"Freddie For A Day" Festival is a success!
"Freddie For A Day" Festival is a success!
The launch of the first "Freddie For A Day" festival took place May 31st and June 1st, organised by Swiss Education Group.
Over 8’000 visitors and 500 fans sporting the famous Freddie Mercury moustache attended the 1st edition of the festival to pay their respects to the emblematic lead singer of the rock band, Queen. A silent auction raised more than CHF 12’000 in favor of the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a foundation that works around the world in the fight against AIDS. Additional funds generated from merchandising and eatery receipts once tallied, will be added and the entire sum donated to the foundation.
"We are very pleased to have been able to combine entertainment, prevention and fund raising in such a colorful event. The festival has more than accomplished its mission of working together to improve awareness amongst today’s youth" stated Florent Rondez, CEO of Swiss Education Group. "We would like to thank all those who have helped to make this event a success, especially the Montreux community and the Mercury Phoenix Trust foundation, without their support none of this would have been possible."
Inspired by the global "Freddie For A Day" initiative launched in 2010 by the Mercury Phoenix Trust foundation in memory of Freddie Mercury, the festival in Montreux hosted information and awareness prevention exhibitors, music and ambiance were assured with a selection of cuisine from around the world, concerts, a DJ, live shows and a raffle with numerous prizes. In addition to this, a number of limited edition pieces signed by celebrities such as Brian May, Roger Taylor and Stan Wawrinka were auctioned.
More than 400 students from the Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM) and the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), members of the Swiss Education Group worked for over three months in order to prepare, organize and make this festival come alive. From the design through to implementation and event promotion, the students were able to apply their professional competencies and talents for the benefit of the local community. "This event was created because of our students desire to make a positive contribution within their community and we are very proud", advised Florent Rondez, CEO of Swiss Education Group.
Photo credit:
© Anja Hammächer and Alexandre Guidetti
Video credit:
© Alexandre Guidetti, www.swissyndicate.com