Edge students impress at British music's most glamorous evening

Six current Edge Hotel School students were given the exciting opportunity to work within the VIP suites at this year’s BRIT Awards ceremony, hosted at the O2 Arena on Feb 18 2020.

Ruth Hughes, Hannah Verrall, Charlotte Chambers, James Anstee, Christabel Cotterill and Olivia Hawken were selected to supervise backstage, providing assistance to important event guests, handling client requests and maintaining high service standards in their allocated boxes.

All students are currently studying on either the two or three-year Events Management courses. This unique experience compliments the Edge ethos of industry-engaged learning – ensuring students get the best of both academia and practical experience throughout their degree.

Philip Berners, Events Management Course Coordinator suggests that this opportunity can do wonders for those students lucky enough to be chosen. “For students who have chosen a career in events management, experiencing a major production in action and at a landmark venue such as the O2 Arena is inspirational. Having the BRIT Awards on their CV is an important contribution to their future employability.”

Current student Charlotte Chambers agrees. She said: “This is an exclusive and very big event in the UK. Showing my future employees and clients that I have worked in the VIP suites of the O2, at just 18 years old, will hopefully show them my professionalism, attention to details and high standards – all important qualities for event managers.”

She added: “Working in the VIP suites, and providing personalised services to your guests was very rewarding, and the whole atmosphere, from the staff to the music and performances, was something I had never experienced before.”

As one of British music’s largest and most revered awards ceremonies, the BRIT Awards 2020 featured some of the world’s most prominent performers, including the first live performance of Billie Eilish’s James Bond theme ‘No Time to Die’ and a politically-charged rendition of ‘Black’ from Album of the Year winner Dave.

Since their inception, the BRIT Awards has raised £22 million and donated £25 million to the BRIT Trust. The Trust sets out to encourage and educate young people through music, and supports organisations such as Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and The BRIT School.