Student events a year of giving

Senior Lecturer, Phil Clements, explains that the students Professional Events Solution (PES) module challenges second year BA (Hons) Events Management students to create genuine event management projects for real clients - using the knowledge gained from their course to devise, create and deliver innovative event solutions to meet their client's needs.

Over 40 events have taken place including a Moulin Rouge Ladies night which raised over £2000 for Breast Cancer UK, a local Quiz night which was taken over by our students and repackaged, raising nearly £1000 for 'Candlelighters', and a Battle of the Bands evening in aid of local charity, Radio Aire & Magic 828's Cash for Kids.

Particular highlights includea Silent Flashmob in aid of homeless charity, Simon on the streets, which went viral; and a charity 'Jail Break' which saw students reach as far as Slovenia to help raise £1,800 for Sue Ryder.

Postgraduate students have also organised a number of high profile events including the annual FDSO Sports Awards Dinner which attracted two Paralympic gold medallists, Hannah Cockroft and Danielle Brown, despite adverse weather conditions; a Poverty and Education Forum, focusing on the issues facing charities and NGO's in both the domestic and global environment; and the inaugural Twenty20 cricket match in memory of a former student cricketer.

The showcasewas judged by event clients, made up of 44 national and local charities, academics and alumni,for first, second and third place in each of the four categories;the most money raised, most creative idea, most beneficial to the client, and most creative display on the night.

Speaking to the assembled guests and clients, Philexplained: "Our students have not only raised substantial sums of money for their clients they have also raised awareness whileengaging and gaining a deeper understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) which you cannot put a price on. This is best reflected in one student's comment that theyfelt they were actually doing some good."