Your university years can be some of the most rewarding—and the chance to wander back down memory lane doesn’t come around often. The University of Sydney is determined to change that, bringing back former students to reignite their love of learning through its Harry Potter-esque halls. The University of Sydney Alumni Festival is on Saturday, 2 December, welcoming alumni, their families, friends and the general public for lectures, live music, sports and more. Here is the lowdown on what to expect.
Enrol In A Lecture With Dr. Karl
Broaden your knowledge and challenge your thinking with workshops and lectures throughout the festival. Get your burning science questions answered by Australian royalty, Dr. Karl and the University’s Superstars of STEM at 'Ask Us STEM!'.
Stop by Chau Chak Wing Museum and become a curator for the day. Listen in on mini-lectures from experts and get up close and personal with workshops on the University’s artifacts.
For a lecture you and your little ones will enjoy, sit in on the playful conversation with award-winning sculptor Sanné Mestrom. Explore her concept of art and risk as she allows you to ‘break the rules’ and play on her award-winning playground sculptures.
Catch Live Entertainment Around The Old Stomping Grounds
Pop by Manning Bar for live entertainment after the tours and workshops. Here, you can reminisce on days turned to nights on the dance floor where comedian Jordan Raskopolous and the TheatreSports team will kick off the evening with some cracking entertainment. If you’re a muso, stick around for the 2023 Battle Of The Bands winner, and keep your phone flashlight close by for the University of Sydney alumni Art vs. Science and Youth Group who'll be making appearances. Register now for tickets at $15 for Alumni, current students and staff.
Stop by the Quadrangle and challenge TikTok sensation Bailey Pickles to remix your favourite song or be whisked away with the sounds of Hugo Hui and MS3. Keep an ear out for pop-up musical performances by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music along the way, too.
Reignite Your School Spirit At Sporting Events
Stop by the historic Oval 1 and bring on the school spirit in support of the University of Sydney Cricket Club at their home game. There’ll be food and drink stalls, face painting and mini-challenges to keep the kids entertained while you get into the camaraderie.
Don’t miss out on seeing the Quadball Club’s exhibition on the Quadrangle front lawns. Inspired by the infamous Hogwarts sport in the Harry Potter series, this nationally ranked team will be flexing their magical skills.
Enrol the kids in a camp session modelled on the popular School Holiday Program by Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness. For only $20, kids will burn off some energy and make new friends.
Walk Down Memory Lane (Literally)
Link up with your uni friends and family for immersive tours and a wander down memory lane. Stop by the open buildings and exhibitions across campus to glimpse into old classrooms.
Explore the sandstone halls of St John’s College on the Wizard Tour and—with the help of some magical characters along the way—learn how students before and after your time lived on campus.
Embrace your inner child and explore the campus with your family on the scavenger hunt. Go head-to-head with your uni pals and their families as you hunt for hidden gems around the university grounds before racing back to claim your prize.
After a day spent down memory lane, finish the experience by finding your old go-to patch of grass on the front lawn for the fireworks display.
With so much more to explore, head to the University of Sydney’s festival lineup here to find more information and register.
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Images: Supplied