Aberystwyth University’s first community day a resounding success

More than 400 visitors attended Aberystwyth University’s first community open day, Access All Areas.
A wide variety of activities, exhibitions and demonstrations were on show during the day, which highlighted the exciting work taking place at the University, and the individuals involved.
The BeachLab event at the Bandstand also proved to be a real success drawing families and individuals fascinated by the Computer Science Department’s robots and the robotic orchestra, made of discarded instruments and controlled by two tiny Raspberry Pi computers.
Many also took advantage of the guided tour of the new National Plant Phenomics Centre, housed at the University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) in Gogerddan.
Other activities included live music performances, micro-classes, tours, experiments, sports taster sessions, culinary demonstrations, face painting and web games.
Aberystwyth University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor April McMahon, explains: “We are delighted with the response to the University’s first community open day and I would like to thank everyone who made the day such a success. Access All Areas was all about opening the doors of the University to the local community and offering the opportunity to learn a lot more about some of the fascinating research that is done here and the services we provide. We now look forward to building on this year’s excellent event for future community open days.”
The Arts Centre’s MidMad festival, a free annual music event on the chapel court stage, also proved a big hit among local residents and music lovers.
A total of 3000 people attended the event throughout the afternoon and evening, enjoying free live music out on the MidMad stage. Bands performing included The Bhagdaddies, PigBag and Sound Assembly, whilst the Bandslam competition for local bands was won by Arms Like Legs.

Photo:
Luned Roberts (right) from IBERS with some local residents at the University’s Access All Areas community open day.

Aberystwyth University
Established in 1872, Aberystwyth (www.aber.ac.uk) is a leading teaching and research university and was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2009. Aberystwyth University is, according to The Times Good University Guide 2013 among the top 10 UK universities for student satisfaction. We are a community of 12,000 students and 2,300 staff.
Aberystwyth University is about creating opportunities, research with excellence that makes an impact, teaching that inspires, engaging the world, working in partnership and investing in our future. Registered charity No 1145141.
Find out more at http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/