by Danielle Lett
(De Montfort University student)
A De Montfort University student is thrilled with the reaction to her urban music event.
Unwind, a music and poetry event set up by second-year journalism and media student Elizabeth Puddicombe, was held at the Sumo nightclub on Braunstone Gate on Friday, January 31.
Unwind, in partnership with her own UK music and news blog ‘Swallow Our Words’ was aimed at a student demographic, as a budget alternative to going out on a Friday night. Entry was £3 on the door.
Event organiser Elizabeth Puddicombe said: “I wanted to set up Unwind as there were no music events in Leicester for students.
“This has been in the works since March, after I went to the O2 music initiative and pitched my idea about the event. Then I was able to get the funding to start Unwind.”
The O2 Think Big project is targeted towards 13-25-year-olds, offering them up £300 to set up an idea that will benefit their local community.
She added: “I was nervous that people weren’t going to turn up but if it’s a success I hope to make it a bi-monthly event, every two months.”
Unwind had a mixture of genres showcased, including spoken word and poetry, rap, acoustic, and soul singing along with a local indie band, Over The House.
Prizes of Highcross vouchers were given out on stage to during a talent singing competition.
Miss Puddicombe said after the event: “I was so pleased with the event. I’m normally usually stressed but it ran so smoothly.
“I was overwhelmed by how many people that showed up! It was amazing.”
Sumo’s capacity was 150, and the event saw 120 people show up.
“We hit a great amount so no complaints,” she added.
