Leicester indie pop giants, Easy Life made an appearance at the opening of the University of Leicester’s £150m Freemen’s Common development.
The University has officially opened the landmark regeneration project which has seen derelict University buildings transformed into a high-tech centre for teaching, working and living.
Jordan Birtles and Lewis Barry from the band addressed students at the new Freemen’s Kitchen and Bar on Saturday (October 29).
Birtles, who plays percussion and keyboards in the band, said: “I have been watching this entire village being built for the last three years so I am really glad that it is finally here and I don’t have to queue behind all of the tractors anymore.”
He said: “It is up to you guys to make this city even livelier and even better so make sure that you make the most out of all of these brand new facilities that the University of Leicester has given to you because it is a really special thing.”
Guitarist, Lewis Berry said: “I probably shouldn’t be saying this but neither of us has a University level education but we are very envious of all of you here.
“The Freemen’s Campus is such a great space to meet people. We didn’t meet in a University space but we did meet in a bar and now we are the best of friends, we travel the world playing music and doing what we love.
“Hopefully this will harness a lot of great relationships and add to an amazing student experience here.
“We are massive Leicester fans, we scream Leicester from the rooftops. We have lived here all of our lives and it is a great place to be and this is really helping the city so it is amazing.”
Freeman’s Common also includes several new blocks of student accommodation as well as a 500+ space multi-storey car park.
At the centre of the development is the Sir Bob Burgess Building, which includes two new lecture theatres and state-of-the-art spaces for students and staff to work, meet and relax.
