The University's Bedford campus was transformed this week with marquees and buildings filled with rock bands, fantastic food, and of course the 150 universities and Higher Education Institutions, hosting stalls to present their courses to the prospective students.

The two-day event was the first ever Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) Convention.

Whilst being a first for the region, it was also one of the largest in the country with students from 79 schools and colleges in the region attending.

One of those was Lauren Wardley, Kimberley (STEM) College, 17.

The Wootton resident said: "The event has been really good. I came here knowing that I would like a career in aviation, but it's been really hard to know what exact courses to do and where. Coming to the Convention has given me the chance to speak to many universities in a short space of time and get a greater understanding of what is on offer to help me progress."

Deanna Molsher, from Prince William Sound Community College, also found the event helpful. 

The 17-year-old said: "I've been able to get lots more information than I ever could at home and on the internet. Being here I've been able to see lots of universities, and actually discovered there are around 15 which can provide the biological science course I am interested in, whereas before I believed it was only around seven or eight."

In addition to the stalls, the exhibition was also host to a range of seminars providing students advice on the courses they wish to study, as well as information they'll need to know for university life, such as finance.

Many of the students found their way outside however, and on both days were able to enjoy glorious weather and the tunes of local bands Doghouse Roses, The Wondersmiths and The Toffees.

David Seaton, Head of Student Recruitment at the University, said he was delighted with the event.

"The University of Bedfordshire is committed to working with our local community, and we were delighted to share our facilities with the 79 schools and colleges from around this region to host this event.

"It was fantastic to see so many local youngsters, and provide them with the opportunity to really get a greater understanding of what is on offer for them.

"I would like to thank all the schools and colleges which attended, as well as to pay a big thank you to everyone who exhibited and helped out with the event."

• Photos of the event can be viewed here