BU Research Blog

The Department of Events and Leisure (DEL) has a long-standing tradition of contributing their expertise to events and festival organisations throughout the UK. This event/festival season has been exceptionally busy for DEL and has seen staff collaborating with organisations in Northern Ireland, London and in Dorset.

Dr Nicole Ferdinand ( front row, third from left) at project update meeting at Ulster University attended by Fergus Mckay, Operations Manager, International NW200 (back row, 1st from left)

Dr Nicole Ferdinand, Senior Academic in Events Management through a collaborative research project with Ulster University is currently working with the International NW200. Fergus Mckay, Operations Director has been extremely positive about the results of the project so far and the value it has delivered for his organisation.  At a project update meeting hosted on August 24, 2018, he provided the following feedback:

“The collaboration with Ulster University and Bournemouth University has enabled us to investigate technology enabled means to create accessible, real-time and personalised event experiences both at the event and throughout our fans visit to the area.  Looking for fun and unique experiences for event participants is a critical event objective and the recent twitter bot was a means by which to create and share fun experiences.”

Dr Aaron Yankholmes, VIP at Notting Hill Carnival 2018

Dr Aaron Yankholmes, Academic in Events and Leisure was a VIP at the Notting Hill Carnival on bank holiday Monday August 27^th, 2018. He was specially invited by the organising committee to the celebrations this year. DEL staff have a long history with the organization, having collaborated with NHC stakeholders on a research informed strategic visioning project in 2013 entitled Carnival Futures. DEL staff have also published a number of articles and case studies on this event. This year was first time that the organisation has hosted a DEL member of staff at their event.

Dr Caroline Jackson at B-Side Festival Launch

Dr Caroline Jackson and Dr Nicole Ferdinand were also VIP guests at the B-side Festival opening. Dr Ferdinand has also  joined the B-side Festival Board of Directors with a view to supporting B-side with implementing a programme of institutional strengthening activities supported by their recently awarded Arts Council Catalyst Fund.