In the spring of 2025, a group of second‑year Creative Events Management students at Falmouth University turned a classroom assignment into a real‑world event. Partnering with Cornwall’s grassroots music hub, The Cornish Bank, they organised a jungle‑and‑disco themed night that attracted local music fans, supported a charity, and demonstrated the practical skills built into the BA(Hons) programme.
Why Partnering with a Local Venue Matters for Event Commerce
Working with a community venue offers three core benefits:
- Authentic Audience Insights – A familiar venue provides data on footfall, demographics, and purchasing habits that are difficult to acquire in a controlled academic setting.
- Industry Mentorship – The Cornish Bank’s own staff and resident DJs act as informal mentors, offering on‑the‑spot advice that shapes students’ decision‑making processes.
- Social Impact – By attaching a charitable component, the event meets social responsibility goals and encourages audience participation beyond ticket sales.
Planning the Event: A Step‑by‑Step Breakdown
1. Define Scope & Objectives
Students began by clarifying what they wanted to achieve: a themed night that raised funds for The Amber Foundation, promoted The Cornish Bank’s community presence, and gave marketing and logistics experience to the cohort. Clear objectives guided budget allocation, marketing channels, and the content calendar.
2. Build a Back‑to‑Back Budget
Budgeting required a tight balance between venue costs, performer fees, merchandise, and promotion expenses. Students reconstructed a spreadsheet to capture:
- Venue rental and technical support
- DJs’ honoraria and travel allowances
- Merchandise production (t‑shirts, wristbands, themed hats)
- Marketing assets (flyers, social media graphics, landing page)
- Contingency reserve (≈10% of total budget)
3. Secure Talent – DJs & Live Acts
Recruiting local DJs favoured the community image and kept costs predictable. The team coordinated with Cornwall‑based musicians, negotiating set times and technical requirements. This process sharpened students’ negotiation and contract‑writing skills.
4. Create Compelling Promotion
Effective promotion was a mix of digital and traditional tactics:
- Landing Page – A custom page on the university website displayed event details, DJ bios, the venue map, and a ticket shop.
- Social Media – An Instagram account dedicated to the event shared behind‑the‑scenes footage, DJ teasers, and user‑generated content through stories and reels.
- Print Flyers – Hand‑brought to local cafés, libraries, and community centres, printed at university‑approved vendors to maintain brand consistency.
- Call‑to‑Action Links – Every communication carried a link to the ticketing site: Buy Tickets for the Jungle‑Disco Night.
5. Integrate a Fundraiser Element
Alongside ticket sales, students organised a “pub‑quiz” style fundraiser a week before the event. Attendees answered questions on local history and music; points translated into charity donations. This multi‑channel approach maximised revenue while building community goodwill.
6. Logistics & On‑Ground Execution
Students mapped the live event flow: ticket check‑in, merchandise stand, DJ mix times, and charity donation pickups. They also managed housekeeping tasks such as sound checks, lighting cues, and guest list updates—skills that align closely with industry expectations.
Skills Gained – What the BA(Hons) Programme Looks For
Employers in event management regularly cite five core competencies; this project delivered all of them:
- Strategic Planning – From concept to finish, ensuring alignment with stakeholder goals.
- Stakeholder Management – Collaborating with venue staff, performers, sponsors, and charity representatives.
- Marketing & Communications – Crafting messaging across digital platforms tailored to a local audience.
- Financial Acumen – Building and monitoring a realistic budget, squeezing value from limited resources.
- Project Leadership – Delegating tasks, managing timelines, and troubleshooting under pressure.
How the Alumni Network Supports Future Projects
Many of the DJs and volunteers were former students of Falmouth, underscoring the school’s strong alumni network. Alumni can offer venue contacts, sponsorship leads, and even rehearsal rooms—a resource that enlarges a student team’s reach without increasing budget.
Take the Next Step in Your Creative Career
If you are passionate about turning imaginative ideas into real events, consider enrolling in the Creative Events Management BA(Hons) at Falmouth University. The programme blends theory with hands‑on projects, field partnerships, and industry‑calibrated coursework.
Ready to Join Falmouth?
- Apply Now for the 2026 Intake
- Learn More About the Course
- Explore Upcoming Events at The Cornish Bank
- Contact Admissions for Personal Guidance
Why Community Engagement Is a Career Requirement
Beyond the art of entertainment, modern event managers are expected to build and nurture community relationships. Whether a corporate client, a non‑profit, or a local venue, understanding the audience’s culture, values, and expectations transforms a good event into an unforgettable experience.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Event Professionals
- 合作製作与地区领导合作以获取真实数据。
- 制作全面预算并预留应急资金。
- 利用本地人才降低成本并加强社区认同。
- 多渠道推广——数字与传统并行。
- 把慈善捐赠融入销售模型，提升票房收益与品牌形象。
- 通过项目管理锻炼领导力与灵活应变能力。
By translating classroom theory into tangible outcomes, Falmouth’s Creative Events Management students showcased how academic programmes can be a launchpad for careers that influence local culture and drive social change.
