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Whole lotta love for Luton fest The University has been announced as the first Platinum Sponsor of this summer’s weekend-long festival that coincides with the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Luton. The Love Luton 2012 Festival is set to be one of the largest and most spectacular events in the town’s history, with tens of thousands of people attending. The festival activities include music concerts, school games, fireworks displays and fringe activities. It will also feature various music, variety, comedy, dance and children’s events with South Asian activities on offer too. There will also be a spectacular carnival parade leading up to the Olympic Torch celebration event. Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL said: “The University is thrilled to be a key part of Luton’s biggest ever event. We have strong links with our local area and the Love Luton campaign, and we are delighted to sponsor a festival which will celebrate diversity and bring so many people together. “The Platinum Sponsorship was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down. We want to support our neighbours because the University and its students are
at the very heart of the local community and a key part of the local economy too. The plans for the weekend sound spectacular and we can’t wait until July!” The Platinum Sponsorship announcement follows the University’s work with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) to provide student work placements at the Games. There are now some 200 students in training with LOCOG, following recruitment events at Bedford and Luton last year. Further interviews were taking place as Life went to print and more Bedfordshire students are expected to be recruited for this once in a lifetime experience. The Love Luton 2012 Festival starts on Friday, 6 July and the Olympic Torch will arrive in the town for an evening celebration on Sunday, 8 July. Brit Award nominated group, The Wanted, has been confirmed as one of the headline acts at Love Luton 2012 and will perform on Friday, 6 July at Popes Meadow. Visit the Love Luton website for latest news about the Festival Weekend at www.loveluton.org.uk/ festival-weekend
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February 2012
Big money raised by RaG boss University journalism student Robyn Sach has raised more than £2,000 for charity in just a single week Robyn is the Students’ Union RaG (Raise and Give) Officer and organised the 2012 RaG Week in January. She said: “I was determined to beat last year’s total, and with the help of University staff, students, friends and local companies in Luton we have raised a fantastic amount. I was taken aback by the generosity of everyone involved. “It will be used to help CRUSE Bereavement Care, the Make a Wish Foundation, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Luton and Dunstable Hospital Oncology Room Renovation project.” Robyn Sach The week was packed with events, including bingo, pre-party face painting, speed-dating and a comedy lounge at the award-winning Students’ Union Mezzanine Bar. The week culminated in a Prize Auction on Friday night which starred Students’ Union President John Perkins, who raised £250 alone in sponsorship to clean the Students’ Union dressed as a maid! Robyn has an impressive track-record for volunteering in her home town of Brentwood in Essex. She was the youngest person in the country to win a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by actress Dame Helen Mirren, for her youth voluntary work. She said: “I am planning loads more events throughout the year, including our own Three Peaks Challenge. Next up is a week-long silent auction in the Mezzanine Bar in February.”
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