Event Management learners have brought a range of exciting activities and stalls to our College campus, helping to support Piam Brown Children’s Cancer Ward.

The Eastleigh College Christmas Fayre was first launched in 2013 as a way for Event Management learners to apply and practice all the skills they had learnt on their course, all while supporting an important cause and bringing festive cheer to the wider College and Eastleigh community. This year’s edition saw the sought-after return of Santa’s Grotto, which was a hit with families throughout the evening. Other notable attractions included a raffle, a tombola and a range of trade stalls from both learners and local businesses, showcasing the wide range of talent in the community.

Over £700 cash was raised this year, in addition to card fundraising, with almost £5,000 cumulatively raised for Piam Brown since the Fayre was initiated. This year we welcomed over 800 guests to the Fayre from all age groups, with the festive fun continuing late into the evening.

Caroline Perrett, Head of Department for Event Management at Eastleigh College, said: “The Christmas Fayre is always one of the most popular College events in the calendar and this year felt extra festive thanks to the return of Santa and his elves for the first time since the pandemic. Thanks to all who hosted a stall and everyone who participated can feel very proud of this money we have raised for the Piam Brown Children’s Cancer Ward.”

Alex Prior was the learner Project Manager for the event, overseeing six departments including finance, marketing, health and safety, networking, decoration and entertainment. She commented: “Organising the Christmas Fayre was a really rewarding experience and everyone pulled together really well. Knowing everything is supporting such a fantastic cause is extra motivation as well as we know we are helping to make a real difference to children’s lives.”

The Christmas Fayre brings together all aspects of event management, with learners beginning preparations as early as the summer. As well as the hard skills that make up each department, there are plenty of softer transferable skills involved as well, such as customer service, communication and time management.

For more information, please contact the College at BeBetter@eastleigh.ac.uk