Irlam and Cadishead Academy Student Wins Manchester Design Competition

One talented student from Irlam and Cadishead Academy has won a Manchester-wide design competition. 

Jennifer Rowbotham submitted the winning design for a competition run by local brand I Love MCR®, in celebration of 10 years of Manchester Day in 2019. Schools across Greater Manchester, including Irlam and Cadishead Academy, were invited to submit artwork from students that represented what they love most about the city. 

The competition was run by local brand I Love MCR®, which wanted to engage young people in creating designs around what their communities mean to them. After weeks of entries coming in, the judges selected ten winners including Irlam and Cadishead’s Jennifer. 

As a result, Jennifer and the other winners have seen their winning designs printed on their own organic I Love MCR® t-shirt, which the general public were able to purchase for a limited time. Profits from the sale of each t-shirt saw large proceeds go towards the We Love MCR charity, which works to improve the lives and life chances of the people of Manchester. 

Through her design, Jennifer wanted to capture the courage and bravery shown by survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, as well as the outpouring of love and support from the Manchester community in response. Her design was inspired by popstar Ariana Grande’s message of comfort to those affected, in returning for the One Love Manchester benefit concert. It includes a bumblebee, as an emblem of the city and its united response to the tragedy. 

Jennifer was gifted her very own, self-designed t-shirt as a memento of her hard work, creativity and thoughtful response to the competition. She said of winning the competition:

“I am so happy! I have never won anything before. I can’t believe that people have paid money for a T-shirt with my design on it and that it will raise money for charity.”

Toni Holdsworth, Principal of Irlam and Cadishead Academy, said: 

“The competition has been a fantastic opportunity for our students, and those across Manchester, to represent what they love most about their own communities. We are very proud of what Jennifer has achieved and delighted that she can see her work playing a part in raising money for a charity that supports others locally. 

“We are always keen to encourage and showcase our students’ individual talents and interests as part of what we call an Education with Character. This is a strong example of how our young people can be inspired and challenged to be the best they can be – both within the classroom and with opportunities like these.”

Chris Greenhalgh, chief executive of I Love MCR®, said:

“We’re proud to be celebrating what this colourful community has to offer whilst committing to being green with our organic merchandise. All the entries that we’ve seen have been thoughtful and beautiful. It wasn’t easy to pick just ten winners, but the final designs really represent what Manchester is all about. We want to thank everyone for their inspiring efforts.”