Article no.1

So I've been asked write an article for the student paper on the failure of the event I was involved in- Powderham Ball. I am the first to admit that we made a number of mistakes. However, I feel VERY strongly about the way that the University of Exeter, and the student guild in particular handled matters. 

Uncooperative, hypocritical, greedy and naive. We have had a lot of criticism over this issue, but below sums up my feelings pretty much to a T........

"The biggest social event of the year? Its back? Perhaps not… As a member of the Powderham Ball committee I struggle to put into words how disheartening it was to learn that our efforts over the past months had all gone to waste. Granted, the controversial price of the tickets had simply proved to be too much.

As head of entertainment I wanted to put on a night unlike any other in Exeter. A fantastic marquee in a beautiful location, with a range of acts tapping into a variety of musical tastes, a topless snake charmer, a stunning fire show and a champagne reception in the rose garden of a medieval castle do not come cheap.

“Apparently we only get six free drinks?” was the first question I was faced with on our launch night. Unsurprisingly it became obvious that alcohol was the clincher. After endless meetings with the Guild debating this we learned that not only were we not able to employ the generous and exciting offers from various well reputed promotions teams, but we were also absolutely forbidden from accepting the three mojito bars Bacardi had offered us, or the unlimited Smirnoff. Alcohol sponsors were out of the question, dispelling any hopes we’d had of an open bar.

We bartered the prices of drinks, haggled with the portaloo man and made a great deal with the snazzy marquee company. This is what goes on behind the scenes. The ticket prices were as such because this is simply what it costs to make an event function.

I speak for everyone involved when I say that despite the cancellation, it was a fantastic experience and one that I remain proud to have been involved in. I wonder if the concept will ever be successfully re-launched, or if there is just not the market for it here anymore. £60 seems high, but it would have bought you so much more than a cold night in a warehouse, miles out of Exeter with extortionate bar prices. Although I’m afraid clothing would have been mandatory.

These events must start small and grow popular: where people become so desperate to go that they sleep on the lemmy steps the night before ticket sales. We ran before we could walk, and we know this now. I want to apologise to, but also thank everyone who bought tickets. Please remember that essentially the aim was to raise money for Cancer Research UK, amongst others. I still find myself wondering why it was the Guild who would have made the biggest profit out of the evening."

............Let me know what you think? I've found the experience of writing a rather interesting one. I've always wanted something to be published in the student paper and have had a couple of attempts. But when writing about something that I feel very passionately about (as I'm sure you can tell) the words simply flow.

Have a lovely Saturday all xx