Students Shine at the Taste of Excellence Awards 2025

Last night, hospitality businesses from across the county gathered at the Lincolnshire Life Taste of Excellence Awards 2025, held at the college-owned Drill Hall. The evening was a true celebration of local talent, dedication and skill - with Lincoln College students playing a starring role both on and off the stage. 

Four Lincoln College students - Level 3 Professional Cookery students Lucie Cairns, Maddie Ingham and Harry Lee, along with Level 3 Chef Apprentice at Doddington Hall, Theo Haxby - proudly received their finalist certificates. Theo went one step further, scooping the runner-up title after an intense cook-off last month for Young Chef of the Year.  

The evening’s entertainment was equally inspiring. With an action-packed show line-up, first and second-year students from Performing Arts delivered performance after performance, all inspired by an iconic film theme. 

Many of the performers had been studying for just eight weeks yet confidently took to the stage for the first time - gaining invaluable experience in performing to a large audience, managing stage set-ups, preparing for live shows and perfecting sound checks. 

Audiences were treated to a fantastic mix of nine singing solos and duets, seven group dances and six live band performances of classic movie tracks. Students from Performing Arts, Dance and Music Production truly wowed the crowd. 

Reuban, a Level 3 Music Performance and Production student, said: “It’s given us experience playing in front of a different type of crowd. Usually, the shows that we do at college we are the focus; however, tonight there is the ceremony, and we are very much the backing, which takes a whole different skillset when playing music. It’s a very useful skill because function playing is one of the biggest ways that musicians outside of studying make money.” 

Lola, a Level 3 Performing Arts student, said: “We are quite nervous; it’s not something we’ve done before. We are quite used to performing at the Knights building at college, so it’s definitely a good way to step out of our comfort zone tonight.” 

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Catering & Hospitality students were under immense pressure - delivering a flawless three-course meal for hundreds of industry guests. Their professionalism and teamwork ensured dishes were served on time and to a high standard, perfectly complementing the evening’s running order. 

College excellence was truly at the forefront of the event – with students making a big impression and leaving everyone at Lincoln College immensely proud. Industry-led opportunities like the Taste of Excellence Awards raise student aspirations and help shape their exciting futures. 

Are you looking for an exciting course that offers fun yet purposeful experiences? Visit us at our Open Day tomorrow, Saturday 8 November, from 10am to 1pm, to explore your course options and learn more about college life.