As University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary celebrations came to an end, our expert team came together to ensure the successful execution of the spectacular Christmas celebration that transformed the campus into a festive wonderland. At the heart of the event was a magnificent lightshow, projected onto the iconic Aston Webb building, which captivated an audience of over 10,000 visitors…
A technical triumph in event delivery
‘Christmas on Campus: 125 edition’ wasn’t just a celebration, it was a masterclass in large-scale event planning and technical innovation. The lightshow, created in partnership with Holosphere and PSP, illuminated the University’s research and education successes over the last 125 years, using cutting-edge projection technology to create an unforgettable experience for guests.
Behind the scenes, our Conferences and Events team worked closely with production specialists to deliver:
- High-resolution projection mapping across Edwardian architecture
- Timed performances to manage crowd flow and enhance the viewing experience
- Integrated sound and lighting systems for maximum impact
We managed to capture the seamless blend of heritage and technology that showcased the University’s story in a visually stunning way.
From Joseph Chamberlain’s original vision for Britain’s first civic university to the people who have shaped our world, animated graphics projected onto the iconic Aston Webb building told the story of how the University has helped to make the world a better place.
Since Queen Victoria granted its Royal Charter in 1900, the University of Birmingham counts 10 Nobel laureates and two former British Prime Ministers amongst its staff and graduates. It is also currently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. From pioneering transplant surgery to creating artificial Vitamin C, its people have changed the way the world works.
Festive fun galore
Visitors to campus enjoyed a host of fun activities to kickstart their festive season and get in the yuletide mood with Christmas on Campus: 125 edition giving people of all ages a wonderful opportunity to taste University life. The day featured an artisan market, Christmas Craft Fair, funfair carousel, fairground games, live music and entertainment including Christmas stilt walkers and elves.
As well as a multi-faith carol service, there were 10-minute ‘Claus for Thought’ talks – fun takes on the festive season from our leading academics including Professor Deborah Longworth talking about Christmas murder mysteries and Professor Richard Butler exploring dinosaur life on the Jurassic highway.
There were guided tours of the fascinating Largely in Your Hands exhibition exploring the stories of the people behind the University, whilst families could enjoy festive movies including Muppet Christmas Carol, The Snowman, and Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.
Every element was designed to engage diverse audiences and demonstrate the University’s ability to host large-scale, complex events with precision and creativity.
Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of University of Birmingham, said: ‘It was fabulous to welcome so many visitors from across the city for this stunning and historic experience – ending a momentous year in our university’s history. It was wonderful to see our guests absorbed in our tribute to brilliant people with the vision and talent to make people’s lives better – in Birmingham, and beyond.’
Why choose us to bring your next event to life?
This celebration is a perfect example of what we do best: combining historic venues with modern event technology to create experiences that inspire. Whether you’re planning a conference, gala dinner, or showcase event, our team has the expertise to deliver exceptional results.
Explore our venues and event services or get in touch with us to start the ball rolling.
