Bicentenary Light Up: The University of Manchester lights up Middle East Centre
The University of Manchester – one of the world’s top universities – has kicked off a year of bicentenary celebrations with an evening of illumination at the Middle East Centre in Dubai Knowledge Park. The 200th anniversary ‘Light Up’ event (held on January 17th) was attended by students, alumni, staff, partners and friends of the University who witnessed the lighting-up of the Centre (in the University’s distinctive signature purple colour) following a countdown to 18:24 local time (coinciding with the 1824 foundation of the University). Later in the evening, the attendees also watched a live streaming of the bicentenary lighting-up event from Manchester, with a pathway of light illuminating iconic places and spaces on campus and beyond – a Light Up event also took place at the University’s Centre in Hong Kong.
In her message, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “2024 is a very special moment for us at The University of Manchester, as we mark our bicentenary. A year to celebrate 200 years of learning, innovation and research. 200 years of our incredible people and community. 200 years of global influence. A time to reflect on the past. A time to recognise our key discoveries, pioneering ideas and world firsts. And a time to look forward to what our third century could bring, with our commitment to social responsibility underpinning all that we do. This special year is packed with opportunities and events for everyone – staff, students, alumni, residents and our wider, global community. After all, it’s all of you who make us what we are, and we want everyone to feel involved.”
The Light Up Celebration event at Dubai Knowledge Park Conference Centre featured an evening programme of activities reflecting on the University’s history, present and future, through performance, food, games and prizes.
Speaking at the Dubai Light Up event, Randa Bessiso – Founding Director of The University of Manchester Middle East Centre – said: “2024 marks a very special year for The University of Manchester as we celebrate our bicentenary – and 18 years in the Middle East. We’re spearheading change, addressing our planet’s greatest challenges, and making a difference in Manchester, the UK and beyond – including here in the UAE and the Middle East. For two centuries, we have collaborated, encouraged and inspired each other to make an impact on an international stage, highlighted by the 25 Nobel Prize winners associated with the University. And we continue doing it today through our commitment to world class teaching/learning, research and social responsibility.”
Randa Bessiso added: “Our celebrations at the Light Up event mark the start of a global and regional community programme highlighting The University of Manchester’s bicentenary and 200 years of making a difference. Through 2024, we will celebrate our past and look forward to our future with a year-long programme of creativity and imagination which sets the tone for our third century. This is a unique opportunity for the University and we are very privileged to be able to celebrate this milestone together with our community across the region.”
Following the Light Up events, the celebrations will continue with the launch of a bicentenary lecture podcast series, with special guests discussing subjects to which the University is committed, and through which it continues making a difference, such as health, the environment, community and education.
The University will host the flagship event – Universally Manchester Festival, a special festival of ideas, performance and community in June, with a dynamic, inclusive and engaging programme focusing on creating a greener, fairer and healthier world. In October, the University will host the prestigious THE World Academic Summit and will welcome 500 global leaders in higher education to the campus and city.
Last Updated on 1 year by News Desk 1
