Battle of the Bands at The Boileroom in Support of Abuse Survivors

Published on: 29 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 2 Apr, 2026

International Event Management students from the University of Surrey are preparing to deliver Battle of the Bands, a live charity music event as part of the national Fast Forward 15 University Challenge on April 7, 2026 at The Boileroom.

With the prize a full-day recording session at Empire Recording Studios, competition is fierce.

Battle of the Bands for Be More Dandelion.

The evening will feature performances from local bands including Jenny’s House Band, Ruptured, Colour Blind Monks and Fools Gamble, offering a night of live music and emerging talent.

In competition with teams from other universities across the UK, including Essex, Greenwich, Hertfordshire, Leeds and Sheffield, the Surrey team is creating an event that raises both funds and awareness for Be More Dandelion. Set up by Fiona Bool, a Surrey Uni alumni, Be More Dandelion supports, through music and drama therapy, women who have experienced abuse.

The team are supported by events industry mentors from Fast Forward 15, an initiative set up 11 years ago by Guildford resident Fay Sharp. Entrants must demonstrate creativity, professional performance, teamwork, how they have amplified and developed the event from the original idea and what they’ve learned in the process.

A spokesperson for the Surrey team said: “We are really excited to bring this event to Guildford and support such an important charity. It’s a great opportunity for us to apply what we’ve learned and create something meaningful for the local community.”

The team is currently seeking sponsorship, donations, and in-kind support from local businesses to help enhance the event and maximise its fundraising impact.

Tickets for the evening are £6 for students and £12 for the general public and can be bought here.