Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has marked the arrival of new students with a festival celebrating creativity from across fields of art, performance, media and design.
From pancakes and coffee, to notebooks, bee wraps, mugs and earrings, a range of craft and refreshment stalls and live entertainment saw in the arrival of first-year undergraduate students at AUB Campus Halls.
In attendance were local brands including Dorset Poffertjes, Pen Gallery, BeeWrap UK, ViCreates, Twisted Dog Coffee, The Fuzzybumbles and CJP Jewellery, as well as artists Molly Cheeseman and Lauren Marina, and local coffee house L’Arte.
Through Autumnal sunshine, and with a gentle breeze whistling through campus, students and visitors were treated to acoustic live music from local band Barefoot Soul, whose fun and upbeat covers set was interspersed with the band’s own original tunes like Butterfly and Beg, Steal and Borrow.
Students were also encouraged to use the community post-box to send a ‘postcard to a pal’, and were able to plant their own mini succulent, bonsai, or herb to grace their windowsill and add some green delight to their new home.
AUB’s Wellbeing Team were on hand to offer guided meditation sessions and Ruth Wells, University Chaplain at AUB Faith and Reflection, encouraged students to engage with positive reflective thinking.
To top off the event, Corrine McCrea, Massage Therapist, treated everyone to free massages, which were gratefully received by staff and students alike.
Carrie Packer, Accommodation and Advice Manager at AUB, said: “Now in its second year, AUB Welcome Fest aims to help incoming students to embrace a positive and easy transition into university life, while developing and celebrating AUB’s friendly creative community and unique sense of belonging.
“For many arriving students, Welcome Fest is the first time that they’ll experience AUB’s friendly and welcoming community first-hand. From live music to stallholders exhibiting bespoke and handmade gifts, products and artwork, there’s something for everyone, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and share experiences with newly made friends."
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Accept to viewLucy & Yak collaborator and freelance artist Lauren Marina said: "I really enjoy being part of the market-style events at AUB! What strikes me the most is the vibrancy and enthusiasm of the students. The events always have such a positive energy and a thoughtful curation of traders which I'm glad to be a part of."
Also showcasing her creations at Welcome Fest 2022, Eleanor Deane of Els Workwear, said: “Welcome Fest does very important work in bridging a gap between Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s rich creative culture and community, and students at AUB.
“It’s a really fun afternoon, well-curated to serve students and introduce them to just a snapshot of some of the amazing makers, small businesses, and creators in the area. It’s a joy to be involved, and I look forward to the next event!”
