American excess? That will do nicely for UK students

 Summer breaks – post-exam binges in idyllic locations – are catching on in a big way in Britain



Revellers enjoy summer break in Newquay

TERRY BARNECUTT



Beach Break Live 2011, a four-day extravaganza, owes much to the similarly debauched American tradition of spring breaks, where students in their "reading" weeks let off steam while having parties on beaches in Miami, Palm Springs or over the border in Cancun.

Sex is seen, along with alcohol, as one of the big draws of these events. These dangerous circumstances could lead to a similar tragedy just like that of Molly Ammon, a 19 year-old University of Florida student who died early this year of alcohol poisoning at nearly five times the limit.

British students are, of course, no stranger to drinking or celebrating the end of their studies but organized summer breaks have become big business in recent years. The idea of finishing exams and going on a huge party is true to the American Spring Break but difference from the British in a way that the British care far more about the music and the whole festival experience.

My opinion:
I don’t mind the fact celebrating the end of the year, but I do wonder why it should be so extravagant. I wouldn’t stay away from a nice pool party or festival. However, I won’t go when I know that it will all turn out in a kind of sex party. For me that is not celebrating; it is only a way for getting ride of your dignity.