th-century house was dressed for the season with festive decorations and lights across the grounds.

Four-legged friends meet Father Christmas in the Doggy Grotto at Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens

The spectacular decorations at Kingston Maurward have been admired by all

Guests enjoyed Christmas refreshments at the bar, and festive films were screened in Maurward Hall, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the local community.

Alongside celebrations, Coastland College also prioritised student wellbeing. Safety events were held across both campuses, offering practical advice on staying safe over the Christmas period, including guidance on enjoying nights out responsibly.

It has been a busy year at the College, which has seen both campuses come together under a new name and brand, and received a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted. The College will be closed to students from December 18^th and looks forward to welcoming them back in the New Year.

Local organisations have offered safety advice to students for the Christmas period