Families enjoy sun-soaked event at Hopwood Hall College’s Community Fun Day

Date published: 16 June 2023

Hopwood Hall College and University Centre opened its doors to thousands of visitors as it held an action-packed Community Fun Day.

The bustling event was attended by more than 1600 people who enjoyed a number of family-friendly activities at the sprawling Middleton Campus.

This included face painting, sports tournaments, samba dancing, virtual reality demonstrations and tours of its renowned animal enclosures.

A member of the Animal Care team, technician Jamie Caldwell, even had his dreadlocks chopped off in the name of charity.

In addition, young children tried their hand at technical skills as they rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into a number of interactive construction activities.

All in all it proved to be an unforgettable afternoon as people of all ages explored the sun-soaked campus and got a taste of the wonders that students get to enjoy on a daily basis.

This includes seeing the large variety of endangered creatures that are homed in the college’s animal enclosures.

Just some of the rare and wonderful animals that visitors had the opportunity to witness in person were flamingos, wallabies, meerkats, snakes and more.

Everyone from toddlers to grandparents flocked to see this wildlife before later supporting Jamie as he endured his first haircut in eight years to raise money for the Cikananga Wildlife Center.

This organisation works to protect endangered animals such as Bali Starlings, which while native to Indonesia are also cared for at Hopwood Hall.

Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, said: “We were over the moon to welcome so many families to the Community Fun Day at our Middleton Campus.

“The college is only getting bigger and better, so we relished the opportunity to give families a glimpse of some of our extraordinary facilities – as well as hear from the talented staff that we have working here.

“There were so many smiling faces and we’ve had such incredible feedback from those in attendance.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who join used on the day because we’re so pleased they had fun!”

*To support Jamie’s fundraising, you can donate here: https://gogetfunding.com/the-dreaded-cut-for-the-birds/