A group of Alton College students on the extended diploma in esports production and event management course hosted Winterfest, a charity event blending the joy of Christmas with the fun of gaming.

It was almost entirely arranged by the students, giving them invaluable real-world experience of esports event management from providing refreshments to the logistics of the activities.

Winterfest used the recently renovated esports facilities at the college, including high-specification personal computers and ninth-generation consoles.

With time trials on Formula 1 and Mario Kart, a chance to play one-on-one at League of Legends, and a quiz, there was something for everyone. The event was open to all students and staff, and was a resounding success.

It raised almost £100 for the charity Safe In Our World, which promotes mental health awareness within the video game industry and aims to foster a healthy dialogue on the issue. The charity said: “We envision a world free of stigma where every player feels safe.”

Winterfest was supported by Vulpine Esports, a UK-based organisation that promotes grassroots involvement in esports. Vulpine has been a crucial partner of Alton’s esports course, offering work experience to various students to enrich their understanding of the industry from a work-based perspective.

By supporting Winterfest, Vulpine aims to continue fostering the education of young people who are passionate about esports.

Luke, a Vulpine representative who attended the event, said: “Winterfest went really well from what I could see. Organisational skills were top notch and the students running the event kept everyone engaged.

“We at Vulpine are committed to continuing to support young people in esports experiences and look forward to continuing to be a part of their journey at Alton College.”

An Alton College spokesperson said: “It is events like Winterfest that make studying the esports production and event management course at Alton so rewarding.”

Alton esports lecturer Lizzie Squires, who supervised the event, said: “I am really proud of how the students organised Winterfest. This was a great chance for them to experience live events and gain some really valuable skills in event and project management.

“We are looking to do more to support Safe In Our World this coming year, and are already planning the next event.”

Student organisers Theo and Elliot were very pleased with how Winterfest went. Elliot said: “Overall, we as a group believe that Winterfest was a great success, and gave us incredible experience in event management.

“This is just a small example of how the college and the esports course can help students achieve their goals and develop their skills.”

The spokesperson added: “Winterfest was an event that both Elliot and Theo can be extremely proud of, and was a real testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in the esports department at Alton.”

To find out more about the UAL L3 extended diploma in esports production and event management at Alton visit https://www.hsdc.ac.uk/getting-ahead/alton-vocational/esports-btec-level-3-extended-diploma/

For more information on Safe In Our World visit https://safeinourworld.org/the-mission/