Fresh Festival 2017

 

A day hasn’t gone by I haven’t seen anything about freshers events. Everyday it’s either “NEARLY SOLD OUT” or “ONLY AVAILABLE NOW”. Just because it’s capitalised, doesn’t mean it’s true guys.

 

 

Despite this, I only thought it best to share my opinions on which events you don’t want to miss or should absolutely avoid at this year’s Fresh Festival.

 

 

(To clarify, I’m only going to discuss the events included in the Fresh Festival/Leicester Students Union wristband. Some events may sound similar to others, but unless they have the union logo, they are not connected to this wristband. I’m in no way affiliated with the event organisers, I’m simply giving my own views, which could be wrong)

 

 

• Sun 24th Sept – Freshers Welcome Party – O2 Academy

There’s always this big deal about the first event at freshers and honestly, it wasn’t that hyped up. Yes it was still fun and I enjoyed myself but don’t think you’re going make friends for life the first night out. I’d say, go with your flatmates to this one and don’t feel guilty if you leave too early. There’s much more to come.

 

• Mon 25th Sept – Rewind to the 90s – O2 Academy

This one should be good. I say should because it brings together two amazing things – 90s music and the Chuckle Brothers. I repeat. The Chuckle Brothers. When I attended last year, the same event was held at another club in the city and in this instance, the venue let down what could’ve been a perfect night. Evident in their decision to move back to home territory.

 

• Tues 26th Sept – Ultimate Freshers School Disco – Club Republic

*BRING A TIE AND SHIRT WITH YOU* They’re not kidding when they say a ‘school’ disco. I was gutted when I missed this one at freshers, especially when I went to the refresher’s one (Now that’s another story). You might even be able to pull off a knee slide on that dance floor. Out of all the ones so far, you definitely need to attend this one.

 

• Weds 27th Sept – Letsdisko Freshers Zoo Party – O2 Academy

Ahh Letsdisko. It will become so familiar and comforting over the year. Don’t feel you need to get dressed up for this, especially when they offer face paints in there. If you’re already feeling tired from attending all the previous events, then take a break and stay in for the night. But be aware of the next event below.

 

• Thurs 28th Sept – Fresher’s Mansion Party – Club XY

*AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE* Mansion party? My flat was bigger than this ‘mansion’. Now before I say anymore, I have to admit I did not attend this particular event, but I didn’t exactly hear glowing reports. I even went myself a month later but didn’t hang around long. In my opinion, stay at home for this one.

 

• Fri 29th Sept – Shabang! – O2 Academy

If you’re wondering, the O2 is the on-campus club. It will be your second home. Along with Shabang! Certainly one of the best all round nights out in Leicester. Less cheesy than Letsdisko but much more popular. This is where you’ll truly make or break any friendships. Further, you’ll know Kelli Leigh from the Duke Dumont track “I Got U” – her vocals were used in the song.

 

• Sat 30th Sept – Freshers House Party – O2 Academy

If you’re feeling dead from staying up till 6am from Shabang, don’t worry if you miss this one. I certainly just wanted to curl up into a ball after Friday night and I imagine most will be thinking the same. If you like BLONDE or have heard of them, there’s no reason you can’t attend, especially since Sunday will be your night off.

 

• Sun 1st Oct – OadbyFest – Oadby Student Village

If you’re living in City Living like I was, probably best to give this one a miss. It’s essentially a village carnival. Worth it if you’re watching it from your window in Oadby, but a bit of a trek from uni, even with free buses.

 

• Mon 2nd Oct – Fresher’s Bar Crawl – Leicester City Centre

*DO NOT MISS THIS ONE* Waking up with no memory is perfectly acceptable after the bar crawl. Your induction lectures may have started, but don’t be put off by them. After all, you’ll have a year of lectures, but your fresher’s only comes around once.

 

• Tues 3rd Oct – Big Fat Freshers Pub Quiz – Loaded Dog

If you get a group together, this is a great way to get to know them more. The Dog is Leicester student’s go-to pub for a pint. While you’re there, pick up a More loyalty card – you’ll pick up points to spend at the Dog or any other participating pubs (You’ll be visiting with societies a lot!)

 

• Weds 4th Oct – Letsdisko Freshers Giveaway – O2 Academy

By now, you’ll already feel right at home at the O2. Completely your choice if you want to attend.

 

• Thurs 5th Oct – Freshers’ RnB All Stars – Venom

Meh, Leicester isn’t renowned for its Thursdays. Venom doesn’t really live up to the hype of its name. I would say, drink a lot to enjoy this night.

 

• Fri 6th Oct – Shabang! Full Moon VK Party – O2 Academy

*ATTEND ATTEND ATTEND ATTEND* It’s Shabang! It will always be great. It gets even better with UV paint and glow sticks (I know it’s a cliché but it’s the best cliché there is).

 

• Sat 7th Oct – Freshers Silent Disco – O2 Academy

Now this is a new event. Never attended a silent disco myself and quite frankly, I think they missed a trick by not holding the event on Wednesday (Letsdisko?). Not sure how this one would play out and I wish the best for anyone who suddenly starts singing with their headphones on.

 

• Sun 8th Oct – Free Lunch – Loaded Dog

It’s a free lunch for crying out loud, why would you miss it?!

 

• Sun 8th Oct – Freshers Ball – O2 Academy

The end is near and it will be sad to realise that going out every night now has consequences. So enjoy this last night of freedom in any way you can.

 

 

If you’re having reservations about buying the wristband, think of it like this: If every event was £5 entry, that’s about 11 events to get your money’s worth. Even if you only go to 9 or 10 events, this saves you from having any worries about tickets selling out on the night, and they will.

 

 

I look forward to returning to Leicester soon!