Students masquerade as lone rangers as they round up support in Bournemouth

The budget is just £450 and the Bournemouth Arts University students are arranging every aspect of the ball on February 18, from compiling a guest list and sending out the invitations, to sourcing reception drinks, music and even the room decorations.

Rosie Wallace, general manager of the Marsham Court, said: “The students are required to organise a public event as part of their degree in Creative Events Management and the Arts University asked us to be involved.

“The Masquerade Ball aims to attract corporate sponsors for this year’s Bournemouth & East Dorset Relay for Life event, a two-day, team event in aid of Cancer Research UK on 1 and 2 July 2017 at Butcher’s Coppice.

“The Marsham Court enters a team into Relay for Life each year and works closely with the event committee to drum up sponsorship for the event.”

In addition to organising the ball the students have been tasked with identifying potential sponsors for Relay for Life and have been given a target of raising £2000 on the night.

One of the students, Cécile Berbezy, said: “None of us have done anything on this scale before, but we are thrilled to be working with the Marsham Court and Relay for Life and it’s going really well.

“Rosie and her team have been so supportive and are teaching us so much about event planning and negotiation.

“With her guidance we have already found a DJ and a music duo and we are currently negotiating with food and drink suppliers to keep quality high and costs within our budget.

“We are aiming to give guests a really great night, with top notch entertainment, great food and the chance to support a great charity.”