Awards for students at major media weekend

A major event for emerging creatives in the TV and media industry currently studying at universities across the UK, this year’s NaSTA saw around 200 guests visit the Solent campus for an industry conference and awards evening.

SonarEvents – Solent's award-winning, student-run live events society – took the helm across the two days, recruiting more than 60 students from a range of courses to help make this year’s NaSTA a success. As well as hosting the weekend, SonarEvents were also shortlisted for four awards, winning first prize alongside both a silver and a bronze.

Solent students, who have honed their skills both through practice-led degrees and their participation in SonarEvents, won the Live Broadcast award for their coverage of the Hampshire FA Women’s Cup Final, showcasing impressive skills in high-quality real-time media.

The team also celebrated a silver for the Sport Award, recognising the standard of their Division 2 Basketball Men’s Final broadcast. To round off SonarEvent’s success – both as hosts and trophy winners – the team took bronze for Event Coverage.

Third-year BA (Hons) Television Production student and Host Officer for NaSTA 2025, Will Swain, says:

"After starting the project back in mid-2024, I never knew what the outcome of the event would look like until recently. With a crew of 63 students, from courses all over the Department of Film and Media, we managed to pull together one of the best live productions and events we possibly can – as students! A massive shoutout goes to the students working on the project - from day one to the main event; it could not have happened without you all!

“Over the last few months, I have been working with the University on the logistics planning of the event, ensuring everything is put in place. NaSTA has truly allowed me to get to a place where I have a rough idea of where I aim to get in my career, it's just time to put it to practice."

A three-day event which gives students the opportunity to network, hear from professionals in the industry, and celebrate each other's achievements, students from Solent’s BA (Hons) Television Production, BSc (Hons) Live Event Technology and Film Production – among others – had a hand in making the weekend a success. NaSTA Chair, Sophia Crothall, says:

“SonarEvents successfully captured the essence of student television from start to finish, and the weekend's schedule brought together the world of student television for a spectacular celebration. NaSTA 2025 was a huge success, which is testament to the team for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm to deliver such a memorable event for everyone.”

Find out more about Solent's courses in film, TV and media here.