Blood, Sweat & Spectacle: The Power of Events to Control and Inspire

This engaging and interactive masterclass will take Key Stage 4, 5, FE Level 2, or FE Level 3 students on a journey through time, exploring how major events - sporting spectacles, public festivals, and grand ceremonies - have been used to entertain, influence, and even control societies. From the brutal gladiator fights of Ancient Rome to the Olympic Games, medieval football riots, and modern World Cup finals, we’ll uncover the hidden power of events.

We’ll ask: Are events still used today to influence the public, distract from deeper societal issues, or unite people for political gain? And, most importantly, how can YOU be part of shaping the future of the events industry?

Key Themes:

1. Ancient Spectacles:
• Gladiator games in the Colosseum - entertainment or a political tool?
• The first Olympic Games - bringing together Greek city-states but also reinforcing power structures.
2. Medieval & Global Events:
• Medieval Madness - the rise of brutal folk sports and how monarchs tried (and failed) to control them.

• The Inca Rubber Ball Game - How sport and religion intertwined in pre-Columbian South America.

3. Modern Sports & Entertainment:
• Nazi Germany’s 1936 Olympics - propaganda on a global stage.
• The 1966 World Cup - was England’s victory more than just sport?
• Super Bowl halftime shows - entertainment or political messaging?
• FIFA World Cups & the Olympics today - uniting or dividing nations?
4. The Future of Events & Your Role:
• How can future events be used for good - promoting unity, social change, and positive global impact?
• Careers in event management - how YOU can design the next big cultural moment.
• Studying Event Management at Canterbury Christ Church University—why it’s the perfect place to start.

Interactive Elements:

• Debate: "Are global sporting events still used to control the masses?"
• Creative Task: Design a modern event with a social impact - how would you shape public perception?
• This masterclass will make history relevant, thrilling, and directly linked to your future - inspiring you to think about how you can shape the world of events, rather than just attend them.

Curriculum Links:

• CIAG (Key Stage 4/ Level 2) – Understanding future career paths in Tourism and Events
• Business (Key Stage 4/ Level 2) – influence of stakeholders on business
• Leisure, Travel and Tourism (Key Stage 4/ Level 2) – reasons and influences on leisure, travel and tourism industry
• Travel and Tourism (Key Stage 5/ Level 3) – types of travel and tourism customer

Gatsby Benchmarks:

Masterclass: 1, 3, 4, 7

Taster Day: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7