Western University's students' council gears up to host huge music event next semester

Warning: there is some graphic language in this article

Western University's students' council (USC) is gearing up to host a big music event next semester, but in the wake of reports of sexual violence on campus, some are warning organizers to think carefully about which performers they book for the party known as Purple Fest.

"We're really looking forward to beginning the process of organizing our larger events in the second half of the year," said Callista Ryan, the USC's vice-president of communications and public affairs.

Purple Fest began as a sanctioned event a number of years ago to draw students away from partying on Broughdale Avenue, but was cancelled the last two years because of the pandemic.

The students' council has not set a date for the 2022 event or secured a venue, although organizers confirm they are considering moving the event off-campus.

A spokesperson for Western says so far, the school has not been approached by the USC to collaborate on the event.

The USC has not invited any performers, but organizers said they'd be reaching out to students to see who they'd like to see on stage.