It's been a week since  Paws on the Catwalk at Hillsborough Arena and what an event this was! It was more than a charity fashion show - it was a heartfelt celebration of creativity, community, and cats. Held in loving memory of Bear, a much-beloved feline companion who sadly passed away in 2023, organiser Louise Teather channelled her grief into something truly remarkable. The event not only raised vital funds for the Cats Protection League, but it offered so much more. It was a joyful, sparkling showcase of local talent, personality, and passion - a true love letter to fashion, grassroots performance art and community.

Hosted by the fabulous, up-and-coming (ahem!) drag artist Connie Dom, who served as compère, comedienne, singer, and dancer, the evening began with a gravity defying bang! Local dancers of all ages opened the night with reimagined scenes from Wicked, adding plenty of twists and sass - Connie herself showing her multifaceted talent and charisma in her playful lip-syncs and choreography. It was a delightful way to set the tone.

Then came the main event: the fashion show, split across the two halves of the event and thoughtfully structured around different themes. The show featured student designers and showcased a lot of local talent. With looks that ranged from Vivienne Westwood-inspired punk couture to upcycled treasures sourced from St Luke’s charity shop, the runway was a celebration of style, sustainability, and sheer imagination. 

The models were also phenomenal. This wasn't a robotic stroll downstage: every model was given the opportunity to showcase their diverse personalities and looks in their catwalk moment which made for a very engaging and entertaining show. One of the most impressive moments came when three fearless models tackled some jaw-droppingly avant-garde footwear. Not only did they manage to strut confidently, but they also turned a challenging walk into quite a talking point amongst audience members! 

The first half closed with a feel-good performance of Kitty Kat, the infectious new track by local musician (who was also modelling this evening) Jax Valentine. This fun and energetic performance had everyone dancing in their seats.

At the interval, various local stalls sold locally produced cat themed merchandise and there were also representatives from The Cats Protection league. The arena's bar provided a great service with proceeds going towards the night's cause.

After the break, the energy returned full throttle with a medley of Lady Gaga hits, led by Connie and delivered through stunning choreography that had the audience buzzing. A special shout-out goes to Faith Skelland, a charismatic young performer who lit up the stage with natural flair and boundless energy - definitely someone to watch. But all the performers were incredible and it was clear how much work had gone into creating such a gorgeous spectacle.

But perhaps the most beautiful part of Paws on the Catwalk was how it truly embodied the spirit of community. When minor mishaps happened (as they always do in live shows), they were met with laughter, improvisation, and even the supportive help of proud families in the audience. It was all handled with good humour - adding charm rather than distraction, and reminding everyone that live performance is about joy, not perfection.

And what’s a feel-good event without a bit of karaoke? A spontaneous Adele sing-off (naturally, I was on the winning team) added another layer of gleeful chaos and fun to a night already overflowing with heart.

Behind the scenes, the event ran superbly well thanks to the tireless work of organiser Louise, whose coordination ensured everything from sound to spotlight hit its mark. Kudos to the sound engineer and co-organiser Leo, photographers, bar staff, and volunteer backstage heroes—you all played your part in creating something genuinely special.

In total, the event raised £1, 197.46 (at time of publishing) for the Cats Protection League, but the true value extended far beyond the funds. Paws on the Catwalk gave emerging performers a platform, celebrated creative expression, and brought together a community with laughter, music, and a shared love of felines and fashion.

We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for next year’s event (here’s hoping!) and eagerly following the future work of the standout performers - especially Miss Connie Dom, who already has another show in the works. Trust us, you’ll want to follow!

The legacy of much missed companions like Bear lived on this evening. Well done to Louise and all involved for delivering a truly excellent event—and proof, if any were needed, that our city shines brightest when its people come together for something good. 

You can continue to donate to the cause here

Check out the work of Cats Protection League here