IT was showtime for graduating students whose creative flair was celebrated in a spectacular art exhibition.

Students from animation and illustration, games, architectural technology, media, performing arts and other departments are exhibiting their work in the stunning showcase which is staged over three floors.

The University of Bolton Creative Show 2016 launched at a special evening which was attended by dignitaries across Bolton and opened by the BBC’s Head of Religion and Ethics Aaqil Ahmed, who received an Honorary Doctorate from the establishment in 2012.

The launch featured prizes, music and a flash mob of pirates to entertain the visitors. The show is designed to celebrate the artists and designers of tomorrow.

Rachel Dawson, textile surface design lecturer at the University of Bolton, said: "The students have worked really hard and in textile surface design the future is bright. We have such a diverse collection of work on show — students have put 400 hours of work into their pieces.

"The work displayed is so different and shows the different ideas concepts and individual the student's own thought processes."

Some pieces in the textile surface design have been produced by the using both traditional techniques and digital technologies, while each exhibit explains the inspiration behind it.

Miss Dawson said: "Next time you look at wallpaper or carpet just stop and think how much thought has gone into the design and the concept."

Students will now go on and showcase their work at the the New Designers Show, described as UK's most important exhibition for emerging design.

Photography students said they were thrilled to see their work exhibited in a professional manner and to be able to show it to visitors, particularly their family.

Nono Mbingu, aged 39, is graduating from his Foundation Art and Design course this summer, before going on to do a photography degree.

His display is entitled "Image of Woman" with his photographs exploring the relationship women have with make-up and its uses through history.

He said: "I have worked very hard and I feel great to see my work exhibited.The work displayed throughout the exhibition is fantastic. I feel confident to go on and do a photography degree."

A total of 25 prizes were awarded to students across all arts disciplines.

Workshops for Schools and Colleges will take place the week starting June 20 to offer young people an insight into what studying a creative subject at university may be like.

The free sessions will also highlight the different career paths art and design subjects can open up.

To view students’ work, please visit www.bolton.ac.uk/creative and schools wishing to register for the workshop should visit http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Subjects/ArtDesignMedia/CreativeShow/Home.aspx

The Creative Show at the University of Bolton is running between from now until and Saturday, June 25.

Creative Show Awards 2016

Animation and Illustration

Fig Taylor Award for Studentship: Evee Lees

Cosgrove Hall Fitzpatrick Media prize for the best animation: Mikey Kennedy

Architectural Technology

Best Technical Design sponsored by CIAT North West (Certificate): Karl Robinson

Best IDP Concept Design — Argos Vulture Prize: James Jones

Runners up prize sponsored by Cumins Turbo Technologies :Chris Littlemore

MDA architectural services — Placement prize: James Kerry

Fine Art

National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies 2016 Fine Art Award for most promising artist: Liam Ainscough

Two Neo: 12 month Studio Awards, sponsored by the University of Bolton: James White and Charlotte Stockley

Two Neo: Studio Access Awards:Danii Remmer and Liam Ainscough

Commendations were awarded to Beth Cook and Susan Parkinson Jones

Foundation Degree

Year 0 Award: Julia Ogden

Games Design

Won by Team Magnolia (Lisa Culshaw, Megan Gregory, Phillip Murray-Turner and Jaymes Wheaton) for their game, "Magnolia".

Graphic Design

The McCann Award: Lucy Walker

Adrian Derbyshire Award: Sean Regan

Interior Design

Maison IOM Prize for best presentation: Rebecca Watkinson

Photography

Two Neo: Studio User Awards (12 weeks of studio time and £50 materials) :Vincent Murphy and Becky Godfrey

Neo: Book Prize - Tolulope Sholanke

Textiles and Surface Design

Edinburgh Weavers Prize:Cheyenne Slater

Manchester Craft and Design Centre Pop up Showcase:Luke Mason, Cheyenne Slater and Abbie McAndrews

Quilters Guild Award: Robina Ullah

AVA CAD CAM — three days training worth £1200 — Sandrine Pilling

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair: Abbie McAndrews