Solent celebrates tenth anniversary at Glastonbury
Performances from the likes of Dolly Parton, Metallica and Fatboy Slim will be beamed across the world from the Glastonbury festival this year, thanks to nearly 50 staff and students from Southampton Solent University who are providing technical assistance for the tenth year in a row.
Since 2004 Solent has been providing skilled staff, students and cutting-edge equipment to perform vital film and production jobs for the renowned performing arts event – and this year Solent is also running Glastonbury’s own digital media hub.
At 2014’s event, the University is working closely with the BBC and Glastonbury Festival to distribute news content around the globe. Roles range from film production and radio reporting to backstage management, or filming live acts for outside screens.
As well as shooting the legendary Fatboy Slim, Solent students will also be filming and producing a documentary film about Glastonbury first-timers Circus Katmandu, who rescue and rehabilitate people from human trafficking and slavery.
Principle Lecturer and producer Tony Steyger said: "Ten years at the festival is something of a milestone for us, and with over 1000 bands performing the students are given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain valuable professional experience.
“Word is definitely out there about Solent’s work with the festival, and organisations are now coming to us as we gain a reputation for high-quality work.”
As well as being responsible for filming the Leftfield Stage run by Billy Bragg and the iconic Silver Hayes dance area, the Solent team will be making a documentary about The Park – an area of the festival organised by Emily Eavis, daughter of Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis.
With a less mainstream remit than the BBC’s, the students will be covering artists and stories that would not otherwise be reached.
Solent’s festival team is also branching out this year, with students filming bands and events at Boardmasters in Newquay and Blissfields in Winchester for the first time.
Notes for editors:
The Solent courses involved include: BA (Hons) Film, BA (Hons) Film and TV Production, BA (Hons) Film, BA (Hons) Film and TV Production, BA (Hons) Media, Culture and Production, and BA (Hons) Popular Music Journalism, as well as various other media technology courses.
In 2013, the University helped Glastonbury go completely digital.
The university is taking two trucks to Worthy Farm this year. The larger outside broadcast truck will be based at the Silver Hayes area, with the smaller truck at the Leftfield stage.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9642 or email press.office@solent.ac.uk
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The University was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students. Solent Business School has been awarded ‘Gold approval’ by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Small Business Charter Award, which is supported by the Association of Business Schools and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
