Radical changes to the way campus nightlife events are orchestrated and presented have been proposed in a recent Community Assembly meeting.
YUSU President-elect Kallum Taylor wants to increase the scale of student events and launch a competition, open to members and officers, to come up with a brand name for YUSU run nights.
Taylor wants to launch the ‘party’ policy expressed in his electoral manifesto. For the University’s 50th birthday in summer 2013, a week long programme of different events in both the day time and after hours is in the pipeline.
This is to be kicked off by a large scale YUSU ‘brand’ night; the very essence of Taylor’s vision. It will culminate in the popular ‘Woodstock’ festival.
YUSU-run club events have faced heavy criticism in the past from disappointed attendees. 2009’s headline fresher’s event, Big Bang, drew criticism for underestimating the capacity needed, leaving many unable to see the main act, Marina and the Diamonds.
In this year’s YUSU presidential elections, Taylor campaigned with a heavy emphasis on ‘campus nightlife’, saying the events needed a radical shake up. He told Vision that “students only go to campus events (outside of Fresher’s) out of loyalty, or even guilt – I know, I’ve tried to sell them!”
Taylor’s personal experience as Vanbrugh JCRC Chair has left him in position of knowledge about the status of on campus events.
Staying true to his promises, this week’s Community Assembly will propose that YUSU “immediately look into changing its approach to campus nightlife.”
The planned week of festivities will join other 2013 events to celebrate the 50th anniversary such as the Festival of Ideas.
Speaking to Vision, Taylor added that: “the proposal for YUSU to re-invigorate campus nightlife is somewhat of a ‘go ahead’ for all of the relevant parties; college reps, union reps, and staff to bang heads and put our own late-license events on the map in competition with other S.U. events in the region, making them something to shout about.”