Friday 13th May
On Friday, the doors opened to the Business Fair with invites only and name badges already prepared. It was interesting seeing the local business get together and networking while building a relationship with each other. I never knew there were that many local business around Bury!
When I was wandering around the stalls, my friends and I were invited to a gallery opening by an artist from E.Anthony Orme Gallery, happening in Bolton. My favourite stall was the GJ Plastics because their stall was very colourful, with different signs flashing and bright. We were filmed by Big Tank Productions camera crew when we were on reception duty, which was embarrassing but the cameraman was really friendly and engaging.
It was a great day, I got to know some of the other students from my course at Bury College and the team from Best of Bury.
My role as a receptionist included distributing name badges to the delegates and a goody bag along with an event guide. I also did this on Saturday as well but instead of handing out name badge we stamped people’s hands when they come in, which was such a cute idea. I can’t believe how many goodie bags were given out on both Friday and Saturday!
Saturday 14th May
The event on Saturday was more of a family friendly event, where there was a lot of activities happening throughout the day. It was a really fun and exciting day.
I personally enjoyed this day more because the activities were free to participate in and the music helped to make the atmosphere lively and upbeat, which in turn made my role even more enjoyable.
The performances were amazing with talented performers, especially the young ones! My favourite act was the Lion King by Freak Dance. The guest and exhibitioners who came to the event were all lovely and friendly.
During my lunch break, I played bingo hosted by Mecca Bingo, which I nearly won, and visited different stalls, such as Play Football, Bury Bins, Salle Kiss Fencing Club and AMF Bowling. I had wanted to visit the Pet Show but they left before I got the chance however the owl stall made up for it. I even got the chance to hold it and give it a stroke! I also got my face painted with flowers on my cheek by a lady at the event.
The only thing I didn’t like about the day was that there was a camera in the corner of the reception, which caught all the dancing me and my friends were doing! How embarrassing! But I blame it on the music that was playing. It was really catchy and the lively atmosphere was infectious!
Overall it was a wonderful experience being the receptionist for the Business and Lifestyle Fair! The Best of Bury team was wonderful to work with and very friendly. There was always someone we could go to for help.
Hui Min Sue is a student at Bury College who completed her work experience alongside the Made in Bury and Best of Bury teams.
