StandOut Magazine March 2023

Event tents and Temporary structures

Event tents and Temporary structures

That

That

MARCH 2023

I’ve just spent the weekend walking in North Yorkshire, surrounded by snowdrops and the first cheerful signs of spring… daffodils. I love being outside. It’s where I think, and the weekend has certainly left me with a spring in my step. I feel like I am ready for the upcoming events season and all its quirks and challenges. But are you too feeling ready?

Personally, I think you are. I’ve had some great conversations these last few weeks. Event owners are no longer firefighting but have started to plan positively; growth is on the horizon, so it got me thinking: Are we back? Is this the year that we can feel some normality?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not delusional. There will be challenges but I know we’re resilient, and the ability to flex is in our DNA. It’s what we do. Collaboration will be key – yes, that old chestnut, I can hear you. But it really will, and I think a lot of growth will come from partnerships.

If we are going to navigate 2023 – and I don’t mean scrape through – then we must work to our strengths. After the last two years, and the tightrope that we’ve all wobbled on, it’s time to find balance and equilibrium. We need to work the best way we can and only do what we enjoy. This breeds success.

In this latest issue, we have some great features on partnership working (page 41), growth opportunities (page 32) and what motivates others to do the jobs they do (page 15). Plus, we have a huge article that focuses on county shows and the great developments taking place at regional events, which attract audiences in their thousands. Pop the kettle on and have a read. Oh, and if you turn to page 53, you’ll find out why small events are essential to a rich and varied events landscape. Till next time and hope to see you in a field very soon.

Happy reading, Caroline

Cover image: © Motorpoint Arena/Jake Haseldine/Halo Solutions

10 TENDERS

Looking for new business opportunities? Check out the latest event tenders and contract wins

12 ON TRACK

Thirteen Scottish landmarks were lit up to celebrate the UCI Cycling World Championships, as the countdown to the mega sporting event begins

15 IT’S A CELEBRATION

To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, StandOut shines a spotlight on LS Events’ Mel Archer, Laura Armstrong, and Beth Smith, who talk about their first-hand experiences of working in events

21

ADVICE ON TAP

Following a scorching summer in 2022, event organisers are carefully making temporary water supply plans for 2023

24 THE COUNTRY’S FINEST

County show organisers discuss their event plans and how they plan to develop this year’s events

32

PARK LIFE

Charlton Park is actively looking to host new events on the Wiltshire estate, as well as launch several homegrown shows. Nick Mattingley, the estate’s new events consultant, talks to StandOut

35 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Bar and catering providers reveal best practices and the latest trends to impact the world of events and festivals

38 KURIOS LIFE

The Royal Albert Hall installed additional steelwork beneath the stalls for Cirque du Soleil’s new show Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities

41 SAFE AND SECURE

StandOut goes behind the scenes at Motorpoint Arena to check out Halo v5, the latest version of Halo Solutions’ incident and threat management platform

54 MEASURE WHAT MATTERS

Meshh’s Jessica Pomfret talks about measurement, metrics, and tactics; all vital elements if you wish to demonstrate real sponsorship value

ON TRACK 12

SAFE AND SECURE 41

FOOD FOR THOUGHT 35

THE COUNTRY’S FINEST 24

CONTRIBUTORS: This month’s

DIANA WALTON

Diana is the show manager of the Hanbury Countryside Show Society and membership secretary of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations. Diana grew up with shows, so you could say they’re in her blood. Following a successful career as a rural chartered surveyor, she joined the livestock department of the Three Counties Agricultural Society, Worcestershire, in 2009. She was promoted to head of shows in 2016 and managed events like the society’s prestigious Royal Three Counties Show, and its key horticultural events, the RHS Malvern Spring Festival and the RHS Malvern Autumn Show. In 2022, she was appointed show manager of Hanbury Countryside Show, and in this issue talks about plans for the 2023 event.

NICK MATTINGLEY

Nick is a seasoned events professional with vast experience in a variety of roles. Recently, he has worked as project director on the opening ceremony of the World Defense Show, but his career includes prestigious roles, such as CEO of Henley Festival, shows director at Royal Horticultural Society, and project director at IMG. In September 2022, Nick joined Charlton Park Estate as a consultant to look at special projects and events. He is working with the estate to attract organisers to Charlton Park and is looking at opportunities to launch homegrown shows. On page 32, Nick discusses his new role and where he believes the opportunities lie for the wider events industry to get involved.

LAURA ARMSTRONG

Laura Armstrong is a senior project manager at LS Events and is leading the industry towards a more equitable future through her mentoring work with the Network of Women in Events (NOWIE). She is also embracing diversity and inclusion as key themes within her event planning strategy in 2023. A vocal advocate for women supporting women, Armstrong champions representation at all levels believing that encouraging others to be the best version of themselves is the way forward when it comes to enabling equity. In this latest edition and to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, Laura discusses her inspirations and passions and why it’s essential to champion female events professionals.

SUPPLIERS OF FLOOR & WALL COVERINGS, ARTIFICIAL GRASS AND DECORATIVE DISPLAY MATERIALS

Marquee, Event, Stage, Film & Theatre, Exhibition, Party, Commercial Venues. Full installation & fitting service, plus recycling post event

Malcolm Leach has joined isla as chief technical officer to develop TRACE, the measurement platform designed to help businesses measure and minimise carbon emissions at events.

John O’Donoghue has been appointed managing director of Actavo Events Solutions.

NEC Group Ticketing and Arenas has revealed a new senior commercial team, including Ben Sharman, head of venue programming, Gareth Coleman, ticketing general manager, Noel Edwards, ticketing director, Andy Price, commercial director, and Nicky Burgess, head of sales (premium and groups).

Ignition , the Bristol-based exhibition, events and experience designer, has appointed Sam Morris as head of operations.

Janthea Brigden, Nipperbout Inclusivity and diversity are about so many different aspects in the event world, and we can all, myself included, think more about accessibility and what we can put in place to help everyone feel welcomed and safe.

There are some positive steps being taken by organisers already I’m pleased to relate!

This week, I received three different enquiries for childcare services for events, which have never offered childcare before!

These are from organisers who are truly thinking of how to enfranchise their delegates, by putting a provision in place ahead of the teachers’ strikes in March.

Childcare can really make a difference to parents (not just mums!) allowing delegates peace of mind and the opportunity to enjoy the event.

#Event #Inclusion #Diversity #Childcare #Eventprofsuk

A giant welly is touring venues across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire to promote RHS Malvern Spring Festival, a four-day gardening show held at the Three Counties Showground (May 11-14). Here, Charlie Gwynn, events executive, Kate Dufton, RHS show lead, and Jane Edwards, head of shows, are pictured with the giant welly at John Lewis Cheltenham. The 10-foothigh promotional wellington boot moves location every two weeks and will visit Gloucester Quays and Gloucester Cathedral, where visitors are encouraged to take a selfie and post to social media.

LINKEDIN POST OF THE MONTH

Lucy Powell MP, Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, has joined the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events.

BOURNEMOUTH 7S

Pitch perfect

Looking for new business opportunities? Check out the latest event tenders and details of recent contract wins

Ipswich Borough Council has issued a tender (divided into lots) as it wishes to create an events framework. It requires toilets, generators, lighting, radios, pyro, staging, sound and AV, traffic management, and event services. The deadline is 2pm on March 8. Email louise.denton@ipswich.gov.uk

West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Town Council are inviting quotes from experienced and qualified event management contractors. The deadline is 12pm on March 2. Email sandra.best@westnorthants.gov.uk

Bournemouth 7s has chosen FIXR, the events management and ticketing platform, as its official ticketing partner for 2023.

The University of Central Lancashire requires staging, lighting, sound, video, and staff for several university events, including graduation ceremonies. The deadline for this £1.2 million tender is 12pm on March 15. Email nismail4@uclan.ac.uk

Leeds Trinity University wishes to create an events management services framework. The deadline is 10am on March 8. Email Mark Hayter – m.hayter@leedstrinity.ac.uk

Derry City and Strabane District Council wish to invite written tenders from suitably experienced security and stewarding organisations. This tender runs until 2026. The deadline is 12pm on March 10. Email tenders@derrystrabane.com

Transport for London has issued a prior information notice. It is looking for a suitable contractor to deliver two temporary fan meeting points and one fan festival for the UEFA Champions League Final 2024. Email Adeel Rajput – adeelrajput@tfl.gov.uk

The organiser of the BFI London Film Festival has issued a tender as it seeks event production management for the red carpet event. Email graham.bellas@bfi.org.uk – the deadline is 10am on March 3.

On track

Thirteen Scottish landmarks were lit up to celebrate the UCI Cycling World Championships, as the countdown to the mega sporting event begins

The organiser of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has marked six months to go until the “first-of-its-kind event” by lighting up iconic landmarks across Scotland where 13 UCI World Championship events will take place.

From the Riverside Museum on the banks of the river Clyde in Glasgow to Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Loch Lomond, the organiser illuminated several sights and attractions. All the landmarks were chosen as they are located in the regions that are venues for the largest event in cycling history. These

regions of Scotland will see thousands of amateur and elite cyclists from more than 120 countries compete across the 13 UCI World Championships for the first time at the mega-event.

The world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands (pictured) – widely known to Harry Potter fans – was bathed in swathes of light by The Stage Group. The colours of the UCI rainbow shone brightly, with the stripes signifying the five continents.

David Lappartient, president of UCI, said: ““We are now into the final stretch of preparations for these milestone

UCI Cycling World Championships.

Illuminating landmarks at key venues in Glasgow and across Scotland has given everyone a true sense of the importance and enormity of this inaugural event. Six months will pass by quickly and I cannot wait to see fans and athletes from cycling’s many different disciplines join together for these eleven days of excitement, celebration and competition that will crown virtually all our UCI World Champions for 2023.”

The UCI Cycling World Championships take place from August 3-13, 2023.

LS EVENTS

It’s a celebration

To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, StandOut shines a spotlight on LS Events’ Mel Archer, Laura Armstrong, and Beth Smith, who talk about their first-hand experiences of working in events. In this exclusive article, they document their motivations, inspirations, and passions, as well as the importance of women’s safety, the value of networking, why it’s essential to champion female events professionals, and the benefits of diversifying your workplace

LAURA ARMSTRONG

Laura Armstrong is a senior project manager at LS Events and is leading the industry towards a more equitable future through her mentoring work with the Network of Women in Events (NOWIE). She is also embracing diversity and inclusion as key themes within her event planning strategy in 2023. A vocal advocate for women supporting women, Armstrong champions representation at all levels, believing that encouraging others to be the best version of themselves is the way forward when it comes to enabling equity.

I have a huge passion for… supporting women in events. I think it is important to celebrate and champion women rather than see other women as competition. Everyone has a different skill set and style of working and these should be celebrated. Some of my best friends are people within the industry and even though we do similar roles we celebrate each other’s success, which is really positive.

I am currently working on… the planning and advance for American Express presents BST Hyde Park.

As a woman working in events, I have experienced… sexism. Despite events being a very forward-thinking and inclusive industry, I have witnessed sexism and experienced it first hand.

I think mentoring is important because… I believe in encouraging people to be the best version of themselves and seek to thrive at what they feel their purpose is or what they’re passionate about. Mentoring is important to me as I would have loved to have had a mentor when I was starting out in the industry. I think it’s really powerful to be able to share learnings and experiences to help someone else.

I support NOWIE because… it’s an amazing space both online and when you attend the meetings. The networking is so valuable and it’s important to try and think of solutionbased ways to get better representation for women in the events industry.

Diversity and inclusion are important... because diversifying your workplace and events allows for better representation and ultimately a broader range of events. Broadening the voices we hear and the stories we listen to as part of a process

of self-education will enable us to get much closer to the issues of inclusivity and diversity, and understand how they impact our events and talent streams. A diverse and inclusive environment establishes a sense of belonging which I believe is important.

Images: © Rob Evans/With Love Studio/ Nathan J Cox/inthebag.pro

LAURA ARMSTRONG

TEAM MEETING

Mel Archer is event operations manager at LS Events and the production company’s nominated Night Safety Champion. Tasked with the activation and management of welfare initiatives across LS Events’ events, Archer’s involvement with the Women’s Night Safety Charter has been instrumental in helping LS Events to deliver innovation against the pledges it has made as part of London’s commitment to the UN Women Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces global initiative.

I love my role as LS Events’ Night Safety Champion because… I genuinely care about the wellbeing of others, and I am proud that LS Events is advocating such an important initiative. I’m proud to be representing us at the Women’s Night Summit Charter in March.

It’s my goal to… develop strategies to keep everyone safe at our events, which drives a permanent change in attitude and behaviour in the wider community.

This year, LS Events will… continue to collaborate with others in our industry to learn and share and utilise the wealth of knowledge and experience within the team.

I am inspired by… event welfare consultant Penny Mellor. She is one of the most incredible people I have had the pleasure to work with. Her dedication and compassion for others, combined with her contribution to our industry through her work with Festival Welfare Services, is truly inspiring.

The biggest career lesson I have learned is… don’t be afraid to put your hand up and say you don’t understand something. The more you know the more confident you will be!

In five years’ time, I hope… the work we are all doing on safeguarding within our industry will become standard practice everywhere.

MEL ARCHER

TEAM CHAT

AMERICAN EXPRESS PRESENTS BST HYDE PARK

MEL ARCHER

Beth Smith is senior projects manager at LS Events and represents American Express presents BST Hyde Park and Luno presents All Points East in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Silver Festivals crosscompany forum. A passionate advocate for collaboration and sharing best practice, Smith is a positive example of the new generation of event professionals who embrace equity across all aspects of their event organisation.

I was inspired to enter the events industry by… going to events and wanting to understand how they work. From how they build the stage to how they get everyone in and out so quickly, it’s such a multifaceted operation.

I believe there is a huge opportunity for events professionals to… come together to share experiences and create a collaborative approach for industry developments, a mindset that has galvanised me since becoming involved with the MPS Silver Festivals cross-company forum and seeing first-hand how positive this approach can be.

I am motivated by… the work we do that gives people an outlet from their daily lives and allows them to have fun. Counting the number of people you’ve made happy during a year is extremely satisfying.

It’s important to share best practices because… we are always learning. From responses to the current threat level to the constant evolution in technologies, there are always ways to improve. MPS invite the event lead for each of our London events – which fall under the MPS Central Planning Team –to update on event trends. MPS also update us on the latest intel and planning for the upcoming year. It’s intrinsic to the successful and safe delivery of our landmark events.

I would like to see more… organisations embracing equity in the workplace. I am very lucky to work for a company that celebrates and champions its female employees, proving that gender is no barrier for delivering event excellence.

Working in the events industry gives me… great memories that I will enjoy looking back on.

BETH SMITH

BETH SMITH

TEAM BRIEFING

MTD, TRANSPARANT AS WATER

THROUGH SHARING OUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE, WHEN IT COMES TO WATER, WE WORK TOGETHER WITH YOU TO CREATE A SUSTAINABLE EVENT.

WE ARE YOUR WATER PARTNER WE ARE MTD

Under pressure

Event organisers are carefully making temporary water supply plans for 2023

ot even the most diligent events professionals could have foreseen the impact that last summer’s scorching temperatures would have on temporary infrastructure and operations. Months of below-average rainfall coupled with temperatures that topped 40C put pressure on an already frazzled events eco-system that saw both organisers and suppliers battling to make it through the season. So, imagine the pressure on temporary water systems as crew and audiences fought to stay hydrated.

Matt Tooth, joint managing director of GMC Events, is currently working with Kambe Events, organiser of Shambala, and Liquiline, the temporary water supply and bulk water provider, to improve water infrastructure on the festival’s Northamptonshire site.

“Shambala constantly grows and evolves,” explained Tooth. “We want to improve the water infrastructure to keep up with capacity. With more permanent infrastructure, Shambala can have more control and water meters allow us to see how water is being used. This will enable Shambala to create a more robust sustainability plan around water usage.”

Currently, one ring main services the bulk of the Shambala site. This February and March, Liquiline is installing an additional ring main, with take-offs at key points around the system, which will reduce the amount of overlay pipework required.

Tooth continued: “As the festival has expanded, the camping facilities have extended into another field, which now has traders, showers, and campers. The new ring main and an additional buffer system will enable Shambala to expand over that field.”

Bill Wootten, managing director of Liquiline, says the additional ring main will allow for add additional storage, boosting the system for those areas of the site that suffer from being at the end of the line.

Tooth described the addition of permanent infrastructure as a large step toward a more sustainable approach to water usage. He admitted that extreme heat placed the festival’s water system under pressure last year. This year, “more resilience” will be put into the system by two large pillow tanks on site – one 100 cubic metres and one 50 cubic metres.

LIQUILINE IN ACTION

NEW INFRASTRUCTURE AT SHAMBALA

BILL WOOTTEN

JOE HEAP

REDUCE PLASTIC

Liquiline has a three-year contract with the festival. 2022 was year one of a three-year deal. Wootten is keen to take learnings from last year and is working even closer with Tooth and his team to design and install additional infrastructure, including water meters, that will help the festival reduce overlay, reduce water waste, and the amount of plastic piping used. Plus, the organising team wants a deeper analysis of peaks and troughs; water meters will enable the team to drill down on water usage in each area of the site.

Liquiline is not only working with Shambala this summer. It has signed a new three-year deal with Threshold Sports to provide water for more than 25 mass participation events. Plus, the water provider is supplying services to Truckfest, Cereals, Bristol Pride, and Royal International Air Tattoo.

Liquiline is set to launch a standalone, single-bottle refill station as well as new four and six-tap water refill stations with built-in waste pumps to supplement its current stock. Wootten described the events marketplace as buoyant and competitive, whilst Sven Parris, head of sales and marketing at Water Direct, said that the events industry has sprung back to life.

Richard Connor, managing director of Temporary Water Solutions, confirmed that requests for bottle refilling stations continue to rise as many events try to make bottled water (and single-use plastics in general) a thing of the past. Temporary Water Solutions is fabricating its own units in-house to meet specific client needs.

Connor said: “On the whole, the events market is positive. Many of our clients with well-established events booked our services early (before Christmas). We have received a high number of enquiries about new events, planned for this year. However, not all these organisers are ready to place orders as they are a little uncertain about selling enough tickets.”

CLEAN CUSTOMERS

But selling tickets is not the only challenge that organisers face. Supply chain issues are a problem. In fact, they were such a problem in 2022 that Joe Heap, festival director of Towersey Festival, decided to purchase his own water infrastructure because the festival could not source a water supplier. The infrastructure will be paid for over a period of three years and in year four, Towersey will start seeing savings.

“We were struggling to find a supplier, so we bought pipes,” explained Heap. “We used to dry hire kit and now we own it.”

Heap and festival project manager Mary Hodson, Heap’s younger sister, described last year’s foray into temporary water infrastructure as a “learning curve”.

“Our site has a water feed. We used some pillow tanks to create our own system, but it took 12 days to fill a pillow tank. We also

brought in our own crew, had a plumber on site, and worked with a local water testing company,” Heap added. “We learned that one small tap is not enough so for 2023, we’re working on a secondary water supply, and we’ll be filling tanks earlier!”

Hodson said the Towersey team is working with the Steeple Claydon estate to put in more feeds and is also in talks with Anglian Water. The immense heat of 2022 put pressure on the water system, which meant that the festival did have to tanker in a small amount of water to ensure the festival didn’t run out.

“The new system required lots of work, logistically,” continued Heap. “If anyone else is thinking of buying their own kit, make sure you have a hardworking team, allow lots of time, and make sure you have good connections with local suppliers.

“This year, we are making a few tweaks to the site to make it work even better and we’ll be addressing some pinch points. For example, there was heavy water usage in the showers.”

Hodson concluded: “Our customers are annoyingly clean.”

TOWERSEY PURCHASED ITS OWN KIT

PIPING FOR TOWERSEY

PILLOW TANK AT SHAMBALA

Country best

County show organisers discuss their event plans for 2023

C ounty shows have long been a staple of a rapidly expanding and developing events calendar. Show organisers work hard to find the right balance of tradition and innovation, blending the old with the new, satisfying loyal audiences and stakeholder expectations with the needs and desires of a new generation of visitors.

It is certainly hard to try and please everyone and appeal to both traditionalists and those seeking something new. For years, show organisers have made huge efforts to develop their annual events whilst balancing budgets. This year, that task is even more difficult as rising production costs and the cost-of-living crisis hamper efforts to keep ticket prices affordable for a family-friendly demographic.

Corrie Ince, show director of the South of England Show (June 9-11), is marketing the West Sussex event through a broader mix of media and is trying to keep ticket price

increases as low as possible. The event did not take place in 2021. Therefore, last year’s event provided Ince and her team with an opportunity to “re-introduce” show elements that had been missing since the pandemic. She explained: “Since the cancellation of the show in 2020, we have focused on taking the show back to its roots as an agricultural show. We wanted to focus on why the show existed in the first place and remove any of the costly additions that had been added to the show over the years, which had possibly distracted from the real purpose of the show. When surveyed, our visitors say that livestock is the most popular part of the show.”

She continued: “The cost-of-living crisis is having a two-fold effect on shows with visitors being more careful on where they spend their money, so having to decide whether they feel they can come to the show or not. Secondly, when they come to the show, they tend to be spending less with the trade stands. This is not great for

our trade exhibitors, but also affects their decisions as to whether they continue to exhibit at shows.”

FINANCIALLY VIABLE

One of the largest challenges facing the South of England Show is an inevitable increase in costs, with the average increase going up between 10 – 20 per cent. Ince feels that the event can only really increase charges for tickets, membership, and trade stands between three and five per cent. Ince and her team have reviewed all supplier contracts and believes that many shows are going to find 2023 “an extremely difficult year”.

This will be a common thread for many county show organisers. James Cox, show secretary of Dorset County Show (September 2-3), was appointed in November 2022. He joins the Dorchester Agricultural Society with a background in agriculture and event management from the Gillingham

and Shaftesbury Show and Royal Bath and West Show. Furthermore, he has volunteered at Dorset County Show since the age of 13. He knows the Dorset County Show well. Therefore, he has not wasted any time putting his own stamp on the annual event, such as tendering all event contracts and making sure that the show works with contractors that have event experience.

Since his appointment, he has instigated a review of all contracts too. Similarly, he has worked with the organising team to look at ticket pricing, site layout, trader sales, and a refreshed marketing strategy, including greater spending on Dorset-based media, print media, and social media.

“Costs have gone up considerably,” he said. “We have looked at our marketing because to counteract costs you must attract more people to your show. You must get more people in rather than put your ticket prices up.

“The site layout is also changing considerably,” Cox continued. “Previously, we had a massive area full of trade stands, but we needed people to go in that area and put attractions in there to encourage people to go in. Now, we are spreading our traders across the site. Visitors will find themselves in shopping areas without even knowing it.”

This move not only vastly reduces entertainment costs but also enables Cox and his team to introduce different pitch prices for traders. Cox stated that there are not as many big companies that exhibit, so the sales and marketing team is looking at marketing the show to smaller traders, local crafters, and “more Dorsetbased businesses”.

Cox believes that appealing to smaller businesses and local companies – rather than focusing all efforts on big businesses – helps the Dorset County Show to be more financially viable.

SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOW

LISA MOORE

CORRIE INCE

JAMES COX

NIKKI DORKINGS

DIANA WALTON

COSTS AND VOLUNTEERS

Similarly, Diana Walton, show manager of the Hanbury Countryside Show (July 1), says that running a community show like Hanbury requires the “meticulous monitoring of costs”. To save more money, the show is producing all its schedules online because of escalating print and production costs. Yet, it’s not the show’s only challenge.

Walton explained: “Year on year, the challenge is to find volunteers – we need more than 300 of them ideally. Volunteers are at the very heart of our show, many of them having long-standing family connections over generations, and all passionate, particularly as they know we make donations to local charities and other worthwhile causes. Following the pandemic, we are re-forging links with our local schools, groups, and businesses, communicating with them earlier on in the year. We are very encouraged by their positive response and determination to make the show the best it can be, and we are hoping to provide a briefing evening, with a thank you supper for them at the start of show week.”

In 2022, Walton and her team worked with the local council’s Highways team and signage contractor to implement a new traffic management plan. It made such a difference that Hanbury Countryside Show is taking the same model forward for 2023. But that’s not the only change. In 2022, it became apparent that the show would benefit from the agriculture and equine areas being more entwined; this is being addressed this year with a new layout. And the show’s organiser is also working with the local community to lobby

the area’s telecoms provider to provide a local mast to improve telephone signals and Wi-Fi connections, especially as traders wish to process transactions.

FLEXIBILITY

Like Cox, Nikki Dorkings, general manager at Kent County Showground, and show manager of Kent County Show (July 7-9), has introduced changes to trade stands. This year, the show is trialling a new package for new businesses and start-ups, offering trade stands at a cheaper price point to encourage local businesses to exhibit at the show. Plus, the show has opted to work with Showing Scene, the show management platform, to make trade stand bookings and competition entries less “manually intense”.

KENT COUNTY SHOW

PREPARATIONS AT NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY SHOW

DEVON COUNTY SHOW

Kent County Show attracts 75,000 visitors and is run by a 250-strong volunteer army. This year, the event is looking at introducing an app, and more sheltered seating areas, and Dorkings has introduced new ticketing policies too. Previously, visitors would purchase a ticket for a specific show day. Now, visitors purchase a ticket which allows them entry on any of the show’s three days. Dorkings believes that this new move gives customers flexibility. She is working with TICKETsrv on the new ticketing policy; and has appointed new suppliers, including RS Events and Traffic Management, Entertee, MET Medical, Roadphone NRB, Power Logistics, and Rightguard Security. Furthermore, instead of appointing one marquee supplier, Dorkings has had to appoint three because marquees are “difficult to get hold of”. Therefore, Danco, Cobham Marquees, and Trapeze Marquees have been appointed to supply equipment and services.

NEW OUTLOOK

Dorset County Show has contracted OT Electrical, Danco, TICKETsrv and Showing Scene too whilst Kerry Robson, show secretary of Northumberland County Show (May 27), has appointed DCRS, Fletchers Marquees, Border Loos, and Sound Broadcast UK to the one-day show.

Robson has worked on the show for more than six years and was promoted to the show’s main organiser role in September 2022. She wasted no time in making changes. The show now has a new website, a new logo, and staff have new uniforms. Plus, she is delivering changes thanks to a new outlook, as there’s a desire to keep tradition alive but also bring new people through the door. Sue Thompson is press, sponsorship, and marketing officer at Northumberland

County Show. She explained: “Our one-day event has traditionally taken place on the bank holiday. Last year, we had the Jubilee celebrations so ended up with a Friday show. We found that our exhibitors and traders valued the opportunity to set up their stands during the week, break down on the weekend and still have a day off. So, after hundreds of years, we have changed our show day to a Saturday, and it has been well received.”

SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOW

DEVON COUNTY SHOW

Northumberland County Show wishes to engage younger consumers and wants to do more outreach. Therefore, on the Thursday before the show, it has made the decision to use one of the show’s marquees for a farm education day, inviting 500 local children and strengthening the connection between town and country. Robson and her team are also trialling a game fair area to reflect rural pursuits in the show’s offer. Furthermore, there are big plans for some “major moves” in 2024, including bigger arenas and an improved members marquee.

TICKET PRICES

Like Robson, Lisa Moore has considerable county show experience and has recently taken on a new role at Devon County Show (May 18-20). Moore has stepped up from assistant show manager to lead the team as acting show manager. She wants the show to return to its “pre-pandemic glory” and that requires both creativity and investment, which the Devon County Agricultural Association is providing.

In 2022, Devon County Show took place in July. Thanks to COVID, the show moved away from using large marquees. Now that the show has moved back to its original May slot in the calendar, large marquees are required once more, especially as exhibitors are keen to get out onto the circuit after a long winter.

Devon County Show is one of the first major agricultural events in the calendar. To encourage people to visit the event, the show’s organising team has for the first time introduced two tiers of advance ticket pricing. Moore said: “The cost-ofliving crisis is naturally going to affect all shows going forward. But equally, we are confident that people will always need a break from the bad news and will take advantage of the ticket prices that, if they buy in advance, have not changed from last year.”

David Tite, chairman of the Association of Show and Agricultural Associations (ASAO), and chief executive of

Driffield Agricultural Society, argued that “excellent support” in 2022 from the British public and exhibitors had meant many county shows were reborn. However, 2023 is full of new challenges. He said: “There have been many changes in the administrative roles within many shows, add this to the marked increase in costs from suppliers and a shortage of staff in the support sector, and the outlook for 2023 is not as easy as one would hope. With the cost-of-living challenges for everyone, the setting of admission charges for shows is a very important figure to evaluate for all concerned.”

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Park life

Charlton Park is actively looking to host new events on the Wiltshire estate, as well as launch several homegrown shows. Nick Mattingley has been engaged by the estate to advise on special projects and events. Here, he talks to StandOut about his new role and opportunities for the events industry

I f you say the name Charlton Park to anyone, it’s fair to say that most people are not quite sure of the estate’s location. However, if you explain that the Wiltshire venue is where WOMAD festival takes place – and has done since 2007 –most events professionals will know where you mean.

Nick Mattingley is Charlton Park Estate’s recently appointed events consultant. He has been contracted to advise the venue and 4,500-acre estate on a longterm events strategy, counselling the organisation on business opportunities, venue developments, and who might hire the venue for a large-scale or even small outdoor event. In September 2022, he was appointed as the new consultant for special projects and events. And he firmly states that “WOMAD is sacrosanct”.

“I started in September,” explains Mattingley. “The remit then was to present ideas for permanent and

temporary events, supported by business cases, for presentation to the trustees and the Earl of Suffolk. This has since extended to compiling scopes of work, concepts of operation (ConOps) and ground plans in preparedness for planning applications (where required).”

Thus far, Mattingley has scoped out 13 proposals and is currently pursuing four. He adds: “I’m also dusting off my CAD skills while we produce location and site plans for all the projects as well as survey the estate to plot out potential utilities, roadways, gates and existing buried or overhead services.”

NEW EVENT IDEAS

The Charlton Park Estate consists of more than 4,500 acres and there are 500 acres of “potential event space”.

Mattingley is looking to work with more event promoters, owners, and organisers and attract third-party producers

and showmen, as well as film and TV companies, to look at the land and use it for a mix of outdoor events. Plus, Charlton Park is looking at creating and launching its own events, such as plant fairs and spring or autumn flower shows.

Mattingley comments: “The Earl wishes to create a hub around which we can attract the usual mix of camping and leisure activities. It’s too early to say what the homegrown events might be but we’re trying to attract third-party promoters, producers, and showmen. The estate has many quirky corners so may also attract film and TV companies looking for something fresh. We’ve got plenty of space to play with. It’s a blank canvas that’s not been utilised before.”

Mattingley believes that the estate is perfect for organisers looking for “space only hires” and “green field” site operations. Currently, the estate is looking at how it can expand the existing on-grid utilities and areas of hardstanding, but access, privacy and space are “plentiful”. For smaller events, Charlton Park is also looking at how it can utilise a disused walled garden area as an events space – it is split into four 4,000 square metre squares.

Mattingley says: “We’re particularly interested to hear from anyone with new event ideas who wants to try things out but also with an eye on a multi-year relationship where we both can grow.”

NICK MATTINGLEY

CREATING A FRAMEWORK

“Obviously, we need to be mindful that nothing is directly competitive to our existing line-up, but the location is fabulously well connected, just seven miles from the M4,” Mattingley continues. “There’s an airfield on site, with a hangar. Acres of grassland, a World War II prisoner of war camp, woods and rivers, an equestrian centre, retail, and business park.”

Mattingley has been working with the Earl and his team to communicate the new “estate strategy” to the wider estate’s farm and estate businesses on site. Change is inevitable and so it has been important to communicate the new vision and “bring everyone along with us”.

The estate wishes to improve its existing infrastructure and says that its unspoilt and easy-to-access location is a big win for organisers. Plus, there are opportunities for the events supply chain to play a part in the estate’s future. In fact, it’s Mattingley’s aim to develop a preferred supplier list and a trusted framework of “competent” event contractors “who embrace our values and site rules”.

So, when can the events industry expect to see new, large-scale events taking place at Charlton Park?

Mattingley concludes: “April 2024 is the current target date – but as we know, with planning and other constraints, lead times for some events are measured in years. There are a couple of deals being inked as we speak but there will be more on that soon…”

WOMAD

Image: © Suzie Blake

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Food for thought

Bar and catering experts reveal the latest food and drink trends to impact the world of events and festivals

initiative. In total, the team worked with 315 food traders and measured the carbon footprint of 1,537 meals.

Chapman plans to do more work on food carbon footprints in 2023. She is not the only events professional looking at how their food and beverage operations can reduce environmental impact.

Shambala’s latest Impact Report details its sustainability initiatives and is transparent about its achievements as well as its areas of improvement. Like Festival Republic, Shambala worked with 52 food traders in 2022 to publish the carbon footprint of the food being served and label the environmental impact of meals at food stalls. Food traders were provided with a food carbon calculator in advance of the festival. This part of the initiative worked, but without a good signal on-site, people couldn’t access the information

online via QR codes. Kambe Events, organiser of Shambala, is looking at ways to bring food impact labelling alive on-site for 2023 and is also looking to develop its regenerative food sourcing strategy.

MINDFUL CONSUMPTION

In 2016, Shambala banished meat and fish from the festival. At the time, it was considered a brave and bold move. But ticketholders (surveyed in 2022) have stated that they would like the festival to remain meat and fish free. Eventgoers

making more informed food and drink choices is certainly a growing trend.

Adam Hempenstall, founder of Peppermint Events, and Sharon Lawrence, senior account manager, new business at Amadeus, both comment that health and wellbeing are at the top of the agenda, with both crew and festivalgoers wanting healthier options.

Hempenstall explained: “The Low and No category is talked about a lot in the on-trade where it is seeing exponential growth, but what about events?

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“If you’re going to see Adele in Hyde Park for a once-in-a-lifetime show is there the argument that being ‘sensible’ goes out the window? Yes and no. We are seeing more and more attendees seeking out lower ABV products and not just Gen Z/Y. People are looking for products that are organic, naturally produced, and less artificial whilst also seeking out lower ABV to ensure they stay ‘in the moment’.

“The trend is definitely towards mindful consumption. We’ve worked this for events, including BST Hyde Park, Camp Bestival, Cheltenham Jazz, Lytham, Goodwood, and many more to provide a great, thoughtful range of Low and No products. A good example was our dedicated Low and No bar at CarFest called NOLO. It’s an event where a lot of people drive, it’s a big family crowd (but not many Gen Z/Y) and yet was still popular.”

CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

Hempenstall’s observations are backed by Sodexo data, which shows a yearon-year increase in the proportion of vegetarian and vegan meals sold across 476 of its UK and Ireland client sites.

In 2022, 10 per cent of all meals sold were vegetarian or vegan, compared to eight per cent in 2021. It implies that meat-free eating is no longer a trend, it’s a consumer behaviour.

Freemans Event Partners has signed a multi-year strategic partnership with Quorn, the UK’s No. 1 meat-free brand. This new partnership sees Quorn Professionals – the brand’s foodservice development arm – join forces with Freemans Event Partners to roll out new meat-free menus across Freemans Event Partners’ event, venue, and concessionaire portfolios.

Stephen Freeman, CEO of Freemans Event Partners, said: “Through this partnership with Quorn we can explore and develop new additions to our menus giving eventgoers a greater level of choice and variety.”

Lawrence agrees. Organisers want fresh and healthy options and there is a larger demand for vegan options.

Amadeus – the catering arm of the NEC – provides catering services to events such as Farnborough International Airshow and is now looking to expand into the crew and artist catering market. Lawrence confirmed that the company has had many enquiries from festival organisers, with many looking to move away from “meat dominant” menus.

FOOD FIT FOR ITS AUDIENCE

Yet, it’s not the only trend. As already discussed, sustainability is high on the agenda, but self-serve is growing too.

Peppermint Events, which supplies services to Cheltenham Gold Cup, All Points East, Big Feastival, BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, BST Hyde Park, and Lytham Festival, says that is working on “exciting”

bar innovation projects using some dispense/self-serve technology.

Jason Mumby, director of client development at Freemans Event Partners, concurred. Self-serve kiosks are on their way as eventgoers want quick and easy options, so they don’t miss any event action.

This year, Freemans Event Partners will be working at Victorious Festival, where in 2022 it built and managed 22 bars, including one 90-metre bar, and it will also be providing public catering concessions at the King’s Coronation and Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The Gloucester-based event specialist is now also the major provider of Badminton Horse Trials’ public catering, including food, ice cream, hot drinks, confectionery, and bars. Under the new partnership, the business will also be deploying POS

payment solutions, seating, and dining infrastructures across the event’s food courts.

Jane Tuckwell, event director of Badminton Horse Trials, said: “The Freemans Event Partners team has proved time and time again that they can create bespoke food and beverage offerings which perfectly fit an event and its audience. This was a crucial factor for us when selecting a partner for the Badminton Horse Trials as we have a very specific demographic.

“Equally, we were impressed by their history of delivering high volume in live environments while maintaining exceptional quality and service levels. As we look ahead to what promises to be a momentous 2023, we’re incredibly happy to have Freemans Event Partners with us on this journey.”

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Kurioser and Kurioser

The Royal Albert Hall installed additional steelwork beneath the stalls for Cirque du Soleil’s new show Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities

Cirque du Soleil returned to the Royal Albert Hall in January, with one of its most critically acclaimed touring shows, KURIOS — Cabinet of Curiosities, which consisted of 122 tour members from 23 different countries.

Taking inspiration from the Victorian era and 19th century industrial revolution, KURIOS’ residency at the London venue was timely – coming to the hall during the venue’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The only historic venue worldwide to have installed permanent technology to accommodate Cirque du Soleil’s performances, this year the Royal Albert Hall – in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil – installed additional steelwork beneath the stalls

to strengthen the venue in specific locations. This new infrastructure enables this tour, and all future Cirque du Soleil shows, to be bigger and better than ever before.

Work began on the steel installation in January 2022 and took nine months to complete. In addition, for the first time, the production required the venue’s floor to be elevated to accommodate the unusual set design, transforming the ground level of the venue to the eyes of the regular visitor.

KURIOS – which runs at the Royal Albert Hall until March 5 –features 426 props and requires 65 trucks to transport close to 2,000 tons of equipment.

© Cirque du Soleil/Mathew Tsang

Crowd pleaser

In December, the Home Office confirmed that the first draft of Protect Duty – now to be known as Martyn’s Law – is expected this spring. The new legislation is designed to better protect against the threat of terrorism and will require the events industry to take steps to improve public safety.

What that legislation looks like and how it will be implemented are at the back of every organiser, venue manager, and safety officer’s mind. The concern is that the industry will be flooded by industry experts and “Protect Duty officers” proclaiming to know everything about a law with no details set in stone.

Some organisers have already turned to Lloyd Major, CEO and founder of Halo Solutions, asking if his incident and threat management platform has all the answers. If you ask Major that question, he will tell you: “No. It’s a tool.”

It’s an incredibly honest response from someone who could easily lie to make a sale but that’s not what Major – nor Halo Solutions – is about. As an ex-police officer with National Counter Terrorism Unit experience, he is genuinely looking

to help organisers and venues make their events safer by drawing on his learnings from fast-paced, high-drama, and highoctane environments.

“As the industry recovers from COVID, they are turning an eye to Martyn’s Law,” Major explains, as we tour Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham. “People want to know how they can be prepared, and I think businesses –post-COVID – want to be on the front foot.

“I’ve had some people approach me already, asking about Halo,” he continues. “Before we do a demo, we always listen to that person and ask them what you need the system to do and what problem you want it to solve.

“Some have mentioned Protect Duty, but I tell them we don’t yet know what’s in the legislation. We know there will be some risk assessments, but there could be documents to download and tick off. No one knows.”

Major believes that Protect Duty will place more pressure on events professionals to prove they have complied with all legislation. That’s where, he says, a system like Halo will help organisers, and venues, prove they have done the right thing at the right time.

LLOYD MAJOR

Giving experienced and talented events professionals access to tools that helps to make better decisions is a good thing. StandOut takes five with Halo Solutions’ CEO Lloyd Major

Image: © Jake Haseldine

WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

Halo Solutions has just launched Halo v5, the latest version of its incident and threat management platform. It has 75 new features, including a document library for storing risk assessments and a Bulletin Board for ejections and “risky” people, as well as four new modules on crowd management, accreditation, sustainability, and drone feeds. For example, the accreditation module gives clients the ability to create digital access passes (available to print) that prove their identity. It is linked to the UK Government Passport and Driving Licence databases and allows for customisable onboarding journeys with document upload for compliance, even for temporary staffing. Furthermore, the new crowd management function enables clients to monitor crowds from CCTV feeds, using smart overlays and artificial intelligence to ascertain crowd sentiment, density, tension, and flow.

As we walk around Motorpoint Arena – a long-standing client – Major shows StandOut the venue’s control room and how the arena is using the platform to its advantage. The Halo system dashboard is visible, allowing all operational and security personnel to monitor crowds entering the building for a sold-out Lewis Capaldi concert.

Eric Gentian, director of Gentian Events, and chair of the UK Crowd Management Association, is also checking out the new system. Stuart firmly believes that having the right tools

You wouldn’t send a surgeon into surgery with a couple of rusty spoons. The more kit you can give incredibly talented people can only be a good thing. Where those people are missing, at least there is some kind of safety net and a tool that people can use

TICKET SCANNING IN PROGRESS

can make a world of difference to even the most experienced event, safety, and crowd management professionals.

Stephen Chaston, head of arena operations at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, concurs. He says: “Halo Solutions’ system has allowed us to pull together several key areas of data that we use during an event, including ticket scanning, incident reporting, capacity control, and event checks. This allows our decision-making teams to be presented, in real time, with useful and accurate data to aid actions that provide a safe and smooth event experience for our customers.”

Motorpoint Arena has worked with Halo Solutions for more than four years, and has seen the system evolve during this time. Motorpoint Arena staff, who use the system on a regular basis, feed information back to the Halo team, which takes on board constructive feedback.

Chaston continues: “As a venue, the Halo system has changed the way our teams interact, speeding up communications, reporting and information sharing, working alongside venue CCTV and radio systems.

“The majority of our front-line staff use a Halo device for the duration of their shifts, using one device to switch between a number of tasks that are required of them.”

RECOGNISING THREATS

Major tells StandOut that Halo v5 has been in development since May 2022. However, the crowd management module has only been developed in the last six months. It has been driven by the latest tech innovations from Amazon Web Services and by what’s happening in the world. Major and his team could see a need for it.

“Crowd management specialists are a resource that not everyone can enjoy because either they don’t have the budget or they lack the knowledge to know they need one,” Major continues, whilst we watch Capaldi fans have their tickets scanned using Halo Solutions’ ticket scanning tech. “Or it could be that there are not enough of them.

“The way to distribute some insight and support is to give people tools for them to recognise any threats themselves.

“Despite having built this software, I am taking the position that it’s not a replacement for a crowd manager, it’s not going to solve crowd issues, and it’s not going to dramatically change everything a crowd manager does.

“But you give a crowd manager a radio, you give them access to CCTV, and you give them access to an incident management platform. If you can give them a tool that helps them to speed through the calculations

they need to do, they are forewarned and forearmed, using technology to make the best possible decision.”

RUSTY SPOONS

Major says that Halo v5 is the culmination of five years of feedback and dream features that clients have said were on their wish lists. The beauty of being such a small and ethical business is that Halo can pause what it thinks is a good idea to “do something that loads of other people think is better”.

Major continues: “You wouldn’t send a surgeon into surgery with a couple of rusty spoons. The more kit you can give incredibly talented people can only be a good thing. Where those people are missing [because of staff shortages] at least there is some kind of safety net and a tool that people can use.”

But what’s next? Major believes that Halo v6 will benefit from new control room features that make life easier and safer for control room operators. He is a fan of Apple and HubSpot so any new versions of Halo will continue to be designed with the user experience at their heart, and in terms of the future, growing the business globally, and helping to protect more people are key.

Major concludes: “Halo v5 truly is ‘designed by you and built by us.’ It lays the foundations for a lot more powerful features to come throughout 2023 and beyond.”

MOTORPOINT ARENA

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On the trail

Anything is possible with a trailer, promotional unit, or pop-up pod. From the practical to the creative, containers and trailers offer versatility and functionality

Anything is truly possible with a trailer or promotional unit. Trailers and promotional units can be used in a variety of ways – as ticket booths, production offices, temporary showrooms, merchandise units, and hospitality lounges. The options are endless, and an increasing number of events professionals are turning to container units and promotional trailers as an alternative to marquees and temporary structures.

Rob Statham, head of UK and Europe at Spacecube, concurs. “People use marquees for projects but spend so much money making it not look like a marquee,” he explains. “The reason people talk to us is that they are turned on by our ability to create a bespoke space without going down the bespoke route, and that’s because our product works in so many different configurations.”

Spacecube is a modular building system that can go two or three stories high “with no crazy costs”, says Statham.

“It’s like taking a building block and creating so many interesting spaces,” he continues.

Spacecube recently worked with its European partner FUGU to create and deliver a modular structure for Porsche AG. It was located 2,300 metres high in the French Alps. The car marque required an “innovative and premium” structure to exhibit its latest model, the Taycan Gran Turismo.

For this activation, Spacecube’s modular building system was used to create Winterland, an interactive experience and exhibition space, with a connected entertainment area and reception.

Statham comments: “In the past, Porsche has used a geodesic dome, but they were keen to change the look. The brief was to create a high-end exhibition space and a premium activation space.”

Four fully-glazed units were used to create the space, which measured 60 square metres. A two-day build was required but the logistics took even longer. The units were

taken on a truck to site where they were pre-built. Then, due to the exhibition space’s location – at the top of a mountain – the units were dropped into place by helicopter.

IMPRESSIVE SPACE

In 2022, Spacecube worked with Sky Sports for the first time and created an activation stand at Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The two-storey structure with a first-floor viewing area was located on an awkward corner pitch, so Statham and his team had to be clever with the build. It was imperative that the stand did not block the view of ticketholders in grandstand seating.

“Our structures are modular and enabled Sky to maximise ground space,” adds Statham, who confirms that the company now has new 6m x 6m clearspan sections that sit between two units, creating the ability to make an impressive atrium space.

Justin Isles, director of The Events Structure, said that his company will soon have new units to showcase too. This is

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positive news, especially as Isles says that enquiry levels are up on 2022.

Isles explains: “There is a large degree of optimism about 2023 with our clients. Enquiry levels are up but conversely actual confirmed projects are slightly down. We believe this currently reflects a degree of economic worry.”

The Events Structure recently provided Wunderman Thompson with a fleet of brand activation trailers for vaping brand Vuse and worked with Creation Group at various Live Nation Festivals. The exhibition trailer and roadshow truck specialist provided Creation Group with an Impact Premium Container set up with a bespoke interior fit-out and branding for Go Puff at Wireless Festival. The activation space featured a 360-degree photo booth to push social content.

Also, The Events Structure worked with Evolution Sport and supplied a Momentum Roadshow Truck for a pan-European roadshow for Peroni in tandem with its Formula One programme. The truck travelled from Ireland to as far as Hungary.

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WINTERLAND

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

Indeed, promotional units, containers, and exhibition trailers can be used creatively. But they are also functional spaces, offering organisers practical solutions that fulfil event day operations and back-of-house requirements.

Cube International recently launched Cube Sight and Sound – a new event, stadium, and venue retail solution, which incorporated a large format video screen situated above a retail, merchandise, or F&B unit.

Furthermore, Cube Modular, a division of Cube International, has also launched a pop-up sustainable ticket office solution for events. The aluminium frame and air-cell pods feature two customer-facing ticketing windows and can be folded down and stacked for efficient transport.

The pods made their debut at the Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone. Eventgoers could hire event radios from the pods. Altogether nine ticketing pods were dotted around the circuit, one at each entrance, branded to advertise event radio hire.

“The clever design of these pods makes them very attractive to event organisers looking for a sustainable popup solution,” explains James Lauchlan, sales manager at Cube Modular. “They can be put up virtually anywhere and used as ticket offices, information booths, security cabins, or any other type of customer contact point.”

CHALLENGING PROJECT

One of Cube’s most challenging projects yet involved installing a pop-up TV compound and ancillary buildings at Monte Carlo’s harbour for Formula E’s 2022 Monaco E-Prix. Cube had already worked with Formula E, the increasingly popular electric car series with sustainability values at its core, to deliver the entire race accommodation infrastructure at London’s Excel the previous summer. In Monaco, Formula E was able to place its TV compound in the ideal location on the harbour front, despite limited space available and difficult access via the historic steep, narrow winding streets.

A two-storey configuration was needed to create a large enough complex to accommodate the quayside TV centre, which Cube designed utilising 31 of its Continest foldable units, joined together for an open plan broadcast facility. Cube was also able to supply an additional 34 units for diverse purposes, including two-storey storage units, commentary boxes, editing and production suites, green studios, and crew welfare units, all using the same foldable portable buildings.

In total, 65 of Cube’s foldable buildings were collapsed, stacked, and transported together with ancillary air-con units, staging and walkways on just nine lorries, resulting in greatly reduced transport

emissions. Cube’s solution saved Formula E organisers more than 24 lorry loads each way.

Once on site, the units were unloaded, erected, and lifted into position using just a forklift. This build could not have been achieved using traditional fixed framed buildings since the site could not have accommodated the additional 24 lorries,

nor the crane needed to unload alternative cabins and lift them into position. Cube’s team of six crew worked 13-hour days to complete the installation, including the build of all the walkways and staircases, and the fitting of air conditioning in every unit. Furthermore, the whole installation was built ahead of schedule and completed in just four days.

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Shining bright

Bristol Light Festival returned to the city and expanded from six days to ten

T he award-winning Bristol Light Festival returned to the city from February 3-12, 2023, entertaining visitors over ten days with a mix of colour and light. Support from key partners across the city enabled the event to grow. This year’s festival featured more than ten immersive light installations and commissioned artworks and took place in new locations, including Victoria Rooms, the Wills Memorial Building, Millennium Square, Bristol Hippodrome, Temple Meads train station, PRYZM, and City Hall.

In 2022, Bristol Light Festival – presented by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District –welcomed 170,000 people and generated £3.4 million of additional revenue for local businesses. This year, the city-wide and family-friendly event expanded from six days in 2022 to ten in 2023.

SC Productions, Redwood Event Solutions, Sunbelt Rentals, Roadphone NRB, Ethical Staffing, 24/7 Event Crew, SAS Barriers, and PRG supplied equipment and services to the annual event.

© Shotaway/Andre Pattenden

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love smaller festivals, the under 10,000 capacity ones where you get to know everyone on site and can get around without a buggy! As a festivalgoer, you can make friends and bump into the same people across the weekend and every performance feels special.

It’s these events where youngsters cut their teeth and learn festival dos and don’ts, and where veterans stand loyal to their favourites and wouldn’t dream of missing them.

Small and medium-sized festivals are vital to the industry. We all know the “big boys” when it comes to festivals and there will always be a place and a demand for those, but I feel that the smaller ones allow variety, diversity, opportunity, and interest, and make festivals available to all.

They also support the local economy with opportunities for catering, bar, crew, and local jobs, and are key for emerging artists, giving them an opportunity to perform and grow.

The event landscape would look very different without them…

In 2022, I saw music events, festivals and outdoor gigs filling the events calendar. It’s happening this year too and

Small is beautiful

Jim Davey, managing director of Redwood Event Solutions, explains why we need to support smaller events in 2023

we are returning to some kind of postpandemic normal – and it feels great!

But we must not forget or underestimate the impact those unplanned fallow years have had on the smaller and emerging festivals. A combination of national and international issues has been extremely challenging, then Brexit, COVID and now, the cost-of-living crisis, all affecting everyone within the industry, leading to a saturated and potentially soft market.

Association of Independent Festival’s data states that in 2022 nine per cent of festivals were cancelled, and in 2021 a massive 53 per cent were cancelled or postponed. While many of these may have postponed and returned, it is inevitable that some may not be able to financially weather the economic storm we have and are still experiencing.

With talent shortages across the industry, escalating costs and shortages of materials, every event organiser is still facing challenges to make their event happen –and this is compounded for those with less buying power and tighter margins.

From a health and safety point of view, there is some hangover from COVID and more pressure on working SAG groups which is then transferred and particularly felt by smaller events. I’m working with

events that are launching year one and are being asked for all paperwork six months plus in advance of the show. Local councils are under pressure and pressing for even more controls and arrangements, meaning organisers need to engage specialists much further out.

So, what can we do as event professionals to make sure we keep the event landscape as rich and varied as it can be and fill the UK with options for every taste, budget, and interest? Understanding the pressures within the industry and working out tangible ways – both as individuals and as businesses – that we can help and make a difference is key. I work with events of all sizes and am trying to ensure that small to medium-sized events can take place, by working with local events that I love, and even offering subsidised rates where I can.

I was struck by the similarities between the Music Venues Trust’s recent campaign to “Own our Venues” and what our event industry is facing. We should be looking to an industry-wide campaign or initiative that raises awareness and support, calling on everyone to do their bit to protect this wonderful industry so everyone has the choice of festivals to attend in years to come.

Small to medium-sized festivals are vital to the industry. Small festivals allow variety, diversity, and opportunity, and make festivals available to all

ow do you demonstrate the value of sponsorship at a festival? Every aspect of marketing is under increasing scrutiny to prove its worth, and to justify its position in the marketing budget. With sponsorship opportunities at festivals commanding considerable sums, there has never been a more critical time to demonstrate that they deliver a strong return on the investment made by brands. Festivals present a perfect opportunity to deploy sponsorship. Having an audience located in one place, over a period of time, that may pass or engage with sponsorship or activation maximises the opportunity for the investment to deliver a return on the investment.

Understanding the metrics at a tactical level is relatively straightforward. There will be hard metrics, e.g., the number of people who participated in an activation, or collected a sample; it’s relatively easy to work out the percentage participation of those in attendance, or within a specific section of the event.

However, what those metrics don’t show is the bigger picture or the long view.

whatMeasuring matters

More and more festivals are looking for sponsorship to generate essential revenue. Here, Jessica Pomfret, account director at Meshh, talks about measurement, metrics, and tactics; all vital elements if you wish to demonstrate real sponsorship value

Making measurement into a strategic game, rather than simply a validation of tactics, gives brands, agencies, and festival organisers solid justification for using sponsorship as a key tool at a live event. Expanding the scope of what is measured gives a better demonstration of the value of a location. This, in turn, provides the opportunity to apply a premium to a specific location because of the ability to clearly define the number of people who pass, see, stop at, or engage with a brand activation or sponsorship opportunity at an event.

Measuring traffic flows around a site, past key locations, and recording the number of people who can see a sponsor’s promotion, can all demonstrate the value of specific sites around the festival. This can then be used to determine prime sites based on solid evidence. Showing where people stay and spend time at, or around a sponsor’s activity can justify the value of the location.

This provides a picture of what happened at a point in time at a festival; if the process is repeated over many festivals, and sponsorships, the evidence amassed over time becomes more

compelling. The analysis of the data can reveal the actual value of premium sites, and opportunities to manage traffic flow to maximise benefits for sponsors. Year-on-year measurement removes the guesswork, opinion, and supposition.

Dublin-based experiential agency EXP focus on delivering effective brand experiences for their clients including mobile operator, Three UK. The brand activates across leading UK music festivals and uses analytics to demonstrate ROI to the mobile telecoms giant.

For agencies working with multinational organisations wanting to demonstrate a clear ROI, measuring sponsorship and activations at festivals of all types and multiple geographies, over extended periods, is essential. It provides evidence that these activities, in the festival environment, deserve their share of the marketing wallet.

Tactical measurement is essential but making measurement into a longterm strategic goal moves ROI up the marketing agenda and, importantly, measures what matters.

Tactical measurement is essential but making measurement into a long-term strategic goal moves ROI up the marketing agenda

JESSICA POMFRET

BRAND ACTIVATION & EXPERIENTIAL

Event Hire Association  2450 Regents Court, The Crescent, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull, B37 7YE

T: 0121 380 4600

W: www.eha.org.uk

E: membership@eha.org.uk

AV, SOUND & LIGHTING

Event Production Services

The Pack House, Drayton St. Leonard, Oxford, OX10 7BG

E: info@epsoxford.com

T: 01844 278446

Press Red Rentals Limited

Unit B10 Court 2000, Bridgnorth Road, Madeley, Telford, TF7 4JB

T: +44 (0) 1952 587049

W: www.pressred.biz

BALLOONS, BUNTING & FLAGS

B-Loony Ltd

Cape House, 105 Bellingdon Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 2HQ

T: 01494 774376

E: sales@b-loony.co.uk

W: www.b-loony.co.uk

BAR

Bar Live Events

Unit D215, Parkhall Studios, London, SE21 8DE

T: 0208 761 8424

E: nick@barlive.co.uk

W: www.barlive.co.uk

Cambridge Event Bars

T: 01223 785401

M: 07837 707057

E: Info@cambridgeeventbars.co.uk

W: www.cambridgeeventbars.co.uk

Pop-up-Pubs

T: +44(0)1993 832155

E: info@pop-up-pubs.com

W: www.pop-up-pubs.com

Symonds Event Bars

Drakewell, Stoke Lacy, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4HG

T: 01885 490267

E: info@eventbars.co.uk

W: www.eventbars.co.uk

BUGGY HIRE

Instant Marquees

T: 01840 213063

www.instantmarquees.co.uk

Ace Plant

Blackpit Farm, Silverstone Road, Stowe, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5LJ

T: 01908 562191

E: hire@aceplant.co.uk

W: www.aceplant.co.uk

Bradshaw Event Vehicles

New Lane, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LW

T: 01780 782621

E: enquiries@eventvehicles.co.uk

W: www.eventvehicles.co.uk

Twitter: @Bradshaw_EV

Electric Wheels Ltd

Units C1 & C2, Neaton Business Park, Watton, Thetford, IP25 6JB

T: 01953 882175

M: 07711 648707

M: 07725 761970

E: info@electricwheelshire.co.uk

W: www.electricwheelshire.co.uk

Event Buggy Hire

T: 0113 393 4100

E: brian@eventbuggyhire.co.uk

W: www.eventbuggyhire.co.uk

Hopkins Machinery

T: 01633 680754

E: hire@hopkinsmachinery.co.uk

W: www.hopkinsmachinery.co.uk

CABINS

Cube Modular Ltd

Unit 1, St. Modwen Park, Norton Road, Broomhall, Worcester, WR5 2QR

T: 01905 955814

E: theteam@cubemodular.co.uk

W: www.cubemodular.co.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cubemodular/

Twitter: @CubeModularLtd

Instagram: @cubemodularuk

CAR PARKING

Qdos Event Hire Ltd

Fernside Place, 179 Queens Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0AH

T: 0845 862 0952

E: enquiries@qdoseventhire.co.uk

W: www.qdoseventhire.co.uk

Twitter: @QdosEventHire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Qdos-Event-Hire/

Instagram: @qdoseventhire

Wernick Events

Joseph House, Northgate Way, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 8ST

T: 01922 472 900

E: events@wernick.co.uk

W: www.wernick.co.uk/events

Twitter: @WernickEvents

Instagram: @WernickEvents

Event Traffic Control Limited

Baldersby Gardens, Ripon Road, Baldersby, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4PS

T: 08000 246 800

E: info@eventtc.com

W: www.eventtc.com

Just Go Parking

Unit 7 Broadway Green Farm, Lightwater, Surrey, GU18 5SU

T: 01276 590325

E: contactus@justgoparking.com

W: www.justgoparking.com

CLEANING & SUPPORT SERVICES

Falcon Cleaning and Support Services Ltd

Specialised Cleaning and Support Services (Nationwide)

31 Oldbury Road, Enfield, EN1 3QN

T: 0208 798 2699

E: events@falconcss.co.uk

W: www.falconcss.co.uk

CORPORATE CREW

Ace Crew Ltd

Units 3 & 7, Princess Court, Horace Road

Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2SL

T: +44(0) 20 7924 6569

M: +44(0)7947 88 66 99

W: www.acecrew.co.uk

Rodeo Crew

128 Wey House, 15 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8NA

T: 020 8075 7799

E: bookcrew@rodeocrew.uk

W: www.rodeocrew.uk

CREW SERVICES

S3K Group

The Old Mill Building, Rookery Farm, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 6EP

T: 0845 299 7991

E: office@s3kgroup.com

W: www.s3kgroup.com

LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram: @s3kgroup

Site and Stage Ltd (SAS)

Festival and Event Crew Nationwide

T: 0207 205 2434

M:07770 521521

W: www.siteandstage.co.uk

DIGITAL PLANNING

Iventis

Think Tank, University of Lincoln, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL

T: 01522 837205

W: www.iventis.co.uk

E: info@iventis.co.uk

Eamon Kerrigan:

E: Eamon.kerrigan@iventis.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

COFFEE BARS

Markey Ltd

39b Park Farm Ind Estate, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 9AZ

T: 01763 271110

E: info@markey.co.uk

W: www.markey.co.uk

Odin Events Ltd

Unit 1 RoundHouse Farm, Marston Meysey, SN6 6LL

T: 0800 030 6881

E: info@odinevents.com

W: www.odinevents.com

EVENT ACCOMMODATION

Airstream Facilities Ltd

T: +44 (0) 1885 400223

E: info@airstreamfacilities.com

W: www.airstreamfacilities.com

Bunkabin

Tweedale Way, Oldham, OL9 7LD

T: 0345 456 7899

E: hires@bunkabin.co.uk

W: www.bunkabin.co.uk

Caboose & Co

Unit 1, St. Modwen Park, Norton Road, Broomhall, Worcester, WR5 2QR

T: 01905 955814

E: theteam@cubemodular.co.uk

W: www.cabooseandco.com/

LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/company/caboose&coltd/

Twitter: @CabooseandCo

Instagram: @CoandCaboose

Zoo Events Group Ltd

Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ

T: 01258 840233

E: info@zooeventsgroup.co.uk

W: www.zooeventsgroup.co.uk

EVENT CONTROL, RADIO & WI-FI SERVICES

Controlled Events

T: 0203 286 6392

Victorious Events

E: info@victoriousevents.co.uk

T: 07869 701 616

W: victoriousevents.co.uk

EVENT PRODUCTION

Ethix Management Unit 15 Kempton Gate Business Centre, Oldfield Road, Hampton, TW12 2AF

T: 0208 487 3508

M: 07836 736734

W: www.ethixmanagement.com

Productions Hire Limited Unit 20, Glebe Farm, Fathinghoe, Brackley, NN13 6DN

W: www.productionhire.com

E: Louise@productionhire.com

T: 01280701117

M: 07566202535

EVENT SAFETY

Blue Yonder Events Ltd

T: 07432 214607

w: www.blueyonder-events.co.uk

Award Winning Results

E: info@controlledevents.com

W: www.controlledevents.com

First class Resilience, Readiness, Communication & Control for incidents or pre-planned events.

EVENT MANAGEMENT

2Can Productions

T: 029 20 100256

E: info@2canproductions.com

W: www.2canproductions.com

Blue Yonder Events Ltd

T: 07432 214607

w: www.blueyonder-events.co.uk

LFX Events

Stockport BIC, Gtr Manchester, SK5 7DL

T: 0161 408 2220

E: enquiries@LFXevents.co.uk

W: www.LFXevents.co.uk

EVENT STAFF

LFX Safety

Stockport BIC, Gtr Manchester, SK5 7DL

T: 0161 408 2220

E: enquiries@LFXevents.co.uk

W: www.LFXevents.co.uk

Symphotech

Safety. Production. Noise Management

Claire Feeney

T: 0871 711 5264

E: claire@symphotech.co.uk

W: www.symphotech.co.uk

Festivall Services

The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 4FW

E: hello@festivall.services

M: 07547 509 409

T: 01144 055 044

www.controlledevents.com

Saltem Ltd

Eliot Park Innovation entre, 4 Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 7RH

T: 02476 796455

W: www.saltem.co.uk

W: www.festivall.services

Moorepeople Event Staffing Agency

1st & 2nd Floor, 169 A High Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4LF

T: 0208 508 0555

E: bettina@moorepeople.co.uk

W: www.moorepeople.co.uk

EVENT STAFFING SOFTWARE

uTRAC

24A Lower Abbey St, Dublin 1, Ireland

T: 0808 189 0334

E: hello@utraconline.com

W: www.utraconline.com

EXHIBITION TRAILERS & MOBILE UNITS

DWT Exhibitions

Trailer Hire, Sales & Management

Jubilee Park, Honeypot Lane, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5LZ

T: 01476 860833

E: pip@dwt-exhibitions.co.uk

W: www.dwt-exhibitions.co.uk

Inchmere Event Design Ltd

Swan Close Studios, Swan Close Road, Banbury, OX16 5TE

T: 01295 661000

E: alastair@inchmere.co.uk

W: www.inchmere.co.uk

TCM Trailers Ltd

Watery Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7SE

E: emily@tcmtrailers.co.uk

W: www.tcmtrailers.co.uk

FLAGS

FESTIVAL GAS

Festival Gas

Priors Revel, Church lane, Middleton, Nr Tamworth, B78 2AL

T: 07930 758893

E: simon@festivalgas.co.uk

W: www.festivalgas.co.uk

FIRE COVER

1st Defense Fire & Rescue Services Ltd

Morris Farm, Old Holbrook, Horsham RH12 4TW

T: 01483 200911

F: 01483 200994

E: admin@1stdefensefire.co.uk

W: www.1stdefensefire.co.uk

FLAGPOLE HIRE

Fuchsia Exhibition Services Ltd

13 Oak Park Industrial Estate, Chelmsford Road, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1XN

T: 01371 644800

E: info@fuchsiaevents.co.uk

W: www.fuchsia-exhibition-services.com

Instant Marquees

T: 01840 213063

www.instantmarquees.co.uk

FLOORING & FLOOR COVERINGS

Coir Store

E: andy@coirstore.co.uk

T: 07884303082

W: www.coirstore.co.uk

CTN Exhibitions Limited

Unit G3A, Halesfield 19, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 4QT

E: Sales@ctn-uk.com

T: 00 44 1952 680423

W: www.ctn-uk.com

Event Flooring Solutions Ltd

T: 01509 768 252

E: sales@efseurope.co.uk

W: www.efseurope.co.uk

Gigtent UK

Sonas House, Button End Harston

Cambridge, CB22 7NX

E: info@gigtent.co.uk

W: www.gigtent.co.uk

T: 01223 870935

FURNITURE HIRE / SALES

Furniture On The Move

Unit B, Canada warehouse, Chittening industrial estate

Worthy road , Avonmouth, Bristol, BS110YB

T: 0845 459 9875

E: info@furnitureonthemove.co.uk

W: www.furnitureonthemove.co.uk

GBJ Event Hire

Graham Jones

T: Office. +44(0) 207 205 4226

E: hire@gbjeventhire.co.uk

W: www.gbjeventhire.co.uk

HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS

BiemmedueUK & Arcotherm

Units 15 & 16, Ecclesbourne Park, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, DE55 1RF

T: 01773 836999 | E: sales@biemmedueuk.com

W: www.biemmedueuk.com

LIGHTING

Cooling and Heating Solutions Ltd

T: 01590 681 434

E: sales@candhs.co.uk

W: www.coolingandheatingsolutions.com

Spica Temperature Control Solutions Ltd

20 Crowsport, Hamble, Hampshire, SO31 4HG

T: +44 (0) 2380 453841

M: +44 (0) 7780 638976

E: kay@spicasolutions.com

W: www.spicasolutions.com

INSURANCE

Arc International

St. Clare House, 30-33 Minories, London, EC3N 1PE

T: +44 (0)207 977 7637

W: www.apex-ins.co.uk/arcinternational

Illumin8

Contact details:

Neil - 07710 700759 or Nick - 07593437891

E: sales@illumin8lights.co.uk

W: www.illumin8lights.co.uk

LIGHTING AND VISUAL SPECTACULARS

Essential Supplies UK Ltd

Unit 22, Trevol Business Park, Torpoint, Cornwall, UK, PL11 2TB

t: 01752 817 140

e: sales@essentialsupplies.co.uk

w: essentialsupplies.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/esssupplies/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/essential_supplies/

LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/company/3015168/admin/

Twitter: twitter.com/ESSSupplies

LASER & FX

Laser Grafix Unit 4A Stratton Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire,

SG18 8QS

W: www.lgfx.co.uk

UK office: +44 1767 315948

Dubai office: +971 4887 9808

MARQUEES

Alternative Stretch Tents

Building 15, Gateway 1000, A1 (M) jct 7, Stevenage, SG1 2FP

T: 01920 830256

E: info@alternative-stretch.co.uk

W: www.alternative-stretch-tents.co.uk

Event In A Tent

LED SCREENS

EMF Technology Ltd

Unit 27 Freemantle House, Kingsclere Business Park, Kingsclere, Hants, RG20 4SW

T: 020 8003 3344

E: info@emftechnology.co.uk

W: www.emftechnology.co.uk

Lightmedia Displays

Mobile & Modular LED Screen Hire

T: 0333 600 6000

24 hour response

E: sales@lightmedia.co.uk

W: www.lightmedia.co.uk

Tech AV Ltd

London, Essex, Birmingham

T: 0345 257 9969

E: lee@techav.events

W: www.techav.events

YSLV

London & York

T: 0800 080 3310

E: hire@yslv.co.uk

W: www.yslv.co.uk

The Malthouse Business Centre, Regent Street, Llangollen, LL208HS

T: 01978 661449

E: info@event-in-a-tent.co.uk

W: www.event-in-a-tent.co.uk

Fews Marquees

Chessgrove Park, Ditchford Bank Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4HS

T: 01527 821789

W: www.fewsmarquees.co.uk

Gigtent UK

Sonas House, Button End Harston

Cambridge, CB22 7NX

E: info@gigtent.co.uk

W: www.gigtent.co.uk

T: 01223 870935

Instant Marquees

T: 01840 213063

www.instantmarquees.co.uk

PLANT HIRE

Marquee Magic 137-139 Nathan Way, London, SE28 0AB

T: 0800 085 1405

E: info@marqueemagic.co.uk

W: www.marqueemagic.co.uk

TT Tents Ltd

North Waltham Business Centre, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 2DJ

T: 01256 397 551

E: sales@tttents.co.uk

W: www.tttents.co.uk

Tentickle Stretch Tents UK Ltd

Langley Brook Business Park, Unit 3B London Rd, Tamworth, B78 2BP

T: +44 121 7401385

M: +44 7826 843099

E: jorg@tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk

W: www.tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk

Top Cat Big Tops Tents & Marquees Ltd

The Old Stable Yard, Gasworks Ln, Achynlleth, SY20 8BY

T: 01654 700030

E: info@topcatbigtops.co.uk

W: www.topcatbigtops.co.uk

MEDICAL SERVICES

AlfaMed Specialist Emergency Care and Training

T: 07920 851 232

E: ben@alfamedsect.co.uk

W: www.alfamedsect.co.uk

Location Medical Services Ltd

The Medical Centre, Shepperton Studios, Studio Road, Shepperton, Middx, TW17 0QD

T: 0870 750 9898

E: mail@locationmedical.com

W: www.locationmedical.com

First Aid Cover Ltd

250 York Road, Battersea, London, SW11 3SJ

T: 020 8875 5758

E: enquiries@firstaidcover.co.uk

W: www.firstaidcover.co.uk

MET Medical Ltd

T: 0203 627 9042

E: info@met-medical.co.uk

W: www.met-medical.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

Aniseed Event Photography

E: jt@aniseedpr.com

W: www.aniseedphoto.com

Twitter: @aniseedphoto

Instagram: @aniseedeventphotography

Ace Plant Blackpit Farm, Silverstone Road, Stowe, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5LJ

T: 01908 562191

E: hire@aceplant.co.uk

W: www.aceplant.co.uk

Hopkins Machinery

T: 01633 680754

E: hire@hopkinsmachinery.co.uk

W: www.hopkinsmachinery.co.uk

PORTABLE TOILET HIRE

Four Jays Group

Barling Farm, East Sutton, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 3DX

T: 01622 843135

E: enquiries@fourjays. co.uk

W: www.fourjays.co.uk

LOOS FOR DOs Ltd

Bakers Court, Forge Road, Kingsley, Hampshire, GU35 9NZ

T: 01420 588 355

E: info@loos.co.uk

W: www.loos.co.uk

Site Event

The Depot, The Avenue, Lasham, Hampshire, GU34 5SU

T: 01256 384 134

E: event@site-equip.co.uk

W: www.site-equip.co.uk

Zoo Events Group Ltd

Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ

T: 01258 840233

E: info@zooeventsgroup.co.uk

W: www.zooeventsgroup.co.uk

POWER & GENERATORS

CB Potts Electrical

Rose Cottage, Watergore, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5JQ

T: 0780 8049034

E: ben.potts@zen.co.uk

W: www.cbpottselectrical.co.uk

Festival Power Ltd

Unit 5, Parkway Trading Estate, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9PG

W: www.festivalpower.co.uk

Fourth Generation Ltd

220 Cricklewood Lane, London, NW2 2PU

T: 020 8450 2943

M: 07741 052565

E: tweed@fourthgenerationltd.com

W: www.fourthgenerationltd.com

PRINTERS

IDE Systems

T: 01543 574 111

E: enquiries@idesystems.co.uk

W: www.idesystems.co.uk

Head Office & Manufacturing Centre

Unit 3, Swaffield Park Hyssop Close, Cannock

Staffordshire, WS11 7FU United Kingdom

Midas Productions (UK) Ltd

Unit 1, Uplandside, Manor Road, Clopton, Suffolk, IP13 6SH

T: +44 (0)333 772 0772

M: +44 (0)7949 007 603

E: info@midas-uk.co.uk

Newburn Power Rental Limited

Unit 36 Lidgate Crescent, Langthwaite Business Park, South Kirkby, Pontefract, WF9 3NR

T: 0845 077 6693

E: info@npr-uk.com

Phase Hire Ltd

140A Kents Hill Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5PH

T: 01268 792648

E: info@phasehire.com

W: www.phasehire.com

Power Events

T: 01277 424800

E: enquiries@powerevents.co.uk

W: www.powerevents.co.uk

Powerline

Knowle Hill Farm, Beeks Lane, Marshfield, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8BB

T: 01225 892336

E: info@thepowerline.co.uk

W: www.thepowerline.co.uk

Progen Power Ltd

Belvedere House, Pynes Hill, Exeter,Devon, EX2 5WS

T: 0330 165 5720

E: info@progenpower.co.uk

W: www.progenpower.co.uk

Stuart Power Ltd

Stuart House, Hargham Road, Shropham, Norfolk, NR17 1DT

T: 01953 454540

E: enquiries@stuartgroup.info

W: www.stuartgroup.ltd.uk/power

UK Flyers

Suite 210, Victory House, Somers Road, North Portsmouth, HampshirePO1 1PJ

T: 023 9229 3050

E: sales@ukflyers.com

W: www.ukflyers.com

PROJECTION

EMF Technology LTD

Projection Mapping, Water Screens, Flame Effects, Lighting, Mains Distribution

T: 020 8003 3344

E: info@emftechnology.co.uk

W: www.emftechnology.co.uk

PROMOTIONAL ITEMS & CLOTHING

Concept Products Ltd

10 Cary Court, Somerton Business Park, Somerton, TA11 6SB

T: 01458 274020

E: ben@conceptproductsltd.co.uk

W: www.conceptproductsltd.co.uk

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

2CL Communications Ltd

Unit C, Woodside Trade Centre, Parnham Drive, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4NU

T: 0800 389 2278

E: contact@2cl.co.uk

W: www.2cl.co.uk

DCRS

Edison Road, St.Ives, Cambs, PE27 3LH

T: 0800 043 2688

E: sales@dcrs.co.uk

W: www.dcrs.co.uk

REUSABLE CUPS

Green Goblet Ltd

Unit 1A Walrow Industrial Estate, Commerce Way, Highbridge, TA9 4AG

T: 01278 238390

E: info@green-goblet.com

W: www.green-goblet.com

SEATING

Ace Seating Hire

T: 01832 273353

E: info@aceseating.co.uk

W: www.aceseating.co.uk

SECURITY

McKenzie Arnold Grove House, Faulkbourne, Essex, CM8 1SH

T: 01376 350999

E: martin.jackson@mckenziearnold.com

W: www.mckenziearnold.com

Newman Event Services Ltd

Crowd Management, Festival & Event Security/Stewarding.

Bloxham Mill, Barford Road, Bloxham, Oxfordshire, OX15 4FF

T: +441295 722844

E: enquiries@newmanevents.co.uk

W: www.newmanevents.co.uk

Protegimus Security Ltd

Unit 1, Station Terrace,Station Road, Kegworth, Derbyshire, DE&$ 2GE

T: 01509 670424

T: 01332 792991 (voicemail)

E: admin@protegimus-security.com

W: www.protegimus-security.com

Provide SESS Ltd

The Courtyard, 87 Southampton Street, Reading, RG1 2QU

T: 01189 875949

E: info@provide-security.com

W: www.provide-security.com

Right Guard Security

Experts in Crowd Management and Event Security

T: 01227 464588

E: info@rightguard.co.uk

W: www.rightguard.co.uk

SET & SCENERY CONSTRUCTION

Staged Events Ltd

Meadow View, Newnham Lane, Old Basing, Hampshire, RG24 7AU

T: 01256578055

E: info@wearestaged.com

W: www.stagedevents.com

STAGING & RIGGING

IPS (Impact Production Services)

29 Mount Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1LS

E: enquiries@ips.co.uk

W: www.ips.co.uk

T: 01908 657950

The Stage Bus

19 Prestwood Road, Birmingham, B29 5EB

T: 0121 585 9264

W: www.thestagebus.com

E: info@thestagebus.com

Triple A Events Ltd

Unit D4, St Georges Business Park, Castle Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3TB

T: 0800 7723242

M: 07875492625

W: www.tripleaevents.co.uk

Twitter: @tripleaeventsuk

Facebook: /tripleaeventsuk

STEWARDS / MARSHALLS

Road Traffic Solutions

60-64 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7PQ

T: 01724 848 246

E: dan@roadtrafficsolutions.com

W: www.roadtrafficsolutions.com

TEMPORARY ROADWAYS

Cap Trac Limited

The Stables, Loke Farm, Weston Longville, Norwich, NR9 5LG

T: 01603 880448

E: info@captrac.co.uk

W: www.captrac.co.uk

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

Event In A Tent

SITE SAFETY

SafeSite Facilities Ltd

Unit 1, Martello Enterprise Centre, Courtwick Lane, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 7PA

T: 0800 114 3228

E: info@safesitefacilities.co.uk

W: www.safesitefacilities.co.uk

Social media platforms:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ safesite-facilities-ltd

Twitter: https://twitter.com/safesitefac

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SafeSiteFacilities-Ltd-467996143326191

The Malthouse Business Centre, Regent Street, Llangollen, LL208HS

T: 01978 661449

E: info@event-in-a-tent.co.uk

W: www.event-in-a-tent.co.uk

Fews Marquees

Chessgrove Park, Ditchford Bank Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4HS

T: 01527 821789

W: www.fewsmarquees.co.uk

Gigtent UK

Sonas House, Button End Harston, Cambridge, CB22 7NX

E: info@gigtent.co.uk

W: www.gigtent.co.uk

Losberger De Boer

Castle Park, Boundary Road, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7ES

T: +44 (0)1280 846500

E: sales.uk@losbergerdeboer.com

W: www.deboer.com

Mehler Texnologies UK Ltd. Hollinwood Business Centre Albert Street, Oldham, Lancs. OL8 3QL

E: info-uk@freudenberg-pm.com

W: www.mehler-texnologies.com

LH Woodhouse

Wolds Farm, The Fosse, Cotgrave, Nottingham, NG12 3HG

Delivering successful events

T: +441159 899 899

E: sales@lhwoodhouse.co.uk

W: www.lhwoodhouse.co.uk

NEPTUNUS Ltd

Cob Drive, Swan Valley, Northampton NN4 9BB

T: +44 1604 593820

E: sales@neptunus.co.uk

W: www.neptunus.co.uk

Tentickle Stretch Tents UK Ltd

Langley Brook Business Park, Unit 3B London Rd, Tamworth, B78 2BP

T: +44 121 7401385

M: +44 7826 843099

E: jorg@tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk

W: www.tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk

The Theatre Tent Company

Unit 4 Grimes Close, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3EN

E: sayhello@theatretent.eu

W: www.TheatreTent.co.uk

T: 01162674151

TT Tents Ltd

North Waltham Business Centre, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 2DJ

T: 01256 397 551

E: sales@tttents.co.uk

W: www.tttents.co.uk

Worldwide Structures Ltd

Ayrshire Farm, Sharcott, Pewsey, SN9 5PA

T: + 44 (0) 1672 565 060 / +44 (0) 7875 027369

E: enquiries@w-sl.com

W: www.worldwidestructures.com

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES - MANUFACTURERS

J & J. Carter Ltd

Unit 2, 34 Walworth Road, Walworth Business Park, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 5LH

T: 01264 721630

E: sales@jjcarter.com

W: www.jjcarter.com

TICKETING

RedBox Events

Balbir House, Norton Green Road,Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2LP

T: 0333 242 7920

W: www.redboxevents.com

TIPIS

Zoo Events Group Ltd

Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ

T: 01258 840233

E: info@zooeventsgroup.co.uk

W: www.zooeventsgroup.co.uk

TRACKWAY

All Weather Access County Farm, High Roding, Dunmow, Essex CM6 1NQ

T: 01371 700510

M: 07801 751137

E: henry@all-weatheraccess.co.uk

W: www.all-weatheraccess.co.uk

GT Trax Ltd

High Tree Farm House, New Road, Warboys, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2SS

T: 01487 823344

E: info@gttrax.co.uk

W: www.gttrax.co.uk

Twitter: @GTTrax

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Exhibition Traffic Management Services Ltd

Perton House, Roslin Road, London, W3 8DH

T: 0203 567 1479

E: ops@exhibition-traffic.co.uk

W: www.exhibition-traffic.co.uk

Event Traffic Control Ltd

Baldersby Gardens, Ripon Road, Baldersby, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4PS

T: 08000 246 800

E: info@eventtc.com

W: www.eventtc.com

JTM Signs

Unit 20 H T M Business Park, Abergele Road, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, LL18 5UZ

T: 01745 590056

E: steve@jt-m-signs.co.uk

W: www.jtmsigns.co.uk

Right Guard Traffic Management Event Traffic Management

CSAS Accredited Traffic Officers

Car Parking

Event Signage

T: 01227 464588

E: info@rightguard.co.uk

W: www.rightguard.co.uk

Road Traffic Solutions

60-64 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe,DN15 7PQ

T: 01724 848 246

E: dan@roadtrafficsolutions.com

W: www.roadtrafficsolutions.com

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

Stagefreight

Evanston Avenue, Leeds LS4 2HR

T: 0113 238 0805 / 0113 279 7898

W: www.stagefreight.com

VEHICLE HIRE

Bradshaw Event Vehicles

New Lane, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LW

T: 01780 782621

E: enquiries@eventvehicles.co.uk

W: www.eventvehicles.co.uk

Twitter: @Bradshaw_EV

VENUES

The Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland

T: 00353 1 856 0000

E: sales@theccd.ie

W: www.theccd.ie

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Grist Environmental Event Services

Head Office, William Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 3EW

T: 01380 735045

E: events@gristenvironmental.com

W: www.gristenvironmental.com

WATER & PLUMBING SERVICES

Liquiline Ltd

Ash Tree House, Tarrant Hinton, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8JA

T: 01258 830324

DRINKING WATER PURE & SIMPLE

E: office@liquiline.co.uk

W: www.liquiline.co.uk

MTD (UK & Ireland) Ltd

Unit 1 Westerngate, Hillmead Enterprise Park, Langley Road, Swindon, SN5 5WN

T: +44 (0)1264 773 818

M: +44 (0)7557 868 909

E: oliver.smith@mtd.net

W: www.mtd.net

Wicked Event Water Services

Kevin: 07909 771996

E: info@wickedeventwaterservices.com

W: www.wews.biz

WIFI, INTERNET & STREAMING

Attend2it

Unit 8 Park Farm Industrial Estate, Ermine Street, Buntingford, SG9 9AZ

T: 01763 877 477

T: 01763 878 086

E: info@attend2it.co.uk

W: www.attend2it.co.uk

RedBox Events

Balbir House, Norton Green Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2LP

T: 0333 242 7920

W: www.redboxevents.com

SimpliWifi

Unit 13, Leominster Enterprise Park, Leominster, Herefordshire, Hr6 0LX

T: 0800 298 9434

E:  hello@simpliwifi.agency

W: https://simpliwifi.agency

VENUE MAPPING

Iventis

Think Tank, University of Lincoln, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL

T: 01522 837205

W: www.iventis.co.uk

E: info@iventis.co.uk

Eamon Kerrigan:

E: Eamon.kerrigan@iventis.co.uk

Featured in our next issue...

Editor Caroline Clift caroline@standoutmagazine.co.uk

Publication manager

Sarah Bourne sarah@standoutmagazine.co.uk

T: 01795 509113

Sales executive Holley Wilkinson holley@standoutmagazine.co.uk

Design and production

Jack Witcomb studio@standoutmagazine.co.uk

Digital and web developer

Matthew Coppard

Credit control

Janine Walmsley creditcontrol@standoutmagazine.co.uk

T: 01795 509113

Publisher Neil Fagg neil@standoutmagazine.co.uk

T: 01795 509101

Managing director

John Denning

StandOut Multimedia Limited, Park Grange, Evegate Business Park, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX www.standoutmagazine.co.uk

No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be typewritten. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to StandOut Multimedia Limited. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement. Information about products and services featured within the editorial content does not imply an endorsement by StandOut magazine. © 2023. StandOut Multimedia Limited, Park Grange, Evegate Business Park, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX

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