A University of Salford student will see her artwork on the shelves of bars and bottle shops across the city after winning a competition to design a special centenary beer can.
Second-year BA Graphic Design student Anhelina Serhiienko has created the label for a limited-edition pale ale brewed by Seven Bro7hers Brewing Co to mark Salford’s 100th birthday.
The 4.2% ABV beer, named “1926” after the year Salford was granted city status by Royal Charter, will be sold in 350ml cans through the brewery’s webshop and at venues across the city. The pale ale blends traditional British brewing with modern US hops, producing a light, citrus-forward beer aimed at spring drinkers.
Originally from Ukraine, Anhelina said it was “an honour” to have her design selected.
“I am so excited to see it live,” she said. “I wanted to celebrate Salford’s past while maintaining a modern and clean aesthetic that appeals to a wide audience. I combined multiple colours within a grid of squares to create something vibrant and distinctive on the shelf.”
Her work was chosen from 10 student entries after Seven Bro7hers invited University of Salford designers to submit ideas reflecting the city’s identity.
Kit McAvoy, founder and head of export at Seven Bro7hers, said the project had been a standout moment in the brewery’s centenary celebrations.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of Salford’s 100th birthday,” he said. “Collaborating with the University’s graphic design students has been a real highlight. The creativity and quality of the entries made it very difficult to choose a winner.
“The final artwork perfectly captures the spirit and energy of Salford, and we’re delighted to bring it to life on this special brew. Supporting emerging local talent while celebrating our city’s history makes this particularly meaningful.”
The partnership also has a personal link for the brewery. Head of marketing Samantha McAvoy is a University of Salford graduate, having studied on the same graphic design course.
She said working with current students had been “especially rewarding”.
“The course set me up for my career in design and marketing,” she said. “It’s been great to now give students real-world experience. Their creativity really stood out, and Anhelina’s design is a fantastic result.”
A percentage of proceeds from the beer will be donated to Talk About It Mate, a Salford-based men’s mental health charity.
The “1926” pale ale went on sale on Tuesday 21 April and will also be available at MediaCityUK’s Central Bay venue 11 Central, the Seven Bro7hers taproom and other bars across Salford.
Alan Oliver, graphic design course leader at the University of Salford, said the collaboration offered valuable industry experience.
“It’s great for our students to work with an iconic Salford brand and meet real deadlines,” he said. “They did brilliantly, and we’re proud of what they’ve achieved.”
The project forms part of a wider programme of events marking Salford’s centenary, with the University working alongside the city council on a range of cultural initiatives throughout the year.
Lindsay Taylor, director of the University’s art collection, said the celebrations highlight what can be achieved through collaboration.
“We are involving students wherever we can,” she said. “This is just one of many exciting projects planned as the year continues.”
