Lincoln Alumni Weekend 2014

What a great success for the first Alumni Weekend for University of Lincoln. A big thank you to all those that made it happen and commiserations to those that were unable to make it. This was the University’s first attempt at holding such an event and an amazing time was had by all of those that attended. I heard no rumblings of disappointment by any of the alumni and who could be disappointed when you  see some of the great activities and events that were scheduled.

Lincoln Carnival Fireworks
(c) Knightvisions Productions 2014

The Alumni weekend conveniently ran alongside the Lincoln Carnival Celebrations (the rebranded Waterfront Festival). This meant that there was always somewhere to go and with the great number of offers available to those who registered as a visitor of the university such as discounts on food and tours as well as free entry to the Cathedral; in fact one could argue that a weekend wasn’t actually long enough.

Jack Shaw at Lincoln Carnival
Photo (c) Ash Knight 2014

Music provided in the Tower Bars was from Elliot Moris and Jack Shaw (alumni will possibly remember his time with the group Dancing Lotus). This was ideal entertainment on the Friday night if you were not watching the football but if you were then Jack also went on to sing on the Lincs FM/Siren FM stage at the side of the Brayford on the Sunday (for the Lincoln carnival). It was great to see him again considering I used to record videos of bands in Lincoln for Lincs TV (The Buzz) as well as presenter/producer work on Siren FM.

Elliot Morris in Tower Bars (Engine Shed, Lincoln)
(c) Ash Knight 2014

Some of the other activities held within the university confirmed the University’s commitment to all that is cutting edge. Jason Bradbury (most well known for presenting on The Gadget Show) also made an appearance to have a go with some of the technology that included Oculus Rift and MARC the Robot. Jason went on to give an inspirational talk to all past alumni discussing technology such as his first computer, a 16k ZX30 and how that early interest opened up so many doors to where he has got today. He also discussed some of the World Records he has and the extreme physical and mental limitations that The Gadget Show put him towards. He explained how he stuck at the things that interested him even when those around him had a different outlook but feels that this individuality and commitment helped him to get so many of these wonderful opportunities.

Jason Bradbury showing off his Breakdancing abilities - Maybe?
Photo (c) Ash Knight 2014

Jason Bradbury was also there to have a go on the Oculus Rift. Although the Oculus Rift has received mixed reviews, fundamentally  I believe it shows a milestone in technological advancement. Oculus Rift offers 3D gaming at an affordable price and is to be available in the mainstream markets in 2015. I was also lucky enough to try out the system and found it to be very responsive. I was in a Japanese city and with jumping just a little bit, I felt as if I was flying up to the troposphere. I could look around and see the whole of the city and even felt a little bit disorientated that I was going to have a hard landing; the technology makes you want to brace yourself as it is incredibly realistic. The gyroscopics respond well and accurately. The currently developed software of which I had the opportunity to try were three items all very realistic and in 360º of HD  A look up on my jump in the Japanese city and I could see a Quadcopter which also got me to further consider the use of this for 3D aerial mapping in my own business.

MirrageofHope trying out the Oculus Rift
(c) Ash Knight 2014

Later I visited the Computer Science department to meet the 3D Printed Robot, MARC. Research into human emotion proposes that MARC @EmotionsBot  will respond to the general feel of keywords on Twitter (yes this explains my ‘Keep happy and dance’ tweet the other day from Twitter page AKnightsTales. This is also a call for more positivity in posts and tweets from anyone who reads this so we can at the very least spawn some happy AI. If only I could afford a PHD as to use the 3D printer could prove very exciting (also part of the Digital Design Course).

MARC the Robot with empathy "Dance @EmotionsBot"

Over the weekend there was also the opportunity to visit the old department where I actually gained my Media Production degree. The advancements in there certainly show why Lincoln School of Media is currently first in the country out of all HE Media Departments. A new vision mixer is currently being installed in the gallery for the larger of the TV studios and they have invested in a Quadcopter to mention only a couple of the great number of advancements that I could see. The University is also responsible for an on Campus TV station and continues to make advancements for Sound and Radio students with both Siren FM and Brayford Radio opportunities.

The Studio One Gallery - more development for the Lincoln School of Media

On the final day of the celebrations, I revisited the Cathedral. As they carried out a Sunday service both the acoustics and beauty of all around me caused flashbacks that I was lucky enough to graduate in what could be considered the most architecturally beautiful building in all of England.

A Photograph I took of Lincoln Cathedral in 2008.
(c) Ash Knight 2008 - All rights reserved

This is perhaps sign that the students of Art, Architecture and Design at Lincoln will always be inspired by a cultural quarter that is awe-inspiring and this could be seen throughout the exhibit at the Art, Architecture and Degree show – a great opportunity for those talents to be showcased.

A piece of art made by visitors of the event where they could paint whatever they please.

The weekend concluded with fireworks over the Brayford for the Lincoln Festival on what was a calm summer evening. My biggest regret as an Alumni bracelet holder was that I did not get the opportunity to do everything on the list such as a trip on the Brayford Belle and 2 for 1 Entry and Doddington Hall. I hope to visit again next year and would advise past students to register early. It is also worth mentioning that the University always seem to look after and cater for all alumni wherever they can which cannot be said for all Universities.

Lincoln Brayford after the events.
(c) Ash Knight 2014

Also if all of this wasn't enought, there was also cake! :)

* If you are interested in these or any of my photos for use, hire or purchase then please contact me at Knightvisions Productions; other photos can be seen here on the FlickR page.