Thousands of students enjoy free college festivals to end year in style

Over 3,500 young people from across East Sussex were able to let their hair down, celebrate the end of their exams, and start the summer in style, thanks to three free festivals hosted by East Sussex College.

The College hosted the ESC MiniFests at the Eastbourne campus, Lewes campus, and on Hastings Pier over a three-week period from the end of June and into July. Headline acts included YouTube and DJ sensation, Jack Maynard; X Factor star, Amelia Lily; and last year’s Love Island stars and DJ duo, Sam Bird and Adam Collard.

Students were able to register for their tickets online and enjoy three hours of live music, free food and drink, festival games, and festival hair and make-up. A handful of competition winners were also able to enjoy an exclusive meet and greet with the celebs.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but it was fantastic,” said former X Factor star Amelia Lily after her performance in Eastbourne. “The kids were on top form – even with the older music. I loved it and it was great fun.”

Before taking to the stage in Hastings Jack Maynard said: “The fact that it’s free is amazing – it’s like a well done to all of those who have finished their exams and a welcome to college for next year. I think it’s a really good thing and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Fresh from appearing on stage, Adam Collard said: “That was mad, actually! Such a good rush. It was a good crowd and good fun.”

Other acts to perform at the festivals included former Ministry of Sound resident DJ, Mike Sherwood; Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent 2019 competition winner, Marie White; Vocal Coach Atlanta Hurley; college favourite, Stevie B; and college alumni, Morgan M James.

After the event, a number of students gave their feedback and said that the MiniFest was “awesome”. Others said that “it was one of the best nights of my life”, and that they “really enjoyed being able to go on stage and meet Jack Maynard, thank you!”.

The festivals gave local school and college students the opportunity to celebrate the end of the academic year and look ahead to starting college in September.

The new college year starts on Thursday 5th September, but there is still time between now and then to apply for courses. You can apply online at escg.ac.uk, call 030 300 39699, or come along to open enrolment which starts in late August.