Confetti students worked a series of live events at Binks Yard between October and December 2022 as part of their work-like experience industry placements.
Situated in the picturesque Island Quarter and named after Henry Binks, a Victorian beer retailer who worked around the original Island site, Binks Yard is Nottingham’s new dining, drinking and entertainment venue.
In October 2022, BSc (Hons) Event Production and BA (Hons) Music Business students began supporting the Bink’s Yard team with their “Live at Binks” events programme, a first of its kind for Nottingham. It includes indoor events in the Binks Yard Bar and Restaurant such as weekly themed food and drinks nights and vinyl DJ nights as well as resident DJ’s and live solo and duo performances at weekends. Outside on the bandstand and plaza Bink’s serves up local live bands, dance acts, classical as well as popular entertainment. They also host sport, wellness and topical collaborations.
Over the course of three months, BSc (Hons) Event Production students have developed hands-on real work experience in operating lighting and sound, and they’ve also lent their expertise to roles including Artist Liaison, Stage Management, and Assistant Event Management. Meanwhile, BA (Hons) Music Business students have supported the venue by participating in public-facing roles including meeting and greeting the audiences and managing the box office.
Work-like experience industry placements
At Confetti, we’re all about making sure you get the best chances to ‘Do It For Real’ and our courses are built with these expectations in mind. Work-like experience and industry placements form a valued part of your learning experience and help prepare you for employment in your chosen career.
We spoke to two of the students involved to find out how they got on:
“The work placement at Binks Yard has been a great opportunity to work to put on shows in a professional and public setting. Recently I designed and operated lighting for a Coldplay tribute band – “Live in Technicolor” Despite it being my first time at that venue, as well as using a lighting console that was unknown to me, I felt comfortable being surrounded and supported by my peers to perform the required tasks. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and hope that more opportunities like this will become available and I look to use this experience to make contacts with artists and professionals in the industry.” – Ben Small, BSc (Hons) Event Production Year 3
“Binks Yard has given me the opportunity to expand on the event management skills I have learnt at Confetti in a brand-new outdoor venue. It has also allowed me to think about other aspects of event management that I hadn’t previously considered that can be incorporated into further events that I do.” – Jordan Sterry, BSc (Hons) Event Production Year 3
The students have proven to be a real asset to Binks Yard and in some cases, are gaining paid work from the venue as a result of their work experiences. Our team have been working with Ben Hinklin, Events Manager at Binks Yard to create these opportunities. Asked for his thoughts on the project, he said:
“It has been a privilege to work with the Confetti Students. The knowledge base has been incredible and an invaluable resource whilst developing our offering. Confetti has such a great reputation so it was a no brainier when it came to partnering up. I look forward to developing and strengthening our relationship in the coming years.” – Ben Hicklin, Binks Yard Events Manager
“We are delighted to be collaborating with Binks Yard and are looking forward to creating more opportunities for our students in the New Year!” – Lucy Greaves, Confetti Work Placement Manager
Are you interested in being part of events and getting hands-on experience as part of your studies? Book onto an Open Day to find out more about all the opportunities on offer here at Confetti.
