THOUSANDS of students descended on Southampton city centre to celebrate one of the biggest nights out of the year.

Put together by both student unions of Southampton University's student union and Southampton-based event organisers DBP, the Big Night Out features eight clubs for students to gather in.

As part of the week at the beginning of the new semester, students from both universities donned their trademark white t-shirts to blow off steam.

The eight venues worked together to put on one of the biggest nights in the educational calendar.

James Ward has been an event manager for DBP for three years and had a key hand in piecing the night together.

James said: "It brings the city together. It's great to see students from both universities in the same places.

"It's not easy to put on but we all work together to make sure it's a success for everyone and the students have a great night. That's why we're all here of course."

Switch was the final destination for many, and is run by Southampton event organisers DBP.

Other venues full of the city's students included Buddha Lounge, Kelly's and Tokyo.

Tash Vanderhoek, supervisor at Buddha Lounge said: "It's been quite simple to put together and it's wonderful to see all of them here.

"It's always busy on nights like this and we expected a lot of people and we sold a lot of tickets."

Not everyone who ended up joining in the night initially planned to however, with some simply caught up in the mass event in club 90 Degrees.

Wes Matthews, from the city centre, had invited friends for a night out, only to find themselves at the centre of the night.

Wes, 35, said: "We're going to make the most of it, we were expecting everything to be quiet and dead! It's great to see the students here though."

Paul Gibson had come up from the Isle of Wight to join Wes on their night out.

Paul, 37, said: "We were too old to get in one place! We'll watch everyone enjoying themselves and do the same."

Other venues that completed the list included The Social, Orange Rooms and Popworld, seeing thousands of students come together.

Kiele Ann, 20, a Solent student said: "We're here to have fun of course! University is a great experience and we're enjoying it. What a sight to see nights like this."

Arjun Sidhu, 20, a Southampton University student said: "I've been to all the clubs, eight is a lot to get through but we've done it.

"It's been a great night and I like seeing both universities coming together."

Fanis Theodou, 19, also a Southampton University student said: "I must have seen about 1,000 students in Bedford Place alone. It's good to be here tonight and have an awesome night!"

Glory Lukombo, 20, a Solent student said: "The Big Night Out is incredible, I'm from London but now Southampton is my second city for sure!"

  • Pictures by Hannah Carroll