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University students will provide skills and support at 2021 Gloucester Rooftop Festival

Students will gain real-world skills and experience at the 2021 Gloucester Rooftop Festival thanks to a partnership between the University of Gloucestershire and the Gloucester Culture Trust.

The partnership will provide students from the university with opportunities to play key support roles before, during and after this year’s unique multi-arts event to be held on the Eastgate Shopping Centre Rooftop car park on 16 to 18 July.

Supported and promoted by the Trust, with sponsorship from the University of Gloucestershire, the Gloucester Rooftop Festival will feature a live programme of events, delivered by local communities and local, regional and national artists, targeted at young people. Admission is on a pay-what-you-like basis.

Students will provide pre-event marketing support, perform event management, performance and technician roles at the event, and capture footage from the whole weekend to create a Rooftop 2021 summary film. 

Images by Stig Godding

University of Gloucestershire graduate Emily Pugh, who will be the Front of House Manager at the festival, says she and current students will benefit from their involvement at the event.

“I’m excited to take on this leadership role, which means that I oversee the front of house staff, artist liaison, and box office,” she said.

 “Any issues will be reported to me which I will help to solve, and I will be working alongside the festival’s producer too. I’m really looking forward to being involved as this is my first managerial role I have taken on in a professional events environment.

“It’s a great concept for a festival, and will allow the students to understand how events such as this are delivered, as well as to work closely with more experienced and senior professionals.”

Event Producer Andy Rea said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to get hands-on experience in the live events, tourism and arts industries, right here in Gloucester.

“It’s a big event with a small core team, so the student volunteers will be genuinely involved in the running and operation of an exciting festival. That’s good for CVs – and also for shaping the growing cultural scene in the city.”