USP College Students Design Float for Annual Halloween Parade

• Posted 23 Oct 2026

Students from USP College Seevic Campus have been busily preparing for Southend’s annual Halloween Parade. They have made two floats based on their own original designs.

Interior Design & Architecture student Samuel Scarlett designed a colossal zombie emerging from the grave with articulated arms to menace the crowd, whilst Illustration & Graphic Design student Sofia Rodbard designed a huge Zombie Cake decorated with eyeballs, bones, and severed limbs. They were assisted by their classmates in the making of these ambitious pieces.

Both students participated in a competitive project against their peers, and their designs were chosen from amongst stiff competition by members of the Events Team at Southend City Council. This is the third time that students from USP College have contributed to the Halloween Parade, which attracts almost 50,000 visitors each year. 

Jordan Barzoukas, Curriculum Director for the Creative Industries said: “Working with local employers such as Southend City Council on live briefs gives our students invaluable, real-world experience, allowing them to apply their creative skills to exciting projects beyond the classroom. These opportunities help students build confidence, develop their professional practice, and understand what it takes to work in the creative industries. Our teaching staff are practising industry professionals themselves, bringing their expertise, experience, and passion into the classroom to deliver inspirational learning that further enhances these opportunities and prepares our students for their future careers.”

Look out for these incredible floats as they make their way along the seafront on the evening of 31st October from 6pm!

If you'd like to explore USP College's Creative Industries offer, visit our Open Evening on 18 November - book tickets here.