Future of the Summer Party under question

The future of the Summer Party is under question due to development plans for the new National Automotive Innovation Campus (NAIC).

In an Annual Allocation Bid written up in April, it was stated that the relocation of the Summer Party served as a commercial pressure on the SU. In its report, it stated: “A final concern within this area [the SU’s commercial pressures] regards the future of the Summer Party.

“The building development for the NAIC is planned to happen on what is now the field used for the Summer Party.
“Where we decide to have the Summer Party or what format it may take because of the changes, is an area of concern going forward, given its ability to double our planned surplus.”

The NAIC development is situated on the field adjacent to the International Manufacturing Centre and the International Institute for Product and Service Innovation.

The future location of the Summer Party, however, remains unconfirmed. It is not known what effect this will have on ticket prices and on the event’s turnout at the weekend and in the future.

Cosmo March, SU democracy and development officer, said of the concerns on the relocation of the Summer Party: “This is obviously something that we have been aware of for some time and are of course concerned about.

“However, the University also shares these concerns and we are working together to pinpoint the ideal location for future years – nothing has been confirmed yet.

“It is unclear whether or not it will mean additional costs for the event. We do not make money from running the Summer Party. It is an event for all students to celebrate the end of the year and aims to break even.”

These developments follow the announcement from the Students’ Union (SU) earlier this week that Labrinth has pulled out of this year’s line-up.