It doesn’t stop at Freshers’ Fortnight...
Don’t be fooled into thinking it all goes down hill at the Students’ Union after Freshers’ Fortnight! The Academy has lots of stuff planned for you, plus we have our main annual events, the May Ball, the Graduation Ball, and Awards Dinner...
The Academy
Welcome all to the University of Derby Students’ Union’s bar- THE ACADEMY. Over the course of this year we will be giving you plenty to boast about to your mates back home. Last year we had the likes of Hadouken, Scouting for Girls, We are Scientists, Fightstar, The Dykeenies, Glasvegas, East 17, Zane Lowe, Judge Jules and the Sugababes to name but a few.
Over the course of the Freshers we will be giving you some of the very best and exclusive new talent in Britain - last year we had the likes of TAIO CRUZ, Radio 1’s prodigical son Greg James, Mystery Jets and Get Cape. Wear Cape. FLY exclusive DJ sets, Award winning hypnotists and Ida Maria’s most exciting tour the Renegade Tour - and that was just in the first few weeks.
Also during the course of the year we want you, the students to take part in Students’ Union activities and entertainments in THE ACADEMY. We run each year in term 2 Battle of the Bands and DJ competition giving you the opportunity to play at the GRADUATION BALL and the MAY BALL in front of 3,000 people. This stage is set for what could be THE BIGGEST PERFORMANCE OF YOUR LIFE.
If you like to have quality entertainment, honest student prices - LOVE YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION - Join the ACADEMY.
Graduation Ball
This annual event takes place in January and although is aimed mainly at all those celebrating their graduation, it is of course open to all years. Typically over 2,000 people attend to celebrate finishing their degrees or just their January exams – and with it taking place just after you receive your student loan, there’s not much of an excuse to not attend! There are loads of fantastic acts put on throughout the night, and the wintery wonderland theme makes it a spectacular setting. So put on your best dresses and suits and celebrate!
May Ball
This is arguably the Students’ Union’s biggest event of the year, and is widely recognised as one of the best in the country. It takes place just after the majority of people finish lectures and coursework for the year, making it the perfect excuse to party and save your. It’s another posh event, so jeans and trainers are a big no-no – dress to impress. Over 3,000 turn up to it, and it lasts until 6am, although there’s the after party for the extra hardcore which will continue into the afternoon. This is most definitely an unmissable event, and acts have included in recent years The Wombats, Noisettes, Godskitchen, Hed Kandi, Judge Jules, East 17, Girls Aloud, Sugababes, and Zane Lowe.
Awards Dinners
Your annual awards dinners are put on to recognise student involvement and achievement for all those involved in the Students’ Union, and to reflect on the past 12 months’ achievements. An awards ceremony where people who have dedicated the most time, effort and passion to the things they love the most are shown their appreciation. Afterwards, the bar opens, beer flows, and students and staff dance the night away.
Typical awards include most charitable club/society, sports/society personality of the year, university honours, plus a variety of other awards based on individual and group performances.
They're initially aimed at students who have been involved in Union Council, Dusted, Societies, Sports teams and Education and Welfare services, but everyone is encouraged to attend to share the experience!
I hope all this has whetted your taste buds and given you an idea of some of the things we have in store for you over the coming year! There are of course many other events including our affiliated nights in a variety of bars and clubs in Derby...
Have fun and stay safe!
