Students at UCLan launched a three day arts festival in the Media Factory.

Breaking into the Arts, a series of events put together by a group of third year media students through CETH (Centre of Employability Through the Arts) was launched with a showcase of performances for a selection of VIP guests.

The evening began with an intro from warm but witty compeer Mike Dixon who set a friendly tone and brought on the first act, The UCLan Band, which consisted of a wide variety of interesting looking instruments including a banjo. The band played a well rehearsed selection of jazz pieces achieving a sophisticated vibe.

Other acts to take to the stage included the Screaming Theatre Company who enlightened the audience with a unique interpretation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and The University’s very own Musical Theatre Society who performed a selection of show songs.

The unrivalled hit of the evening was acoustic duo, Spencer and Paul. These cheeky chaps stole the show with a variety of covers and original material intercepted with some hilarious onstage chemistry which had the audience in stitches. The highlight of their performance was a gritty version of Michael Jackson’s Billy Jean; effortlessly enthralling and captivating without a hint of cheese.

Danni Skerritt, Director of arts company Yume No Chikara, said: “I really enjoyed the performance and would highly recommend it to the people of Preston. I especially enjoyed the spontaneity; it was very exciting.”

An ex-student at UCLan, Carl Bullen from Liverpool said: “It is really good for students to get involved with this sort of event and the people organising it seem to be learning an awful lot as well.”