News 2003
Twenty thousand students embark on sticker frenzy
10/02/2003
The UK could soon be plastered with the distinctive outline of a red house, after more than 20,000 students entered a competition that will eventually see ten of them winning a house rent-free for a year for themselves and three friends.
The Big Red House competition, organised by Virgin Mobile for the second year running, has already had phenomenal uptake among students across the country. To stand a chance of becoming one of twenty finalists, contestants need to provide visual evidence of a Big Red house in the most ingenious, daring or frankly outrageous place possible, which could be anywhere from the top of a national monument to an item of celebrity clothing if they dare.
Students can download the image online at www.thebigredhouse.co.uk, where they’ll also find some clues as to what the judges are looking for. The most important advice of all is to keep entries fresh and funny (and legal!), whether they decide to aim high and target a famous landmark or to keep it quirky and go for something in their own neighbourhood.
The competitors have until 17th February to send in visual evidence of where they have got their Big Red House to stand a chance of becoming one of the final 20 finalists. Having dazzled the judges with their wit, the finalists will have their work cut out for the final push – by canvassing students across the entire country to be voted one of the winners. Virgin Mobile will even give the finalists campaign packs to make sure that they can get the voters’ attention, with everything from flyers and badges to posters and road shows.
James Kydd, Brand Director at Virgin Mobile, said: “Two of the biggest worries for students these days are money and finding decent accommodation. Virgin Mobile designed the Big Red House competition because of this – the winners won’t have to worry about where they live and will have more money for beer and mischief while they are at university!”
