STUDENTS from the University of Essex were starstruck after their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the BRIT Awards, serving the likes of Harry Styles, Declan Rice, and Laura Whitmore.  

30 undergraduates from Edge Hotel School, a department of the University of Essex, were given an incredible view of the musical spectacle, whilst working alongside nominees Lewis Capaldi, Sam Ryder and Aitch. 

This year’s BRIT Awards were watched by more than 3.9 million viewers, with the University’s Events Management and Hospitality Management students serving household names.

Students were serving A-listers at the front of the stage and VIPs in corporate boxes, in front of a packed-out London O2 Arena.

This ceremony marks the fifth year in a row that the partnership has given students the opportunity to enjoy the pinnacle of British music, whilst gaining invaluable, real world work experience.

Gazette: Invaluable - The experience that the students gained has been labelled a 'gamechanger' on their CVs.Invaluable - The experience that the students gained has been labelled a 'gamechanger' on their CVs. (Image: University of Essex)

Events Management student, Charlotte Carter, from Colchester, said: “Working at the BRIT Awards was extremely important, and I gained some incredible insight into my future industry. 

“Being front and centre at a high-profile event in a landmark venue just shows the trust Edge Hotel School has in us and the quality of the training we get here." 

The 20-year-old added: “Working at the BRIT Awards was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it’s not every day you can say you stood next to Harry Styles!” 

Edge Hotel School is a world-leading hotel school – offering hands-on experience in a fully-commercial hotel. 

Based in Wivenhoe House, a four star country house hotel on the University of Essex Colchester campus, students are trained to be industry-ready and routinely work at top events and venues alongside their academic studies.

Senior lecturer Philip Berners said: “We have evolved a partnership with the organisers at the BRITs because there is nothing better for an events management student than to experience the massive BRIT Awards in the landmark venue that is the O2 Arena. 

“For a graduate to have that on their CV is a game-changer for employability.”