UEL Summer Festival celebrates health and community
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Published
11 June 2025
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The University of East London’s Royal Docks Campus came alive on Wednesday 4 June as students, staff, families, and community members gathered for the Innovation & Enterprise Summer Festival.
This vibrant, all-day celebration was part of UEL’s 2025 Year of Health a university-wide initiative dedicated to advancing wellbeing, equity, and innovation in health education and practice. The festival featured interactive workshops, creative wellness sessions, and high-energy sporting challenges, offering something for everyone and bringing the Year of Health to life across the campus.
Festival highlights included yoga and sound bath sessions, CPR training, mobile health theatres, cooking demonstrations, and student-led health checks. Attendees also explored the student makers market, relaxed in the wellbeing lounges, and joined hands-on experiences like penalty shootouts and fitness taster classes.
Activities such as the ‘Row the Thames’ fundraising challenge, football and netball shootouts, boxing, a basketball shoot challenge, and an outdoor Zumba taster session encouraged movement and community connection in fun, accessible ways.
A special guest appearance from Olympic Champion and UEL Visiting Ambassador Christine Ohuruogu was a standout moment. Christine led a high-energy salsa class and hosted a children’s storytelling session, inspiring participants of all ages to embrace health, movement, and mental wellbeing.
“As a Newham resident who was born and raised here, it’s great that the University is visible within the community,” said Ohuruogu.
She also spoke powerfully about the need to prioritise both physical and mental health:
We talk a lot about physical health, but mental wellbeing is just as important. Reading helped me stay grounded while competing. It’s vital to give your mind a rest and let it escape, especially with the everyday stress of life.”
With hundreds of attendees and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the festival was a vibrant celebration of UEL’s commitment to health, equity, and community wellbeing. A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us, your energy and curiosity made the day truly unforgettable.
As part of the Year of Health, UEL is reimagining the future of health through innovation, education, and inclusive care, because health is a right, not a privilege.
Learn more on our Year of Health page.
