Staff Festival 2023 | Countdown to packed programme
Final preparations are in full swing ahead of this year’s eagerly anticipated return of the hugely popular Staff Festival.
Excitement is building for this year’s instalment of the entertainment extravaganza, taking place on Friday (30 June).
All colleagues, family and friends are invited to join us on campus from 3-7pm for what promises to be a hugely enjoyable afternoon of activities and attractions.
Staff Festival Project Manager, Jo Westerman, said: “After the enforced break we’ve had during the past four years, our committee members have been working around the clock in an attempt to make the festival bigger and better than ever before.
“There’s lots of new attractions to enjoy this year, as well as many of the old favourites you’ve come to know and love. All we need now is for as many people as possible to attend – and for the sun to keep shining – to make the event a success.
“Let’s join together on Friday to celebrate our achievements with colleagues, family and friends during an afternoon filled with entertainment, fun and laughter.”
Wonderful array of attractions
A packed programme of events has been finalised, with dodgems, face painting, glitter tattoo artists, candyfloss maker and a caricaturist all making a welcome return. Colleagues can also enjoy an inflatable climbing wall, Didicar racing, a 35ft twin-lane bungee run, bouncy castles, skate and snowboard simulators and giant garden games, to name but a few.
Mouth-watering food and drink stalls will be selling tempting tasty treats, ranging from street food and burgers to artisan marshmallows, brownies and ice cream.
Learn how to mix the perfect cocktail at one of this year’s many Staff Festival workshops
Bookings are now open for this year’s wonderful workshops! Ranging from Bollywood dance and Chinese opera masks to beer and cocktail tasting, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
Many of the workshops feature multiple sessions to ensure as many colleagues as possible get the chance to try their hand at something new. Don’t worry if the workshop you want to attend is full – in an attempt to make the process as fair as possible, a number of places will also be available to book on the day.
And don’t forget the amazing acts performing on the music stage. High energy entertainment, rousing renditions and pure sunshine for the soul are the order of the day!
Four top acts have been confirmed – The Johnhouse Experience, Rock Choir, Rhythm Aire and Olayá – with sessions taking place throughout the afternoon. Genres range from party anthems and contemporary classics to contagiously fun Brazilian beats, so make sure you bring your dancing shoes!
The Johnhouse Experience play a mix of rock, pop, soul and indie spanning five decades
Proceeds from the festival, including the popular tombola stall, will be shared between this year’s two chosen charities, Homeless Street Angels and Zarach.
Facilities and services
The festival will take place in and around the Refectory, University Precinct and University Road. Please be aware there will be increased levels of noise and traffic on the day. Although the festival officially opens at 3pm and ends at 7pm, disruptions may be caused outside of these hours for the event setup and pack down. Disabled access will be available throughout the site.
The festival team has arranged for free parking to be available to all colleagues from 3pm in the orange zone. Spaces are limited and cannot be guaranteed. Visit the Estates and Facilities webpage for details of how to register your car.
See the Staff Festival SharePoint site for further information.