Activate Learning, that operates Merrist Wood College in Worplesdon, has joined forces with music festival Shynefest for its event there on Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June 1.

It will be the seventh Shynefest, since its inception in 2015, the past two of which have been based on the colleges’s large park field.

Pictures from the 2023 Shynefest at Merrist Wood College.

It means Activate Learning students, across a wide array of subject areas, will again be involved in the event, which will give them valuable work experience.

Business studies students will work behind the scenes handling all pre-event promotion and planning, and learners will be running various activities and services during the festival. Public services students will provide stewarding and manning an information desk.

Construction learners will be helping with the build and post event break down of the staging area and fencing, as well as being responsible for site health and safety.

Among some of the fun student-led activities on offer will be: sports students running a “beat the goalie” stand; make-up students offering face painting; hairdressing students giving demonstrations and hair braiding; hospitality and catering students creating and selling street food; early years students running an activity marquee for younger visitors; A-level students will be running a clown workshop and a literary corner; students from the visual arts department will be offering art sessions and the performing arts team will be showcasing the best of their performances throughout the event.

Activate Learnings says it will be the largest and most ambitious student work experience project the education group has ever taken part in.

It adds: “Shynefest is the perfect way to spend the end of the half-term break and have fun with a like-minded, fun seeking community of festival goers while enjoying all that the event has to offer including some great live music such as the well known 90s Britpop act, Dodgy, who will be playing on the Saturday night.”

Other acts booked include the Faux Fighters, the Marley Experience and Counterfeit Kylie, as well as a silent disco, plus a varied array of food outlets.

Shyne Adcock, from the Shynefest team, said: “As a mum of a college student, I know how hard it is to find businesses willing to take the plunge and offer work experience.  We are delighted that we can give back to our local and wider community”.

Camping and glamping on site will be available, along with fixed bathrooms in nearby blocks and breakfast catering too.

Click here to book early bird tickets.