Fabulous fayre encourages youngsters to dream bigger dreams
Soggy showers did not dampen the spirits of thousands of visitors entertained by sensational street theatre, enthralling experiments and curious circus acts showcased by the University of Sheffield, and its world renowned National Fairground Archive (NFA), at the city's Jubilee Fayre.
Intriguing, educational and innovative
Fayre-goers of all ages were captivated by an array of intriguing, educational and innovative workshops and live entertainment - from ferocious fire eaters and man eating fish to sub-zero science experiments and bizarre biology quests.
Children and adults alike were mezmorised with Dr Phantasma's Ten in One Show – a superb spectacle of unusual acts showcased by Sideshow Illusions and the NFA.
Audiences were stunned by the girl with the invisible middle, electrifying Electra who defied 27,000 volts and contortionist Miss Elastina who twisted her body around steel blades.
Dream bigger dreams
In addition to the show-stopping entertainment, visitors were encouraged to Dream Bigger Dreams as part of the University's campaign to raise aspirations of young people in the region.
Future scientists and budding medics tested their knowledge with a variety of innovative activities including the 'How cold can you get?' demonstration which showcased the power of liquid nitrogen and the inside-out human biology challenge.
Children and their families were given a wonderful insight into the wacky world of science and medicine by volunteer students and staff from the Faculty's of Science and Medicine, Dentistry and Health.
Greg Oldfield, External Relations Manager at the University of Sheffield, said: "Despite dismal weather conditions this year's Jubilee Fayre was another tremendous success.
"The atmosphere was terrific and people of all ages were in awe of the phenomenal illusions and circus acts hosted by the NFA.
"Children also got a unique chance to participate in some innovative
experiments and demonstrations through our Dream Bigger Dreams campaign in which our aim is to inspire everyone to think about Higher Education and to encourage people to achieve their dreams."
"The fayre was a brilliant opportunity to show the local community the huge benefits students and the University of Sheffield bring to the city through volunteering, our local charity work and our life-long learning courses."
As well as encouraging young minds to flourish, representatives from the University's Institute of Lifelong Learning (TILL) were on hand to discuss the vast range of part-time courses available and helping people to rediscover their academic potential.
|
|
|
Additional information
The National Fairground Archive (NFA)
The NFA is a unique collection of photographic, printed, manuscript and audiovisual material covering all aspects of the culture of travelling showpeople, their organisation as a community, their social history and everyday life; and the artefacts and machinery of fairgrounds.
The NFA collections, which are based at the University of Sheffield's Western Bank Library, are continuing to grow: there are now over 80,000 images in the photographic collection, in addition to audio and video material, journals and magazines, and nearly 3,000 monographs. The collection also includes a unique body of fairground ephemera (programmes, handbills, posters, charters and proclamations, plans and drawings).
The NFA represents an important part of the cultural heritage of the nation. It is a primary resource of rich potential for research at every level; it provides a new and exciting source of teaching material for primary and secondary education, and provides access to a wealth of popular cultural history both for the fairground enthusiast and for the public at large. For more information visit National Fairground Archive
The Institute of Lifelong Learning
2012 is an excellent time to start studying with the Institute of Lifelong Learning. There are fee waivers and generous financial support packages for individuals on low incomes. Loans are not repaid until you are in well-paid employment. There is a wide range of subjects on offer from IT to Modern Languages to Archaeology, and a Foundation Programme designed specifically to support adult students back into formal learning.
To find out more about TILL visit the next open day event on Wednesday 12 September 2012, between 12 noon and 7pm. Between 12 noon and 3pm TILL will host interactive taster sessions to give anyone interested in furthering their education a chance to experience what is on offer.
Between 3pm and 7pm visitors can talk individually to TILL course leaders about their of choice. Discover more about the flexibility of studying through TILL and the financial support available for adult learners.
For more information visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/till or contact: 0114 222 7000.
Dream Bigger Dreams
Dream Bigger Dreams
The University of Sheffield
With nearly 25,000 students from 125 countries, the University of Sheffield is one of the UK’s leading and largest universities. A member of the Russell Group, it has a reputation for world-class teaching and research excellence across a wide range of disciplines.
The University of Sheffield has been named University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards for its exceptional performance in research, teaching, access and business performance. In addition, the University has won four Queen’s Anniversary Prizes (1998, 2000, 2002, 2007). These prestigious awards recognise outstanding contributions by universities and colleges to the United Kingdom’s intellectual, economic, cultural and social life. Sheffield also boasts five Nobel Prize winners among former staff and students and many of its alumni have gone on to hold positions of great responsibility and influence around the world.
The University’s research partners and clients include Boeing, Rolls Royce, Unilever, Boots, AstraZeneca, GSK, ICI, Slazenger, and many more household names, as well as UK and overseas government agencies and charitable foundations.
The University has well-established partnerships with a number of universities and major corporations, both in the UK and abroad. Its partnership with Leeds and York Universities in the White Rose Consortium has a combined research power greater than that of either Oxford or Cambridge.
Contact
For further information please contact:
Amy Pullan
Media Relations Officer
The University of Sheffield
0114 222 9859
a.l.pullan@sheffield.ac.uk