Let there be light: Live music and star power mark arrival of Christmas on campus

Christmas officially arrived in Warwick on Wednesday, with a fun-filled evening hosted by BBC Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson, featuring performances from several of the University’s music ensembles.

A large stage in the centre of the Piazza was the first sign that this year’s ‘Christmas at Warwick’ would be a big one. The Celebrity Gogglebox star and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant promised a dazzling showcase of student music talent.

Throughout the day, students were able to browse several pop-up stalls in the Piazza’s Christmas market, displaying a range of regional artisanal businesses including Mark Kaiser Art and The Candle Mill.

Last year they didn’t have many lights for the actual performances, [but this] year we had a vast array of intelligent automated fixtures (IAF) that complimented the University’s lights

Maximus Leighton, event lighting operator

The audience crowding the Piazza steps was treated to a range of impressive musical performances, beginning with Gospel Choir, then followed by Brass Society and Small Band.

Managed by an adept team of lighting, sound, video, and drone operators, the event was also broadcast live on YouTube and on the Piazza screen.

The group’s sound technician, Josh Heng, told The Boar: “We’ve had some very positive feedback from the University marketing team, and as far as we’re aware it was the first time that the big screen in the Piazza was used in such a way.”

Lighting operator, Maximus Leighton, said of the changes to the annual event: “Last year they didn’t have many lights for the actual performances, [but] this year we had a vast array of intelligent automated fixtures (IAF) that complimented the University’s lights.

“We had very little time to set up for the event but the knowledge and expertise of the entire tech crew lighting department allowed us to produce an impressive display to compliment the Christmas lights and add to the Christmas spirit.”

At 5:00pm, Anderson led the light switch-on, which was immediately followed by a mass chorus of Mariah Carey and a sea of phone torches illuminating the Piazza.

[It was] particularly enchanting to sing on a night like tonight when breath, and thereby song, is rendered so visible by the cold

Sam Shores, Warwick Chamber Choir singer

Chamber Choir then graced the stage with some classic festive tunes. Speaking to The Boar, singer Sam Shores said: “It was a real joy to sing together for what must be one of our first audiences since properly forming for this year.

“[It was] particularly enchanting to sing on a night like tonight when breath, and thereby song, is rendered so visible by the cold.”

The Boar obtained an exclusive interview with Richie Anderson earlier in the evening.

Asked why he wanted to helm the event, Anderson said: “I was asked to do this about a month ago, and seriously, when I got the call, I was so excited, because the one [thing] that I’ve always wanted to do was switch on the Christmas lights somewhere.

“And considering that I’m from the Midlands, to come and do it here at the University of Warwick was just absolutely amazing.”

I’m just honoured to be here. And it’s such a beautiful university – like, that piazza’s gorgeous, isn’t it?

Richie Anderson, BBC Radio 2 presenter

Anderson was especially enthusiastic about the University’s vibrant sense of community and the cultural opportunities available for students.

“I’m blown away by how incredible [the University] is. I’ve been here before to see comedy at the Arts Centre, but to see all the students out and just to see how diverse and how friendly the University is, and the fact that everybody’s out there celebrating Christmas […] is amazing. I’m just honoured to be here. And it’s such a beautiful university – like, that piazza’s gorgeous, isn’t it?”

The radio star was keen to praise Warwick’s award-winning musical talent, noting the “absolutely amazing” vocals of the Gospel Choir: “If it was Britain’s Got Talent, I’d have pressed the buzzer!”

Jokingly alerted by The Boar, Anderson was quick to clarify “the golden buzzer”.

Have the most amazing Christmas! […] Have an incredible one this year, and in 2025 do something that scares you at least once!

Richie Anderson

Recalling his own university experience at Leeds, Anderson said: “My best three years were at university, genuinely. I met five of my best friends, […] the lads that I lived with.”

“Funnily enough though, I applied to come to Warwick,” revealed Anderson, looking back on a rather different-looking campus.

“I’d say to anybody if you get the chance to go to university, do it, and especially one like Warwick. It’s just great to see this university thriving.”

Speaking on the importance of this tradition, Anderson said: “I think it’s amazing that everybody just comes together for something. And, you know, Christmas can be a really difficult time for some people, so the fact that we can all come together and celebrate is just wonderful. I think it’s really good for the morale and the spirit of the university to have everybody together.”

The Boar wanted to know Anderson’s Yuletide message to the student body.

“My message to the people, students of Warwickshire, is to have the most amazing Christmas! Hopefully you’ll be surrounded by loved ones. Have an incredible one this year, and in 2025 do something that scares you at least once!”