The breathtaking Grand Hall at the Central Criminal Court will be transformed into a cat walk for a fashion show tomorrow (Wednesday 15 June) to raise funds for London’s ex-offenders and their families, courtesy of a 200-year old City charity.

The clothes modelled in the show at the Old Bailey have been designed by Sue Bonham and made up by HMP/YOI Bronzefield, one of the largest women’s prisons in the UK, at the Stitch in Time Workshop, one of Blue Sky’s projects. Lady Mayoress Juliet Mountevans, who is married to Alderman Jeffrey Mountevans, Lord Mayor of the City of London, will model a silk and wool jacquard dress.

The proceeds from ticket sales and a raffle from the show in the rarely-seen and ornately decorated hall will be divided equally between two charities, The Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund and Blue Sky.

Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC, the Recorder of London and the Old Bailey’s most senior permanent judge, said:

“We are always looking for ways in which to make the best use of this iconic building, and to develop its potential to benefit a wide range of people and interests. Between them, The Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund and Blue Sky provide essential grants, training, jobs and support, so the money raised during the course of this special evening will help get many people’s lives back on track.”

The Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), the venue for the UK’s highest profile criminal cases, is unique in being the only criminal court in the UK to be run and managed by its local authority, the City of London Corporation.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Fashion Show will be held in Grand Hall of the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday 15 June from 7pm to 9pm. Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7EH

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Tel: 020 7332 1452 / Mobile: 07795 333 060

Email andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation provides local government and policing services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. In addition, the City Corporation has three roles: (1) it supports London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration, education and skills projects. In addition, the City of London Corporation’s charity, the City Bridge Trust, makes grants of more than £15 million annually to charitable projects across London; and it also supports education with three independent schools, three academic schools, a primary school and the world-renowned Guildhall School of Music & Drama; (2) It also helps look after key London heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, Museum of London, Barbican Centre, London Metropolitan Archives, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important ‘commons’ in south London; and (3) it also supports and promotes the ‘City’ as the world’s leading international financial and business centre, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events, research-driven policies all reflecting a long-term approach. See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for more details.

About The Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund:

The Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund dates back to 1808. Its mission is to help prisoners and the families by assisting in the provision of training, tools, equipment and clothing for ex-offenders to help them get back on their feet.

About Blue Sky:

Blue Sky is an award-winning charity that works to re-habilitate offenders through employment. Since 2005, it has employed and supported over 1,200 ex-offenders in the community and also over 200 serving prisoners. Blue Sky’s work has proven by the Ministry of Justice’s Data Lab to reduce re-offending by up to 23%, one of the most effective rehabilitation interventions on record.