The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is celebrating a double win at the prestigious National Events Awards, with the Events & International Festivals Management programme earning the title of Best Events Course (joint winner) and the Swansea House Party taking home the award for Best Student Event.
The annual awards recognise excellence in the events industry and these outstanding achievements showcase the innovation, dedication, and collaborative efforts of UWTSD’s students, teaching staff, and industry partners.
The UWTSD Events & International Festivals Management programme has been recognised as one of the best in the UK, thanks to its pioneering approach to embedding live events into the curriculum. Students gain real-world experience at festivals, concerts, conferences, and sporting events, equipping them with the practical skills and industry insights needed to excel in the competitive events sector.
Jacqui Jones, Programme Manager – International Travel, Tourism, Events & Festivals Management Portfolio, highlighted the course’s unique blend of academic rigour and hands-on experience:
“This award celebrates the commitment of our staff, students, and partners to deliver an exceptional learning experience.”
The Swansea House Party was a standout project, organised in collaboration between ATG Swansea Arena and UWTSD’s Level 4 Events & Tourism students. This landmark event featured an impressive lineup of bands, all with members under the age of 25, performing at a major venue for the first time.
With over 800 tickets sold, the event raised £10,000 in support of the Music Venue Trust’s work across South West Wales. Students were directly involved in every aspect of the event, from planning and marketing to production and delivery, gaining invaluable experience and leaving a lasting impact on the local music scene.
James Morgan, Learning Director at Swansea Arena, praised the students’ professionalism and creativity:
“This collaboration not only delivered a fantastic event but also demonstrated the immense potential of our next generation of event professionals.”
Dr Jayne Griffith-Parry, Academic Director for Hospitality & Tourism Management said:
“What an achievement for students studying within our Events & International Festivals Management BA (Hons) programme; the experiential learning that they have throughout their academic journey is second to none. As this recognition again shows, Wales produces amazing hospitality talent and is in a good place for the future with great employment opportunities.”
