Wicked star's nail artist visits Culture Day event

A celebrity nail artist has helped inspire students at a college's Culture Day festival which focuses on identity, heritage and belonging.

Students and staff at One Sixth Form College in Ipswich came together last week to celebrate the many cultures represented there.

Shea, who worked with Cynthia Erivo on the Wicked franchise, was one of the guests, along with TikTok sensation, DIY Dad.

Jake Robson, group sixth form principal at the college, said: "It's our job to inspire tolerance and to counter prejudice. Our students face a future filled with existential challenges and being a unified society is going to be critical."

The event, which had a theme called Belonging, was the sixth annual culture festival for One, which is part of the Eastern Education Group.

Shea delivered a live nail art demonstration and shared insights into her work in the film industry.

BBC Introducing in Suffolk & Norfolk presenter Angelle Joseph "supplied the vibes by the best possible way through music – we had songs from around the world".

Social media creator Dean Commerado - known online as DIY Dad - worked with students to build "wellbeing" benches which they then signed with personal messages of hope.

"We've become so tech‑literate and screen‑focused that we've skipped the practical stuff. Building the wellbeing benches gives young people those practical skills, but more importantly, it creates a space for real conversation," he said.

The benches are being placed at construction sites across the region where workers can sit and talk if they are struggling.

Another highlight was the Cultural Fashion Show, where students proudly took to the stage wearing outfits representing their countries and cultural heritage.

Omran, a 19-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, now lives in Bury St Edmunds.

He said: "Everyone should learn about other cultures. Our life becomes easier if you know something about other cultures and languages. It helps you more to communicate with people."

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