Falmouth University students gain exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Eden Sessions

Last month, students and staff from the Sustainable Festival Management BA and Sustainable Tourism Management BA courses enjoyed an exclusive site and backstage tour of the renowned Eden Sessions. The tour provided a unique glimpse into the preparations for Paolo Nutini's highly anticipated show. 

The Eden Sessions, known for hosting world-class performances in the stunning setting of the Eden Project, serve as an exceptional learning platform for students. 

During their visit, the students observed the intricate process of stage construction and engaged in meaningful discussions with industry experts. Andy Cotton from events management company Tao Productions and Claire Quartermaine, Head of Commercial at the Eden Project shared valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by the music sector, enriching the students' understanding of the industry. 

This invaluable experience was facilitated through the ongoing delivery partnership between Falmouth University and the Eden Project. The collaboration aims to provide students with practical insights into the dual-operational model of the Eden Project, which functions both as an international visitor attraction and a festival venue. This partnership not only enhances students' learning experiences but also offers them the chance to connect with leading professionals in the field. 

On working with Falmouth University, Claire said; “We are delighted to have welcomed the Sustainable Event Management and Sustainable Tourism Management students back to Eden this year, for an extensive tour of the Eden Sessions set up. The ability to host the students during the Eden Sessions show season is a very unique way for them to learn and see a live event set-up first hand. It’s always a pleasure to demonstrate to the future managers and leaders in the event and tourism space how these shows come to life and discuss the balance of the multi-functioning site that is Eden.” 

Moments like this are a key reminder and motivation of how amazing and important the industry is to each individual!

On this unique partnership, Helen Worthington, Senior Lecturer at our Cornwall Business School said: “One of the highlights of industry partnership lies in the experiential learning gained by our students in site-specific settings. The Eden Project operational model is unique: it is a globally renowned visitor attraction, host to an international summer music series, an educational charity and social enterprise inspiring positive climate action. Being able to explore opportunities and barriers in sustainable Experience Design with professionals requires criticality, business acumen and imagination, skills that our students develop throughout their studies. We are pleased to work with the team at the Eden Project and Tao Productions to enable valuable opportunities such as this for our courses.” 

Reflecting on the trip, Sustainable Festival Management student, Izzy Bourner said: “Being able to work alongside the Eden Project throughout the course and from this meet Andy Cotton and Claire Quartermaine with a backstage tour of the Eden Sessions is just one of the key highlights of my experience so far. It has allowed me to network and gain advice from industry professionals which I can take into my future career. Moments like this are a key reminder and motivation of how amazing and important the industry is to each individual!”  

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