(l to r): Neal Thompson, Sarah Jones, Andy Jones (Focus Wales); Lynda Powell, director of campus management and commercial services; Stuart Cunningham, academic head of creative industries (Glyndwr University)
Hundreds of students looking to break into the music, TV, film and live events industries are to benefit from a new partnership between a university and an international music festival.
Glyndŵr University has tied-up a formal link-up with Focus Wales, an annual not-for-profit festival of live music, comedy and interactive events in Wrexham.
The deal will see students receive opportunities to gain valuable experience in sound, lighting, marketing and event support.
Most volunteers are expected to come from those studying on the university’s events management degree and courses related to the creative industries, such as media, music, film and TV. A number of paid placements will also be made available.
Glyndŵr University will continue to provide venues for the festival, which runs from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 April 2014.
Lynda Powell, director of campus management and commercial services for Glyndŵr University, said: “Our facilities have been used as venues for Focus Wales since it started four years ago but this agreement takes everything a stage further.
“It’s a win-win situation. The festival is now a key part of our annual live events programme and it provides a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain real-life experience which will help them in their career.”
Festival coordinator Andy Jones, co-founder of Focus Wales, said: “Glyndŵr University has become a lead partner in the festival which has helped us to grow.
“I studied sound studio technology here and when I left and wanted to get into the industry this sort of event wasn’t around, so hopefully students can benefit from having us here.
“The university has grown massively in recent years and now specialises in the creative industries, so the partnership was a no-brainer as far as we were concerned.”
Focus Wales 2014 will feature 150 bands across 14 stages in Wrexham and takes place from 23-26 April.
Events hosted by Glyndŵr University this year include a live performance by John Cooper Clarke and interactive events with Creation Records founder Alan McGee, who signed Oasis and Primal Scream; Echo and the Bunnymen guitarist Will Sergeant and Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens.
For details of all events and to buy tickets visit focuswales.com. Students or members of the public interested in volunteering for this year’s festival can email [email protected]
