The hottest calendar of the year will set pulses racing when it comes to life for the grand finale of Hull Fashion Week.
Paul Spence and the pals who stripped to strike a series of poses for the Hull workmen’s calendar will take to the catwalk during the show at Hull City Hall on Saturday April 11.
The guys will be in the mood to tease a grand finale crowd which last year topped 2,000, and will also be out to tempt them to part with some of their cash to support Paul’s efforts to raise funds for local specialist care and rehabilitation support services for people and families of those affected by brain injuries.
Paul embarked on the campaign as he set about recovering from a severe brain injury sustained when he was punched in an unprovoked attack in 2012.
The calendar became one of last year’s must-have Christmas presents, raising thousands of pounds for an appeal which continues as Paul prepares to run a marathon on the anniversary of the attack and invite supporters to join him on final 10k stretch.
The run will take place on Sunday April 5, with the calendar crew planning to be at their peak of fitness for the starring role at Hull Fashion Week the following Saturday.
Hull Fashion Week is funded and organised by HullBID, and the stunt was suggested by BID member business Bridge McFarland Solicitors, who are working with Paul to set up his official charity.
Paul said: “As challenges go this is certainly different, but we’re up for it. I don’t think any of the guys ever thought they would get involved in a big fashion event but we’re expecting it to be a lot of fun and it will be a great opportunity to raise funds and tell more people about the charity.”
Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, said: “We’ve had some fantastic events during six years of Hull Fashion Week and the appearance of Paul and the guys promises to be one of the best yet.
“They’ll be modelling workwear and we’re sure they’ll do that with style, but fans of the calendar should be aware that Hull Fashion Week is a family event so the poses won’t be too revealing!”
Hull Fashion Week begins on Saturday April 4 and will feature demonstrations and displays from large and small businesses operating in the fashion sector, including Hull’s three main shopping centres, the major department stores, independent clothing retailers, hair salons and beauty parlours.
New events this year will include a Young Designer of the Year competition, with various surprises in store for the grand finale, which will be hosted by BBC weather presenter Keeley Donovan and Hull’s own northern rapper Luke Chambers, aka Nineties Boy.
For full details of the Hull Fashion Week programme visit www.hullfashion.co.uk