About our past event

Please note: This information refers to our past Community History Festival from March 2026. For information about our Heritage Open Days event, please click here.

The BHASVIC Community History Festival celebrated the rich history of the college through tours, talks, art, music, and more. Our one-day festival, organised by a small group of passionate students and staff, offered the public a chance to explore and learn about the college. Over time, parts of the college’s history have been forgotten, and this festival sought to uncover and bring those lost stories back into public view.

Whether it’s the evolution of architecture from 1912 to 2020, stories of former students, or the ghosts who supposedly still haunt the building, there was something for everyone to discover. This festival was open to everyone — local residents, alumni, current students, or simply curious visitors. We hope you joined us for this rare opportunity to see inside the college.

In June, we were awarded the Sixth Form Colleges Association award for Art and Culture. Read more about this here: https://www.bhasvic.ac.uk/news/student-led-community-history-festival-wins-national-award

Just some of the fascinating history that were seen and told include:

  • History of the college hall panels painted by Louis Ginnett

  • Infamous blood gutters of the operating theatre

  • History of the school in WW1 and WW2

  • Evolution of architecture

  • Stories of famous alumni, including Aubrey Beardsley

What was showcased on the day?

Black and white photograph of a hospital ward with beds and several patients. A nurse or orderly is standing near a table with medical supplies. The room has wooden paneling and large murals on the wall.

The college hall in use as a military hospital during World War One. For more historical photographs, follow our hyperlink tour by clicking here.