Bristol Graduation: A Celebration of Our Students

15 September, 2017

‘Make things happen’ was BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens advice to our outgoing students during yesterday’s BIMM Bristol graduation ceremony. The BBC Radio 1 DJ joined family, friends and BIMM staff at the magnificent Bristol Cathedral to wave farewell to our graduates, who attended the event dressed in their finest gowns and caps.

Reverend Canon Dr Robert Bull opened proceedings before handing over to BIMM Bristol’s College Principal, Steve Lawson.

“Cherish and maintain friendships that you made at BIMM and keep social bonds tightly fastened,” he told our graduates. “Keep adapting and don’t be put off when things get tough.”

“Thank you for studying at BIMM and spending your time with us, congratulations and good luck in the future,” he added, before welcoming Huw Stephens – our special guest host for a second year.

“It’s a huge day for you and your families. It’s a pleasure to be here in Bristol. I grew up in Cardiff, a short journey from here which I have made many times going to gigs,” he told the audience. “The Fleece [Bristol venue] hasn’t as good acoustics as this magnificent cathedral; both have lots of pillars,” to which the crowd erupted in laughter.

Giving his speech, Huw, who has long been a friend of BIMM, spoke at length about Bristol’s musical heritage and the opportunities now available to our Class of 2017,

“BIMM prides itself on excellence, and all that you have learned on your courses will stay with you for a long time. Don’t wait around for things to happen, make things happen, help shape the scene and make it something to be proud of and cherish,” he continued. “I wish you all good luck with the future, BIMM has given you incredible skills to create the future. My advice to you would be to shape the future.”

After a roaring applause and plenty of laughter, Huw shook hands and gave out our each student’s degree – a moment which proved as emotional for our lecturers as it did our graduates.

Next BIMM’s Head of Alumni, Rachel Meadows came to the lectern and discussed our alumni network and the support our graduates will continue to receive long after BIMM through BIMM Connect.

There was also time to congratulate two of BIMM Bristol’s most prolific students, MC Luke Gardiner and fellow recipient Jack Corfield who received the BIMM Bristol Alumni Award and £1,000 for their record label, Boom Sound Recordings. Gardna has regularly appeared on BBC Radio 1.

BBC Introducing in the West host and BIMM Bristol tutor Sam Bonham received his PGCert in Teaching and Learning.

The afternoon ended with a moving rendition of Elvis’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” from our BIMM Bristol Choir. The party carried out long into the night with champagne and canapes – the perfect end to a perfect three years.

Our congratulations go out to every one of our recent BIMM Bristol graduates, all of whom have worked tremendously hard over the past three years. We wish them all the best of luck for the future.

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