Univ 775 Festival highlights

On Saturday, 28 September 2024, University College celebrated a remarkable milestone as over 400 attendees gathered for the Univ 775 Festival. The event brought together Old Members, current students, Fellows, staff, and friends and family, all united in their appreciation for the College’s rich history and promising future.

The day was filled with warmth and camaraderie, creating a vibrant atmosphere as attendees reflected on Univ’s legacy while looking toward its bright future. A standout moment was the spectacular light and sound show by Luxmuralis, which captivated the crowd with its stunning visuals and innovative presentation, showcasing the College’s heritage in a unique and modern way.

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed more than 12 engaging tutorials run by Old Members and staff, covering a diverse array of topics from Philosophy to Medicine. This provided an excellent opportunity for intellectual exchange and learning, fostering connections between alumni and current scholars. Families were also well catered for, with a range of exciting children’s activities available. Kids enjoyed hands-on printing press sessions led by Head Librarian Elizabeth, where they could create their own bookmarks, alongside art workshops, face painting, and a bouncy castle that kept them entertained throughout the day.

For adult attendees, painting tours offered an insightful look into Univ’s artistic heritage, while the incredibly popular wine tours provided a tasting experience that highlighted the College’s historical ties to the world of fine wines. Guests were particularly delighted by the chance to explore the College through guided tours led by current students, who shared stories and insights about their experiences at Univ, giving Old Members a nostalgic glimpse into the evolving College.

The Oxcentrics, a jazz band with roots at Univ, wowed the crowd with a special reunion performance. Their lively tunes brought back memories for many attendees, making it a heartwarming moment in the day’s festivities.

Guests also had the opportunity to join the Master for refreshments at the Master’s Lodgings, where they could explore the historic Brown Library and indulge in the special 775 Cake, generously donated by Alison Wright (1986, PPE) of Fitzbillies bakery. The Boat Club set up fun challenges for all ages, encouraging visitors to come back and try to beat the high scores, fostering friendly competition among attendees.

To cap off the evening, the light show by Luxmuralis provided a breathtaking conclusion to the festival. The impressive display encapsulated 775 years of Univ’s history, leaving everyone in awe and providing a fitting tribute to the College’s legacy.

The Univ 775 Festival was a testament to the enduring spirit of the College and its community, celebrating both its past and its exciting future. Attendees left feeling inspired and eager to continue the tradition of connection and collaboration that Univ embodies.

Enjoy the highlights

Comments from our guests

“You are only 775 once and Univ’s celebration was done with verve and style! What a stunning light and sound show! Well played Univ! Univ did a splendid job creatively showing its treasure and heritage. While the reason for doing so was unique I hope they’ll be other such displays. While I wish more of my year (1987) attended, there was a diverse range of old members, family and friends, and college staff. We mixed happily united in what brought us together – Univ!”
Sean Denniston (1987, History)

“Very many thanks and congratulations on such a creatively planned and brilliantly executed day yesterday. Best wishes from three generations of Gore-Randall.”
Philip Gore-Randall (1972, Geography), Edward Gore-Randall (2005, Chemistry), William Gore-Randall (2004, Economics and Management) and family.

“A heartfelt vote of thanks for the wonderful festival arrangements for the anniversary. Interesting and variegated programme – including live tutorials! – with all involved in organising things really friendly and helpful. Goodhart Quad accommodation was most comfortable and convenient; and the weather was beautiful – like the singing of the choir in Chapel! Can’t imagine how it could have been done any better! Roll on the next 775 years!”
Marcus Miller (1960, PPE)

“Imaginative and great fun for all ages, the festival combined cerebral tutorials, stimulating tours, entertaining children’s activities, and toe-tapping Dixieland jazz.”
Howard Sereda (1973, PPE)

“I was quite intrigued by the different views I had of the College. Usually my workplace, I was able to take a relaxed stroll around the site, visiting Percy the Tortoise in the Master’s garden, having a bag of popcorn in Logic Lane and a chat with Old Members. My son (13), who is already thinking about what and where to study was especially interested in the student rooms which were open to view. My younger son (7) was excited about the puzzle and was very proud when he found out that the name of William of Durham, the founder of the College, was the answer; the one who knew where the missing martlets were.”
Dr Maren Schentuleit, Lady Wallis Budge Fellow

“What a great day it was from leisurely coffee, lunch and the Jazz group and then a great evening culminating in the spectacular Son et lumière presentation. A great deal of planning went into the day and you and all involved deserve a great ‘thankyou’ from all Alumni.”
Dennis Wheatland (1952, PPE) and Joyce Wheatland

“It was a really lovely event. I think it is fantastic that children were included. I loved seeing them clustering round the cake as the Master cut it. A true birthday celebration.”
Alison Wright (1986, PPE)

A view from the College

We couldn’t believe our luck when we awoke to sunshine on Saturday – surely this was a good omen! Main Quad came alive with Old Members reconnecting with old friends and attending College tours along with friends and family, who were able to gain valuable insight into the Univ they’d no doubt heard so much about.

There were over 12 well-attended tutorials throughout the day, covering topics from the Global Middle Ages and the Psychology of Colour Vision to understanding the meaning of the pronoun “I”. Our Domestic Bursar ran art tours of the portrait paintings in the Hall and the wine tours were incredibly popular selling out almost immediately!

It was wonderful to welcome so many children to Univ as well and there was something for all ages ranging from the wonderful printing press workshops with our Head Librarian, a Martlets Treasure Trail, face painting and a bouncy castle on the Goodhart lawn with free candyfloss and popcorn on the side! The Boat Club were also present and put on erg challenges for all ages with visitors returning repeatedly to try and beat the other high scores. Meanwhile, some of our amazing DPhil students presented their ongoing projects and research and reflecting the vibrant academic community at Univ.

The wonderful Oxcentrics wowed us all with their jazz band reunion in the marquee after lunch – it was a rare treat to have them return to their roots where they first started out to play for their fellow guests.

By mid-afternoon it was time for those who wished to dust off the vocal chords to attend the Come and Sing in the chapel under the reassuring guidance of our Director of Music and presented a short concert afterwards.

Others, including a number of children, went for tea and had a chance to visit the Master’s Lodgings and join the Master and guests in the historic Brown Library for the cutting of the spectacular 775 anniversary cake made & donated by Fitzbillies bakery. A beautiful and well-attended Evensong led by our Chaplain Revd Dr Andrew Gregory and the Revd Canon Janet Williams and accompanied by the Univ choir rounded off the day’s proceedings.

The evening proceeded with a drinks reception in the Master’s Lodgings and one in the marquee followed by a formal dinner in the Hall which was attended by the Master and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Irene Tracey CBE, and many Old Members, friends and family. The lightshow/son et lumière presented by Luxmuralis was an incredible end to the evening with an impressive display that summed up 775 years of Univ’s history.

Grace Lane, Philanthropy Manager