INSIDER Autumn 2019 | Page 2

Insider events Knollfest 2019 Colchester Sixth form successfully welcomes new students with a festival open to all. Mia Patterson on why Knollfest matters. It’s the start of the school year and for many this means new beginnings, new friends and a new environment. With the sixth form feel- ing quite strange and un- familiar for most of the first years, the college put on a heart-warming and exciting festival for everyone, ran and at- tended by the students themselves. However, when Knollfest was mentioned in form I noticed a lot of people wondering what this event is. “What is Knollfest?” From the start of lunch (12pm) till the end (1.20) there’s live music, free henna, face paint and tattoo stalls, an Ice team van, Russ market selling clothes and cakes and free bouncy castles on the grassy knoll by the south site building. I spoke to Chris Throup a teacher/member of staff at the sixth form college who helped make Knollfest possible. Chris explained that the reason we have Knollfest is because this is “an event that’s meant to attract first year students” and acts as a “welcome to the col- lege”. Likewise Knollfest is a chance for first years who are musical to participate in a college event. “It is the first music event they get a chance to play and perform for”. One of the bands per- forming, ‘Pyjama Party’, had only performed a hand- ful of times before Knollfest and it was singer “Kieran’s first time performing”. Af- ter interviewing Chris it’s clear Knollfest is the epi- centre of many ‘firsts’ and Rock band— ’Pyjama Par- ty’ (above) “Nice expe- rience for the first years” - Niamh Hodgkinson new fun experiences for first years. Although, why is this vibrant event called Knollfest? It’s quite a simple answer. This festival is on the Knoll, which means hill. The hill has grass hence it’s full name the ‘grassy knoll’. There is some dark history that comes with the name grassy knoll since the grassy knoll in America is where many believe the shot that killed John f Kennedy was shot. This event was fantas- tically organised by the social committee. If you enjoyed Knollfest or missed out on the festivities there are some future social event to look out for: Halloween party—25th October in the con- course, Christmas event, Valentine’s Red Rose and chocolates sale and the Lever’s hoodies event. These events are happening throughout the year and are open to any students at the college. The College magazine online: sixthformmag.blogspot.co.uk