‘Best ever’ Staff Festival was ‘buzzing’!
Staff Festival organisers have hailed this year’s event the “best ever”.
Friends are captured on canvas by one of the caricaturists
Thousands of colleagues, together with their friends and family, flocked to campus on Friday 28 June to enjoy a packed programme of hugely entertaining activities and attractions, including food and drink, workshops, fairground rides, stalls and live music for all ages.
Bathed in a rare spell of glorious summer sunshine, people were able to soak up the carnival atmosphere in and around the University Precinct.
And early feedback indicates the event was a big success.
Staff Festival project manager, Jo Westerman, helps man the tombola stall
Jo Westerman, LOGIK Centre Manager and Festival project manager, said: “It was absolutely buzzing!
“In terms of the atmosphere on the day, this was without doubt the best ever Staff Festival. Everyone seemed to be relaxed and enjoying themselves, and the mix of entertainment proved really popular – there was so much going on. And the fabulous weather certainly helped!”
Having fun on the dodgems!
Following feedback from last year’s event, the dodgems made a welcome return alongside the ever-popular Ferris wheel. And among the exciting new attractions for 2019 was an inflatable climbing wall, surf simulator, Sumo suits, a gladiator game and a giant version of Hungry Hippos!
One very happy customer after having her face painted
Children were entertained by a miniature railway, ride-on cars, a bouncy castle, face painters and candyfloss, as well as an arts and crafts workshop for youngsters aged 11+ with the Rocket Mobile Studio.
Other wonderful workshops included making Festival streamers, free-hand body art, fresh flower button-hole making, a DJ school, aromatherapy, cocktail making, paper quilling and beer tasting with Leeds Brewery.
Most of the workshops were fully booked
Mouth-watering food and drink stalls were selling a tempting range of tasty treats, including a hog roast, desserts, pancakes, pretzels, brownies, olives, fish and chips, curry, ice cream, cocktails, gin, beer and West African cuisine. Tasty vegetarian and vegan options were also available.
Live entertainment on the main Festival stage featured the University and LUU staff choirs, who were in fine voice. The line-up was completed by indie band Jabbawoki, Fruity DJ and Panjumby, playing a chilled Latin America-inspired set.
Members of the Staff Choir were on song
Jo added: “It was fantastic to see so many people jigging about to the music. All the acts said what a great experience it was, playing to a sea of smiling faces. They really enjoyed the relaxed vibe.
“I’d like to thank everyone who came along and to all the volunteers who helped make this happen, especially the Health and Safety and Security teams operating on the day – they did a sterling job.”
People flocked to ride on the ever-popular Ferris wheel
As with this year’s event planning, your feedback is crucial in helping improve future Festivals.
The organising team is asking colleagues to fill out this survey to let them know what you thought about activities staged on the day, as well as any ideas to improve the event. The closing date is Friday 12 July 2019.
All proceeds from the Festival will go to this year’s chosen charity, SNAPS (Special Needs and Parent Support). Watch this space for an announcement about the final fundraising figure.
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