Uni put on a Christmas market on campus

On Tuesday 1st December, Leicester campus transformed into a Winter Wonderland.

Leicester campus is getting into the festive spirit this week. If breaking into your advent calendar isn’t enough of a festive boost for you, why not merrily hop along to the Student Union to see what their 12 Days of Christmas campaign has to offer?

On the first day of Christmas my Union gave to me, an Ice Skating rink which was installed on the Fielding Johnson carpark, surrounded by festive market stalls selling everything from mulled wine to pulled pork, and also local produced goods such as cider and ale .

And of course the nostalgic calls to meet Santa were not ignored who, sporting his surprisingly youthful appearance, also had a stand overlooking the icy wonderland.

The Union’s 12 day campaign is in aid of Child Reach, a charity that offers relief aid to children of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the UK.

Jim Butler, the University of Leicester’s Head of Corporate Events said: “I believe that Christmas is about bringing people together and by supporting the Christmas Market with the addition of the ice rink and the festively decorated trees we were able to help create a real sense of community on campus.

“It also enabled us to share some festive cheer with our neighbouring communities and it was fantastic to see students and staff skating and laughing alongside local families and children.”

Georgie Tansell, Marketing, Sales & Events Manager at the Students’ Union said: “We have really expanded our festive events line up this year, working in partnership with the University and Enactus to create a real ‘Festive buzz’ on campus; a great way to end the first term.

“We are hoping there will be something for everyone to enjoy and experience over the next 12 days. It is always a real pleasure to work with local independent Leicestershire businesses, and that paired with an ice rink and the Enactus Christmas Market, was a perfect way to launch the festive period and the 12 days of Christmas campaign on campus.”

Other festivities to look forward to:

• Christmas-inspired film days
• Craft fair and vintage record stand
• Giveaways including festive Starbucks drinks, pizza and bagels
• Santa Fun Run around Victoria Park
• Christmas carols, mulled wine and mince pies
• Christmas card and wreath-making workshops
• Christmas cook-off
• Theatre events at The Curve

The event will be hosted by The University, Leicester Student Union and Enactus, and will be the first of the Unions’ 12 days of Christmas, which will run right until the end of term.

More information can be found on the Students’ Union website.