'Community Fun Day' celebrates 150 years of University life in Cambridge

Press release issued: 9 October 2008



An image of a band playing at Community Fun Day.
Please click to enlarge.
Organisers of Anglia Ruskin University's Community Family Fun Day have confirmed that another massive day of fun and discovery is planned as part of the continuing celebration of 150 years of Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.

This second Community Family Fun Day follows on from the highly successful launch of the event last year. Organisers confirmed that it was one of the largest public celebrations that the University had ever staged. Community groups, local businesses, stall holders, academics, staff and students are all set to join in and support this campus-based day of sporting activities and events. Over 40 individual attractions are included in the full programme.

The all day celebration of university life, on 1 November, will see members of the public welcomed onto campus to see and experience facilities at first-hand. There will be the chance to enjoy a wide range of sporting activities, interactive workshops and activities, participate in public lectures, visit trade stalls and enjoy live arts and entertainment. Interesting features and activities from the programme include the 150 Years exhibition of photos which tracks the history of the University to date, illustrated talks on the University from 1858-2008, ad hoc theatre displays around the campus, printmaking, film-making, a fashion show, language activities and talks,the Mad Science Olympic Show, pottery making, stories from John Row storyteller and entertainment from Brazilian martial arts specialists, Capoeira. Sports enthusiasts from Cambridge are invited to watch and participate in Extreme Streetball, fitness testing and organised workouts.

With the return to the new semester and academic year, it will also be a day for Freshers to invite their families along to see where they are studying and what types of activities are on offer.
Comments Tara White, Community Development Manager at Anglia Ruskin University:

"It is a widely held perception that our University is only open to people who study or work here. This is most certainly not the case and this Community 'Open' Day will allow the public to see all the services available and view plans for the future development of the East Road campus.

"We are particularly hoping to forge and nurture better relationships between students and members of the community who can sometimes see students as nothing more than a nuisance.

"We want people of all ages and backgrounds to come along, meet the students and see Anglia Ruskin University for what it is, an exciting and developing institution of which everyone can be proud."

Added Anglia Ruskin University's Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Thorne:

"This will be a truly memorable event for our University particularly as so many people have invested their time and energy into making this happen. The idea behind the event is to build on, and make new, relationships with members of the community. We are all extremely approachable and friendly and that is what makes Anglia Ruskin University the success that it is. If we encourage some visitors to think about whether higher education might be for them, either now or in the future, that too will be a bonus."

The event is being supported by Anglia Ruskin's Art Council.

The Community Family Fun Day, on 1 November, is open to all. The event, which runs from 12noon - 3pm, will be spread across the buildings and open spaces of East Road campus. Admission and activities is free to members of the public.

For more information contact Tara White on 0845 196 2776 or email tara.white@anglia.ac.uk
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