Barbican: Question mark over future
More than a few people were left nursing Roses’ hangovers after this weekend’s York victory, not least the Athletics Union (AU) and Students’ Union (SU). Both of which must address the headache of possibly having to find an alternative venue for two of the most prestigious events on the social calendar, the Freshers’ Bash and Roses Ball, following the fallout from Roses 2003. Whilst for the most part good-natured, the knock-on effects of vandalism and abuse directed at Barbican staff could have serious repercussions for future events.
Jonathon Richardson, Barbican Duty Manager, confirmed to nouse reports that a toilet cubicle had been ripped off the wall and that Lancaster rugby players had been abusive to staff. Meanwhile his colleague, Barbican Entertainments and Conference Manager, Dewi Lewis, commented to nouse, "I’ve been a student myself… and whilst I’m not blaming anyone I’m not going to deny that I’m going to have to seriously consider whether in the future the Barbican is a venue suitable for such events."
Given that The Barbican is a conference and sports venue first and foremost, hosting events that are prone to drunken behaviour may prove untenable. "Toilets covered in vomit, free chocolate ground into the carpet… would have presented considerable difficulties for us if they had occurred last weekend when the NAHT (National Association of Head Teachers) Conference was held."
Comments such as these will send alarm bells ringing in the AU given that Lewis is responsible for events bookings at the Barbican. As nouse went to press, Lewis confirmed as part of his rethink that he was set to speak to the AU.
Despite Mr. Lewis’ concerns over the event, Doorsafe’s Alex Francis, commented to nouse that "nothing too serious" had occurred and that it was a "fairly quiet event". In reference to the damaged toilet he asserted that he "didn’t see the incident happen".
Equally, AU President Brendan O’Donovan and AU secretary Stuart Leslie were both unwilling to comment prior to their meeting with Barbican representatives. However, Andy Peet, Lancaster AU President, was more forthcoming and defended the event pointing out that "people will get pissed".
Problems continued as the revellers returned to campus, with damage to L/036, one of the rooms housing Lancaster students, a tree and a midnight swim in the lake. However, university staff played down the incident with Facilities Manager, Sue Johnston, confirming that whilst she had received an early morning wake up-call at 9am on Sunday she’d "seen worse in previous years" and praised the AU for their close liaison and co-operation. Langwith porters also laughed off the incident pointing out that its not as if a student from York had never gone for a midnight swim before.
Whilst the University may be used to the excesses of student frivolity, the Barbican however has other priorities. The issue now is whether the AU can convince them that on balance University students are more valuable than their cost.
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