UWI hosts Freshers' Fête tonight

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

The annual University of the West Indies (UWI) Freshers' Fête is one of the highly anticipated college events which kick-start the academic year. This year's staging is set for tonight at the UWI Students' Union, and the organisers intend to go all out for the celebratory affair.

Freshers' Fête 2014 is dubbed the 'Caribana Escape', a theme which is meant to draw attention to the university's diverse population. The venue's decor will draw inspiration from various Caribbean cultures. The party starts at 8 p.m. and concludes at 2 a.m.

This will be the first event for new UWI Guild of Students' Cultural and Entertainment Affairs Chairman Peter-John McGill, and he hopes to make a lasting impression.

"The theme for this year is 'Caribana Escape', where we are looking to incorporate all the elements that give us that Caribbean vibe and flavour. We have a diverse group on the Mona campus; as such, we will ensure that we cater to their needs while providing an element for non-UWI affiliates to enjoy themselves as well," McGill said.

PREMIER EVENT

The UWI's Freshers' Fête has long been a staple on the campus' entertainment calendar, and even students from other tertiary institutions look forward to the celebration every year. It has showcased several of Jamaica's top performers in past stagings, among them Mavado, Popcaan, Konshens, Aidonia, Busy Signal and I-Octane.

Several corporate entities have joined forces with the Guild for the party.

"UWI Freshers' Fête will be sponsored by Appleton, LIME, Wisynco, Jamaica National, Red Bull, and Nestlé, plus more," the Guild's vice-president for sponsorship, O'Shane Reid, disclosed.

Music will be provided by DJ Nicco, Chromatic and DJ Spinn. Tickets can be purchased at the UWI Students' Union, UTech Students' Union, and The Spot Sports Bar & Grill on the Mona campus.

Admission for tonight's Freshers' Fête is $500 presold, $800 at the gate, and $1,500 for VIP. Patrons are being advised to turn out early.