University of the Year joins Tall Ships celebrations

Around half a million people flocked to the Tall Ships event where our party on the Mir was a major highlight for those lucky enough to be onboard.

Tall Ships 2010 was a fantastic spectacle which saw around 60 vessels sail into the region, together with an array of entertainment, including live music, fairground rides and international foods.

We joined the celebrations with a deck party onboard the Mir, the largest of the Tall Ships, to mark our 80th anniversary.

Around 200 of our staff, students and graduates were welcomed onboard on Saturday evening where they enjoyed drinks, food and a spectacular view of the fireworks display.

An opportunity of a lifetime Maggie Parker, Senior Lecturer in Games Animation in the School of Computing, described it as an opportunity of a lifetime.

She said: ‘It was a fantastic way to celebrate the University’s 80th birthday, particularly at this time when we are University of the Year.’

Natalie Robinson, who graduated with a BSc (Hons) Criminology in 2005, added: ‘As a graduate I just had to grab the fantastic opportunity to come onboard the Mir. The event was a fantastic spectacle and we had a wonderful evening.’

As well as the party onboard the Mir, the University had information stands on the HMS Trincomalee and in the Tall Ships Village where visitors could find out information on a range of courses.

David Hudson, the University’s Assistant Director, UK Student Recruitment, said: 'We were delighted that so many of our friends and colleagues could join us for this special occasion. Being onboard the Mir has been an unforgettable experience and a fitting way to celebrate the University’s 80th anniversary.'

---