We've been to proms across the length and breadth of Nottingham and taken hundreds of photos.Have a look at the e-book of our special supplement here.As we celebrate the glamour and spectacle of the school prom in Notts, Oonagh Robinson looks at the growth of this colourful modern tradition.
THERE was a time when the term "prom season" would conjure up images of orchestras playing slightly dull classical music at the Albert Hall in London. But over the past decade or so, the prom has come to mean just one thing for most folk – time for our young men and women to dress up and wave goodbye to their school years for good.
It's hard to know who first thought of bringing these American-style events to Britain, but proms have certainly become big news for the local economy.
The venue, the frock, the suit, the hair, the make-up, the limo, the tractor, the campervan, the band, the snake charmer (see our pictures if that last one confuses). Modern young ladies and gents aren't content with the humble end-of-term disco that those of us brought up in the 1970s and 1980s might remember.
Today's prom has got to be an all-singing, all-dancing affair to rival something from a Hollywood award ceremony.
Indeed, we hear awards are handed out on these occasions to the kids most likely to be a future PM (not to mention, the "flirtiest" male or female, shudder).
The old cynic in me might previously have dismissed it all as a waste of time and money.
But this year, my own rather reluctant and steadfastly un-girlie teen went through the experience – and I have to admit, we all got rather carried away with the whole rigmarole.
We had a dress hand-made at Frock in Mansfield Road, we searched high and low on the internet for just the right pair of Bobby socks, we even booked an appointment for professional hair curling at Ilkeston's premier salon.
Yes, it was so windy, wet and cold on the day it had all fallen out by the time she got home (you probably heard the wails of despair from West Bridgford). But thanks to the expert hands of Grandma, the "do" was rescued – indeed, it looked much better.
And as my eldest stepped out to join her friends before they headed off on the coach to a secret location nearby (no limo for us), I was the archetypal blubbering mum sobbing about how grown up everyone looked and how I remembered them all from primary school days and, ooh, where does the time go?
Embarrassing.
So take a look at our brilliant celebration of the school prom – and mums, you might want to keep some tissues handy for when you see your little lad or lass dressed up and looking like royalty.
If you want to buy any of the photos, email katrina.harris@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk.
Schools in the supplement include:
1. Ashfield School, Kirkby-in-Ashfield
2. West Bridgford School
3. Carlton le Willows, Gedling
4. Toot Hill School, Bingham
5. Nottingham University Samworth Academy, Bilborough
6. Big Wood School, Warren Hill
7. Bluecoat Academy, Aspley
8. Kimberley School
9. Top Valley School
10. Holgate School, Hucknall
11. Chilwell School
12. Christ the King School, Arnold
13. The Southwolds Academy and Sixth Form, Keyworth
14. George Spencer Academy, Stapleford
15. Southwell Minster School
16. National Academy, Hucknall
17. Bulwell Academy
18. Bramcote School
19. Colonel Frank Seely School, Calverton
20. Selston High School
