The Cambridge Students’ Union has banned stickers at this year’s Freshers’ Fair, creating a tricky situation for many societies.

While prohibiting stickers, SU exhibitor rules allow firearms to be displayed at the Freshers’ Fair if they comply with SU firearms regulations. Guns cannot be lived and ammunition is completely banned to ensure no one accidentally opens fire.

Other prohibited activities include balloon popping, smoking and vaping, and any third-party advertising.

Freshers’ Fair is an annual event which allows new students to register with university-wide societies. It is described as “an opportunity for clubs and societies to show off everything they do for new and returning students”.

Despite the sticker ban, many companies were seen handing them out to newcomers at the event. The SU said it confiscated the stickers when they were spotted, but that companies were not further reprimanded for distributing this type of contraband.

Several companies had firearms on display, including the Smallbore Club, which had a bolt-action rifle at its booth. The rifle has been disassembled, unloaded and locked on the support to avoid any risk of use. There was also a large “Do Not Touch” sign posted next to it.

The Clay Pigeon Shooting Club was unable to bring a shotgun to the event because they could not stop someone from loading the shotgun. Some companies also displayed fake weapons during the event, including nerf guns and paintball guns.

Many other weapons were also on display at the event, including clubs, fencing foils and a wooden Katana.

A Cambridge SU spokesperson said: “We always want to make sure everyone can have the best time possible at the Freshers’ Fair, including people who may have sensory issues and therefore find noises loud and suddenly disturbing and disturbing. »

“Each year we allow guns because they are an integral part of the operation of some student societies, but we make it clear where they will be present so students can choose to avoid them if they may find them disruptive. Stickers are not allowed because they can damage the furniture and structures we rent for the fair, which can result in fines (and therefore less money for students to spend). We remove prohibited items as we see them and do not reprimand students further,” they continued.