12 December 2025 · Campus · Sarah Whitfield, Marketing and Communications
Luma University held its annual festive light switch-on on 11 December 2025, transforming the Edgewater campus with illuminations along the main avenue, the library forecourt and Beacon Court accommodation. The event, organised jointly by the students' union and Estates and Facilities, attracted an estimated 1,200 students, staff members and local residents despite chilly December weather.
Students' union President Tom Bradley switched on the lights at 17:00, followed by performances from the Luma Chamber Choir and the Jazz Society. Hot chocolate and mince pies were served by volunteers, with proceeds supporting the union's RAG (Raising and Giving) charity appeal for local food banks.
Estates teams installed energy-efficient LED displays this year, reducing electricity consumption by 40 per cent compared with the previous year's arrangements. Security staff patrolled the campus throughout the vacation period to ensure buildings and displays remained safe.
Most students departed for the winter break following their final assessments on 13 December. Halls of residence remain open for international students and those with caring responsibilities who registered to stay over the vacation. Catering outlets operate reduced hours until teaching resumes on 12 January 2026.
The festive programme forms part of the university's broader community engagement calendar. Luma Borough Council contributed funding for the light display along the public footpath connecting the campus to the town centre, reinforcing links between the university and its host community.