TV host Radzi to present University’s virtual Open Day Live event

The University of Derby will have the backing of one of TV’s most recognisable rising young stars when it delivers a virtual open day with a difference for prospective students.

TV personality Radzi Chinyanganya, best known for presenting the flagship children’s show Blue Peter and fresh from hosting the US Open Tennis on Amazon Prime, as well as the World Snooker Championships on the BBC, will take guests through the ‘University of Derby presents…Open Day Live’ event, taking place on Saturday 26 September from 10am-3pm.

Presented in a magazine style format, the virtual event will be a packed programme featuring roving reporters, live links to interviews with students and staff about studying at Derby, Q&As, and films of Radzi and students exploring the campus and facilities. There will also be guest appearances from Derby alumni, including popular reality TV star Baasit Siddiqui.

Commenting on his role as host, Radzi – who has also featured regularly on some of ITV and Channel 4’s biggest shows – said: “I am delighted to be part of ‘University of Derby Presents…Open Day Live’. Going to university is an enormous stage in anyone's life. I remember moving in for the first time with a myriad of emotions, so to be able to showcase what the University has to offer ahead of hopefully welcoming the Class of 2021 is a real honour.

“It's safe to say that they will have an incredible time if they choose the University of Derby.”

The ‘University of Derby Presents…Open Day Live’ is aimed at prospective students, primarily looking into their university options for 2021 entry.

The event is designed to give ‘attendees’ a real insight into what the University of Derby has to offer and what life there as a student is like, particularly as the more traditional on-campus Open Days aren’t feasible in the current pandemic. Anyone who misses the event will still be able to watch a recording of it later.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this unique live event and to have Radzi as host, as I am sure lots of young people will recognise and connect with him.

“This has been a challenging year for students and we want to give those considering university next year, or even those still weighing up their options for this year, an opportunity to experience all that the University of Derby offers from the comfort of their own home.

“There is a packed schedule for people to enjoy and we hope that at the end of the event they will feel inspired and excited by what they see. Anyone wanting to find out more can then book a place on one of the many socially-distanced VIP Campus Tours we are running during October.”

To book a place for the ‘University of Derby Presents…Open Day Live’, visit www.derby.ac.uk