The event united LGBT students from all over the UK, allowing their voices to be heard, to raise awareness of issues facing LGBT students, and to have fun! This is the second National Student Pride supported by the NUS and Puffta was there on the day proud to be a sponsor...

Student Pride, which was held at Oxford Brookes University, was split into day and night events. During the free day event, students had the chance to meet Puffta, the Met Police, Lush, Gaydar, IDAHO and the THT. Students also got involved in a political and religious discussion group, with Peter Tatchell, Sue Sanders, Paul Patrick (Schools Out & LGBT History Month) and Linda Bellos (Diversity Solutions) inviting questions from the audience. The drinks and burgers flowed all day!

The night event was a great success, with over 300 tickets sold. Brian Dowling came back on stage to welcome Lorraine, who said it was “one of the best gigs they’ve played”. The audience couldn’t get enough, with Switch 22 and Mz Fontaine all taking centre stage. The party continued through the night, and the students lived up to their partying lifestyles!

Simon Johnson, editor of Puffta, said: “We had an excellent day. The organisers worked really hard and Tom Guy was a star! I’m delighted that Puffta was able to support the event financially and on the day, and look forward to next year. We’re sure it’ll be bigger when word gets out that this is the Youth Pride event to support.”

We caught up with Tom Guy, one of the organisers of Student Pride...

Puffta: So how did it go? What did you think of the day?
Tom Guy: The day was great. We had an excellent turnout with loads of live entertainment, stalls which proved really popular. The political/religious discussion group was packed! We have had a lot of positive feedback from the students and stalls and Brian Dowling enjoyed himself! Our acts from the club night were all delighted. 'Lorraine' said it was one of the best gigs they have ever done!

Puffta: How many people turned up? More than last year?
Tom Guy: Last year just over 300 showed up. We doubled last years amount with upto 600 students coming to Student Pride.

Puffta: Did you flirt with any students from any other universities?
Tom Guy: With so much going on I spent most of the day rushing from around sorting everything out so didn't get to speak to anyone on a social basis until 1am!

Puffta: Get any numbers?
Tom Guy: *laughs*. I got one when we were flyering before we opened the doors to the crowds, but there wasn't chance once the event got started.

Puffta: What was the most stressful thing about organising the event?
Tom Guy: The whole lot was pretty stressful! From arranging meetings with sponsors, printing flyers and The most stressful thing this year was the problem with the sewers but we overcame that and opened the club night a little later than planned.

Puffta: Would you do it again?
Tom Guy: Yeah, is been great experience! National Student Pride will be back bigger and better in 2007!

Puffta: Who would you invite next time?
Tom Guy: Will Young is top of the list closely followed by a stand by plumber!