Thursday 30-04-2026 - 21:00

A special Roses Eve address, from Mishbah Ashraf, LUSU CEO.



 

 

As we head into Roses weekend which is the 60th Anniversary, we wanted to take a moment to recognise what an extraordinary event this is - and the extraordinary people who make it happen. This event is no small matter, 140 fixtures in 45 sports.

 

Roses is one of the most complex and ambitious things we deliver as a Students’ Union. Logistically, it’s on a scale that very few other unions - if any beyond York - take on. But more importantly, it’s an event that means so much: to our athletes, to our wider student community, and to the University as a whole. It’s a celebration of competition, belonging, pride, and shared experience.

 

A huge thank you to all the incredible LUSU and University staff who have contributed to the build-up so far, to our multi-talented student staff – to our competitors – our army of Lancaster flag bearers who never fail to do us proud.

Richard Soper , LUSU Vice Chair states  “Roses is one of Lancaster’s greatest traditions - I remember it well from my own time at the University as a student several decades ago! Today – like the University – it’s bigger and the excitement and preparation begins months ahead of the event itself. Organising an event of this size is a huge undertaking, and the Student’s Union is grateful for all the work put in by its staff and countless volunteers to make it possible. It’s a top priority for us at the Students’ Union that every member feels part of our community, and it’s quite simply inspiring seeing so many people getting involved to create new memories of comradeship over this very special weekend.”

 

As we go into the weekend, let’s look after each other, support one another, and take pride in what we’re delivering. Let’s ensure we demonstrate to Lancaster University what we do best, the contribution we bring to the student experience and how the students’ union is an important partner. And importantly - have fun! This is a special moment.

 

A big thank you to Roses Committee for their hard work and dedication in coordinating Roses once again. Your time, energy, and love for sport at Lancaster is inspiring to all, staff and students alike. We’re grateful for all you have done so far and will continue to do so other the weekend. Being student led is core to what we do, and the work of Roses Committee is exemplary of this – thank you!

 

We are so grateful to our First Aid Society volunteers for providing support throughout the weekend in partnership with the Sports Centre. Your volunteering and efforts do not go unnoticed, we really appreciate everything you are doing to support our event.

 

And to our student media groups, who put in countless hours as volunteers to stream fixtures and share the event far beyond campus - thank you for helping make Roses as accessible and visible as possible to students, alumni, and supporters at both Lancaster and York. Your reach goes beyond Lancaster as you open the doors for friends, family, alumni, staff and the community to be able to stream live in all the fixtures which is incredible.

 

We’re also hugely grateful to our partners:

 

Lancaster University staff, particularly those in the Sports Centre, Estates and the Facilities teams, who are working alongside us all weekend to prepare and manage spaces, and once again without their support the event wouldn’t be possible. Also, to all the colleagues who have sent messages of support and are so eager to see us succeed and love Roses.

York Students’ Union, especially Gemma, Zack, Harriet and Geoff, for their collaboration and for ensuring York’s athletes can be here.

Akuma, all our players and staff look really smart – with pride we can say our Roses Committee designed the shirts, thank you for all the last minute orders and for being great partners.

 

Final and most important shout-outs must go to our Lancaster athletes, who have trained tirelessly all year - including intensive boot camps, alcohol bans - to be at their very best this weekend. Your dedication, discipline, and pride in representing Lancaster is what makes Roses so special - and we’re all behind you as you aim for another record-breaking win. Everything all the staff do; we do for you – we all work in a students’ union because we are passionate and deeply care about our students. Wear your LUSU Roses shirts with pride as you represent Lancaster University.

 

To every single Lancaster student who has been painting signs, wearing your red t-shirts with pride, and showing up to support your friends and peers at fixtures so far, it is the vibrance that you bring that truly adds to the event. We are looking forward to a sea of Red, chants, cheers and we will do everything we can to give you the best event experience possible. We hope we give you some lasting memories of a Lancaster Roses, and we hope you take those fond memories forward with you long into the future.

 

And finally, another big mention to our Roses Committee volunteers - and especially our Activities Officer, Emily. Your leadership, energy, and commitment throughout the year and in the build-up have been outstanding. And we know you’ll be just as incredible competing in trampolining too!

 

Our Vice Chancellor Steve Decent is really looking forward to his first Roses as our VC, and recognises the hard work put in by everyone across campus to see the event come to life, “It is a real pleasure to see this special weekend return. It is a highlight of the university year and a tradition that means so much to both Lancaster and York. I am incredibly proud of our Students’ Union for delivering such a fantastic event, and grateful to everyone whose hard work makes it possible, including our university staff colleagues who support its delivery. We are delighted to welcome our friends from the University of York. The spirit and history of Roses is what makes it truly unique in university sport. To all those competing, supporting and taking part, I wish you every success and an unforgettable weekend.”

 

I am so incredibly proud of every single one of you – I see all the hours you are putting in, I know people are tired and exhausted – keep going, we have absolutely got this, and we will deliver the best Roses yet.

 

We hope you all have a wonderful Roses 2026.

 

Roses are Red - and always will be.

 

Best wishes

Misbah

Chief Executive