PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: Tuesday, August 29 - see below for details
Two of Aberdeen’s most talented acts will showcase the best of the city’s live music to potential students when they perform at the University of Aberdeen’s annual Open Day later this month.
Edgar Prais and Steven Milne of The Little Kicks will take to the stage as part of a special gig, sponsored by The Tunnels music venue, to offer students-to-be an insight into Aberdeen’s social scene.
Edgar Prais and The Little Kicks are in big demand due to their energetic live performances and both have supported headlining acts throughout the UK. They will each perform two 30 minutes sets in the University’s diner – Zeste – during the Open Day on Tuesday, August 29. To enhance the carnival setting, there will also be a barbecue and ice-cream on offer at Zeste.
The Open Day is the University’s biggest and most important event of the year and is aimed mainly at those interested in coming to study at Aberdeen in September 2007. It is open to people of all ages looking for more information on the University and studying at Aberdeen and late applicants for 2006 entry will also be very welcome to attend. The Open Day is set to attract upwards of 4,500 visitors from across the UK, Europe and worldwide.
The performance of live bands on campus is the first venture of its kind in the Open Day’s seven-year history. The gigs complement the existing line-up of talented musicians who perform at the Open Day every year including piper Hamish Wood and fiddler Raemond Jappy. There will also be performances by musicians on the trumpet, piano, organ, and steel pans.
Lesley MacLennan, the University’s Marketing Officer, said the performance of live bands at the Open Day was a welcome addition to the diverse line-up of activities already on offer. She said: “We aim to make the day as much fun as possible for potential students and, as part of that, we want to create a festival atmosphere to ensure our visitors feel welcome.
“It’s also important to show the visiting students what Aberdeen has to offer in terms of nightlife and, by showcasing two of the city’s most up and coming acts, we can offer them a glimpse of the city’s lively music scene.
“Aberdeen is one of the UK’s most popular universities with fantastic facilities and a beautiful and historic campus, however, we must also promote the University in terms of its location within one of the UK’s most friendly and culturally diverse cities.”
The Open Day features a packed line-up of presentations on issues such as student life, finance, careers, and accommodation. Visitors can take part in departmental visits and campus tours at the University’s King’s College. The School of Medicine programme will this year be available on the King’s College campus and will comprise a careers presentation and general information on the University for students hoping to study medicine and medicine-related subjects. Pre-booked students will also get the chance to take part in the interactive demonstrations at the Clinical Skills Centre.
A party at The Union will offer a real taste of student life and there will also be the chance for potential students to stay overnight in the Halls of Residence. A Parents’ Reception has also been arranged for the night before the Open Day - to be held in James Mackay Hall on the King’s College campus.
Visitors are welcome to attend the Open Day on their own or as part of a school party. Parents, teachers and guidance staff are also invited along. There will be a Chill Out Zone especially for adults to enjoy some quiet time during the busy schedule. Selectors and other staff will be visiting the Chill Out Zone throughout the day to chat informally to parents and teachers.
Booking is essential for the Open Day on August 29 and prospective students must log on to www.abdn.ac.uk/openday to register their place or call Student Recruitment and Admissions on 0800 027 1495, or email: openday@abdn.ac.uk