Wisbech pupils’ artwork will feature on Princes’ canned food labels as part of 100th anniversary celebrations
To commemorate a century of food production, a factory in Wisbech has involved schoolchildren in a creative label-making competition.
Princes is marking its 100th anniversary of developing canned products at its Lynn Road factory, by getting pupils at 13 schools to be creative, to be in with a chance of getting their artwork displayed on its product.
These unique cans will be given to the children who created them and gifted to the community at Wisbech Rose Fair on Saturday.
The competition gained more than 200 submissions. The winners across three age categories were:
- Age four-seven: Lara Stefanova of Nene and Ramnoth School
- Age eight-11: Evelyn Neal of Peckover School
- Age 12: Luka Jacinaite of The Wisbech Academy
Their efforts were rewarded with an exclusive behind-the-scenes factory tour. The young artists also witnessed their designs come to life on the production line, followed by a celebratory lunch and a prize presentation.
Cllr Janet Tanfield, mayor of Wisbech, who was accompanied by consort, Cllr Peter Human, said: “The tour really opened my eyes to the work that goes into making a can of food, and the whole day has blown me away.”
Henry Butters, head of operations at Princes Wisbech, said: “Involving the next generation of Wisbech has been a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone moment.
“The creativity and enthusiasm shown by these young people have captured the spirit of the community and our relationship with the people of Wisbech.”
The journey of the Wisbech factory began in 1925, when Samuel Smedley pioneered canned fruit production in the UK.
Since then, the factory, affectionately known as Smedley’s, has supported generations of local families with employment and growth.
As part of the centenary celebrations, Princes invites the community to visit their stall at the upcoming Wisbech Rose Fair on Saturday.
All 231 label designs will be on display, offering visitors a chance to celebrate both local creativity and the factory's enduring presence in Wisbech.
The event promises to strengthen community bonds and provide insight into the rich history of Princes' operations in the area.
