Main Event April 2011 by Script Media

Issue 48 April 2011 £4.75

Ideas for beating economic downturn

Manager quits amid security firm claims By Christina Eccles A COUNCIL’S events manager has quit her job following an investigation into an alleged conflict of interest because of her links with a security firm which landed several council contracts. Sylvia McCann was employed by Leeds Council and had managed high profile events such as Leeds’ Party in the Park and the Jane Tomlinson Run For All Leeds 10k. But an investigation was launched after it emerged a security company she co-owns had secured contracts to work on some of the council-organised events. The Main Event has learned Sylvia is a 50 per cent shareholder and director of Horsforth-based Controlled Space, the other shareholder being Steven Arthur Johnson. Neither Sylvia nor Leeds City Council have been prepared to discuss the investigation and in a brief statement, the council confirmed she had left her post at the end of March. It also claimed she had never been suspended from her role and the decision she should leave was taken ‘by mutual consent’.

The statement added: “A settlement satisfactory to both parties was agreed and it is a term of the settlement that no further comment be made.” It is understood she had made no secret of her ownership of Controlled Space with her council bosses and was adamant she had played no part in any of the contract tendering processes that involved her company. She took on the event manager’s role in 2004 after the management of Millennium Square, its facilities and city centre events merged with the former general events section to create one bigger team. She is also a former National Outdoor Events Association council member. She had worked for the authority for more than 15 years but it is understood she had been on long-term sick leave prior to the investigation being concluded. Over the last few years, the council’s events programme has gone from strength to strength and the 2010 Party in the Park was the busiest ever with 30 acts including Dizzee Rascal, Alexandra Burke, Pixie Lott, The Script and The Saturdays taking to the stage.

A popular Swansea sporting venue will provide the backdrop for Rod Stewart’s only Welsh concert date of 2011. He will perform at the Liberty Stadium – home of Swansea Football Club and the Ospreys Rugby Team – on June 1. General manager Andrew Davies said: “It has been four years since Rod played Cardiff in front of a packed Millennium Stadium and we are looking forward to welcoming music fans of all ages to his first show in Swansea.”

FESTIVAL organisers have been urged to find new ways of generating revenue at their events to help them cope in a difficult climate. At a conference in Leeds advising how festivals can find ways to beat the economic downturn, a panel of some of the UK’s most respected organisers revealed alternative ways to make money at events. The session – organised by the team behind the successful UK Festival Awards and Conference in London – included thoughts from the managing director of The Green Man Festival Fiona Stewart, CEO of the Cream Group James Barton and director of the Evolution Festival Jim Mawdsley. Up for discussion were areas such as ticket pricing, sponsorship, merchandising and the benefits of running a fringe event. See inside for more news from the conference.

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Ian helps kick off new resort guide BLACKPOOL FC manager Ian Holloway has helped visitBlackpool launch a new guide showcasing the resort’s conference and meetings venues. The 65-page directory, which is being mailed to over 500 senior conference and exhibition decision makers in the UK and Ireland, places a high emphasis on the substantial amount of investment that has gone into the resort in recent years and the subsequent changes and regeneration it has enjoyed as a result. Key locations being promoted include the recently restored Winter Gardens, Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the Pleasure Beach Resort and Blackpool Zoo, as well as some of Blackpool’s leading business hotels. visitBlackpool’s business tourism manager Mandy Tythe-McCallum said: “It’s great that Ian Holloway and the club have got behind the new business destination guide as they are one of the town’s key assets in terms of building the resort’s profile, bringing in new corporate visitors and giving people a flavour of Blackpool’s unique personality. “But just as Ian and the club cannot rest on their laurels and assume their place in top flight football, Blackpool also has to evolve and continually improve its business tourism offer. This is already happening through working in partnership with venues, more investment in the town’s infrastructure and the development of a brand positioning

V Festival headliners unveiled Page 4

Festival Finales Training&Education Conferences&Venues Screen Hire Classified

Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Pages 13-16 Pages 18-19

CONTACTS EDITORIAL Group Editor Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 editorial@themaineventmagazine.co.uk Reporters: Christina Eccles (ce@whpl.net) Louise Cordell (lcordell@whpl.net) Dominic Musgrave (dm@whpl.net)

PRODUCTION

Ian Holloway that reflects Blackpool as a top UK conference and meeting destination. “And while it’s fantastic to have world beating venues like The Winter Gardens and Tower Ballroom available as part of our offer, we also

want to emphasise the new spaces and places that are being created throughout the resort that have been specifically designed to meet the changing needs of modern business.”

Harbour Festival looks for more partners BRISTOL Harbour Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary by opening its doors to selected brands to produce experiential campaigns at this year’s event. The festival attracts audiences of over 250,000 people each year and is split into various zones, which

Local authority spotlight and news Pages 8&9

each have a specific target demographic and ethos. Sponsorship manager David Pyne said: “Given the creative nature of the festival we have worked with partners in the past to create something that would suit their brand from sponsoring a pirate ship

through to providing free dance lessons to every visitor to the dance area to promote dancing for health reasons. “We want to open the doors to more partners to come up with creative ideas which compliment the festival and its huge audience.”

Studio Manager: Stewart Holt (sth@whpl.net) Tel: 01226 734414 Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston (jhalkerston@whpl.net) Tel: 01226 734458 Graphic designer: Kyle Wilkinson (kw@whpl.net) Tel: 01226 734711

ADVERTISING National Field Sales Manager: Chris Laffey Tel: 01226 734484 Mobile: 07825 806 770 Email: cl@whpl.net Sales Executive: Mandy Mellor Tel: 01226 734702 Mobile: 07540 283 269 Email: mm@whpl.net Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Email: tb@whpl.net

CIRCULATION Kelly Tarff Tel: 01226 734695 email: circulation@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk

To keep up with the latest event industry news visit our website www.themaineventmagazine.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @TheMainEventmag www.themaineventmagazine.co.uk

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Ticketing challenges revealed By Christina Eccles

This year’s V Festival headliners have been revealed – with Rihanna, Eminem and Arctic Monkeys topping the bill. The festival takes place over two sites – one in Chelmsford and the other in Staffordshire – and acts play both legs over the weekend in August.

Westlife heads for the woodlands CHART topping boyband Westlife will perform this summer at two of the Forestry Commission’s most spectacular woodland locations.

The band will appear at Thetford Forest and Westonbirt Arboretum in July, with money generated from ticket sales directly benefiting the nation’s woodlands.

SOME of the UK’s most respected festival organisers have revealed the challenges they face around ticketing at their events. At a dedicated festival conference in Leeds, a panel of experts including Creamfields’ James Barton and Fiona Stewart from The Green Man Festival told delegates how they deal with pricing their event and why the recession has affected them – both positively and negatively. James said: “Being a festival that was raised in Liverpool and still sells most of its tickets in the North West, pricing has always been at the forefront for us. The majority of our audience is age 18-22 and not that well off – they may save up for months to have the best possible experience.” When the recession hit in 2008 the festival decided to take a risky gamble and drop ticket prices. Tickets went on sale for £15 cheaper and organisers also introduced a camping ticket for £100. James added: “We spent months agonising over it and whether doing it would affect confidence in the event but I still kept coming back to the same thing – a cheaper ticket is a cheaper ticket. The end result was that we sold the festival out for the first time in eight years.

“There will always be people who can afford the VIP experience but we should also be mindful of the kids who can only afford £100 for the weekend. We feel it’s really important to have pricing around that level.” At The Green Man Festival, emphasis is placed on offering a value for money experience and festivalgoers can extend their stay by purchasing a holiday ticket which allows them to stay on site for seven days. Fiona added: “We were wary about ticket amounts and the idea of perception spend. People will pay if they think it is a fair price and they going to get value for money. “Holiday tickets costs about £40 more and people can come for seven days if they wish. I liked the idea of families bringing the kids along and having a cheap holiday. “We didn’t do it to make money out of it. We are encouraging people to leave the festival site and eat elsewhere so it is not the most financially viable thing to do. But it is a massive message for the brand and people really appreciate it. And the locals love it because it really stimulates the economy.” James and Fiona were speaking at the City Sessions event in Leeds – part of a series of regional seminars organised by the team behind the UK Festival Conference and Awards.

Winners named at industry award ceremony THE winners of this year’s NOEA Awards have been revealed at the association’s annual convention in Birmingham. The awards celebrate the creativity, skill and outstanding achievements of events industry professionals and were decided by a panel of four industry judges. The winners were: Event Innovation of the year – The Chill Tent The Friendly Event of the year – Clapham Car free Day Venue of the year – Battersea Power Station Small Event of the Year – Gwyl Gardd Goll Vaynol Estate Bangor Production Partnership – BBC Radio One and Cyngor Gwynedd Council Best Practice Award – AP Security Organiser of the year – Steve Cunningham, 20-20 Events Event of the year – WRG,The Pope’s visit Event Supplier of the year – Lion

Best practice award winners AP Security Trackhire NOEA Scotland Award – Pedal Scotland The Judges’ Award – Life of the

Mesolithic The President’s Award – Tim Owen The event took place at The Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport and was

attended by over 100 delegates who were entertained by mind reader Alex Crowe before the winners were unveiled.

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Club to draw big names

Picture courtesy of BBC/Matt Squire

Abbey attracts 12,000 for show A SPECTACULAR outdoor event attracted 12,000 people to Leeds landmark Kirkstall Abbey – including 2,000 locals who signed up to take part. Frankenstein’s Wedding Live in Leeds was produced by the BBC, working in partnership with Leeds City Council, Marketing Leeds and tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire. The live show’s cast included EastEnders’ actress Lacey Turner and included a wedding dance led by a cast of 2,000 participants from the Leeds area. The show was also simultaneously broadcast on BBC Three – allowing audiences all over the country to see what Leeds has to offer as a tourist

destination and as a city capable of hosting major events. Welcome to Yorkshire’s head of communications Dee Marshall said that after organising similar largescale projects in Manchester and Liverpool, the BBC was looking for somewhere to host this event and after visiting several venues, decided Kirkstall Abbey fitted the bill perfectly. But the project was not without its challenges, as Dee explained: “The biggest challenge was the size and ambition of the project – 12,000 people were attending, the abbey had to be turned into a film set and we had to get the audience to participate. The biggest anxieties for us was what was the weather going to be like, The MOBO Awards are returning to Glasgow as part of a three year deal for the Scottish city to host the ceremony in 2011, 2013 and 2015. This year’s event will take place on October 5 at the SECC after a deal was struck between MOBO, EventScotland and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau following the success of the 2009 event in Glasgow. From 2013, the star-studded evening will be held in the new Scottish National Arena adjacent to the SECC. Picture: Kanya King and Alesha Dixon

would people turn up and were they going to dance and be a part of it.” Fortunately, any sign of bad weather held off and visitors turned up in their thousands, with early estimates suggesting they spent about half a million pounds during the weekend on things such as food and drink, shopping and accommodation. Dee added that events play an important role in attracting visitors to Yorkshire and that Welcome to Yorkshire was keen to work with the BBC on any similar projects in the future and also with other organisers staging events benefiting the local economy and driving up visitor numbers.

LIZ Hobbs Group has entered a fiveyear deal with Ross County FC to bring some of music's biggest names to the club’s Victoria Park stadium. The company played a key role in the success of a Rod Stewart concert in the Highlands last year, but the long-term deal with Ross County is its first in Scotland. Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor, said: “This is an exciting new development for the club. “It’s great to be able to offer people in this area the chance to see big name acts appearing at a local venue. For us, it also represents an important new opportunity to use the ground in the summer months, to generate additional income to help fund fulltime football, youth development and all our community activities.”

Luxury camping at Kendal Calling THIS year’s Kendal Calling will include a new luxury camping area, organisers have revealed. The Lodge will feature a range of accommodation from campervans to pop up hotel rooms and tipis. Festivalgoers choosing to camp there will also get a goody bag, clean, monitored toilets and showers, free parking in a private car park and access to the backstage Green Room Bar.

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With the 2012 Olympics rapidly approaching, Andy Cotton explores why one date in particular could prove vital for the industry ...

A date we should have been told about The speakers

By Andy Cotton THE date was March 31 2011 when in a briefing by a civil servant from the Government Olympic Executive, industry colleagues were told the closing date was March 31 2011! What for some of you may ask? Well, it’s to add your events for 2012 to The LECC (The London Events Coordination Calendar) and the LOCOG (The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games) run UK Calendar. These calendars will be used by the boroughs, emergency services, transport and health departments to ensure that the resources needed for the planned events will be available, and to identify any potential pressure points; which seems to make sense. But (and there is always a ‘but’), the comment from the government representative was: “Engagement with both calendars will give events the best chance of going ahead.” I therefore have to ask is the government or LOCOG, and lets not forget LOCOG is a private company which the government has little or no control over; intending to change the Licensing Act 2003 to facilitate these calendars? Unless I have been in a coma, refusal of licences to run events in England is under four clearly defined licensing objectives, and one of them was not if it doesn’t suit the timing of the Olympics. There is obviously going to be a strain on the emergency services and our normal events infrastructure due to the games, but if these calendars are in place should we not have been told of them, and who manages them and advises on them? Surely not a private company like LOCOG with their own agendas? And if resources are in such short supply should London Mayor Boris Johnson be encouraging numerous street parties during this period?

Getting the most out of your events in today’s tough economic climate was the topic of a conference at Sheffield Hallam University. Christina Eccles went along.

Sponsor decision pays off for fiesta Andy Cotton There is also the question of commercial confidentiality; the UK calendar is run by LOCOG, a private commercial organisation, and the LECC is run by the GLA; this I am sure will also have to be shared with LOCOG. The documents will be public record, therefore, there is the potential for information getting to competing companies earlier than some people may like. The whole thing however is academic as the closing date for addition to the calendars has been and gone – but as an industry we should be aware that they exist and who has control of them. We need to be aware that resources from health services, emergency services and local authorities will be stretched and the more time we give them the better, as we need to protect our annual clients who have supported this industry for many years and will do for years to come. I sincerely support the idea of pre-planning and helping our colleagues from the public sector in this time of government cuts and the upcoming resourcing pressures of the Olympics, what I don’t support is that one event, however large, can dictate to other events however small, when the large event will probably not benefit the UK events industry as much as it is being hyped to do so.

SCRAPPING the traditional idea of one company paying a large amount to become a festival’s headline sponsor may seem like an unusual idea, particularly now when every penny counts. But delegates at the conference heard how the decision paid off for one of the country’s biggest outdoor events. The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes place in the city every year, attracting up to 500,000 people each time. But when current organisers Richmond Event Management took over the running of the show, they decided it was time for a change – starting with the traditional packages for local businesses and the ‘tired’ exhibitor and catering offer. Instead of one company paying for headline sponsorship, REM created the 100 Club, which gave 100 local businesses the chance to be a part of the festival. The 100 companies were also entered into a prize draw where one lucky name was drawn out and given the chance to become headline sponsor. Managing director Mike Richmond explained: “We are only allowed to spend what we have generated so the challenge when we started was that there were no reserves in the pot. There was an annual deficit of about £25,000 and a tired catering and exhibition offer – people were feeling despondent about entering. “We reviewed the historical offer for businesses and threw it in the bin.

Conference to focus on health and safety THE heads of health and safety for two of the UK’s biggest spectacles will raise awareness of the meticulous health and safety planning needed for major events, at a conference in Sunderland this July. Before the Aftermath – IOSH’s Tyne and Wear Branch Conference 2011 runs on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 July. This conference is a must for any organisation that deals with the planning and development of projects that involve the health and safety of both contractors and the public.

It will also raise awareness of the root causes of bad practice that can unknowingly creep in over time which could develop into a public tragedy. Speakers include: Paul Verrico, solicitor advocate, Eversheds Subash Ludhra, IOSH president elect Lawrence Waterman, head of health and safety, Olympic Delivery Authority Tim Roberts, head of health and safety, Glastonbury Festival Pam Waldron, head of operations

for Health and Safety Executive's Field Operations Directorate in the North East Neil Malkin, senior investigating officer – 'Dreamscape' incident, Durham Constabulary For further information on this special event, please visit: http://www.iosh.co.uk/branches/ty ne_and_wear/branch_events/before_ the_aftermath.aspx or contact Claire Davis on Claire.davis@iosh.co.uk or 0116 257 3373 You can also contact Claire if you are interested in exhibiting at this two-day event.

Then we reviewed the exhibitor and catering offer and made the revenue sources feel wanted. The event needed a focal point for all regional businesses where they could mingle. “So we created The 100 Club, which was an opportunity for businesses to have an affiliation with the event. Each sponsor paid £2,000 and was entered into a draw to be the headline sponsor. We had 100 local businesses all paying £2,000. The first prize was the title sponsorship and the second prize was sponsorship of two glow nights.” Mike revealed that the success of this offering meant that for every £1 spent on the event, it generated £26 net value to the local economy. He added that in a challenging climate, taking this new approach with the event worked out well, and that organisers of other events could also benefit from doing something different to boost business. He added: “I started in this industry because I thought it would be fun and I’ve never lost that ethos. You should never lose that feeling of fun, but it is quite clear that we are in challenging times, and we have got to look at new initiatives and ideas.” Another speaker at the event was Vanessa Toulmin, creative producer for Showzam: Blackpool's Festival of Circus Magic and New Variety. Her work on the festival has centred around changing the stereotypical view of Blackpool, bringing in a new audience to the resort through the staging of events and at a different time of year to the traditional tourist season. The creation of the Showzam! festival – which takes place over February half term – achieved these objectives and is going from strength to strength – but Vanessa told delegates that it hasn’t always been easy. She said: “My work was about changing perceptions of the resort with a remit to bring a very different audience to Blackpool.” With 22,000 theatre seats to sell a night as well as variety venues such as the pier and Pleasure Beach, there was plenty of scope to programme acts and Vanessa has set about bringing the best of the variety world to perform at the event. She added: “The current climate gives more enjoyment because it is more challenging. ‘The flash brings the cash’ so you have to present your event in the right way.”

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Scottish concert and events promoter CK Events has commissioned two new summer shows, headlined by Boyzone. The band will play gigs in August at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh and Northern Meeting Park in Inverness, supported by The Saturdays and X Factor winner Shayne Ward.

Festivals abroad must appeal to the locals too By Christina Eccles THE key to organising successful international events is to ensure the festival is appealing to locals rather than just an event for English people abroad, it has been claimed. Mark Newton is one of the founders of Electronic Music Group and is working on a new festival in Croatia with promoters The Warehouse Project. The Hideout Festival takes place in July on the Island of Pag and aims to showcase the best of the electronic music world. It was developed after Mark and the team noticed a gap in the market and building on experience gained from organising similar events in the UK and Ibiza, took the concept to Croatia. The festival has received great support from the local tourist board, council and neighbouring businesses, which Mark said has helped them greatly in pulling it together. He explained: “We noticed a gap in the market for certain music genres

that had not been capitalised on. The Ibiza formula is getting a bit tired and we saw potential in the Eastern European market. “With Croatia being such an emerging market the tourist board and council have been really supportive towards the idea. But he added any other organisers thinking of setting up projects abroad should think about the nature of their event to make sure it suits that location, can benefit the area and appeals to the people who live there. He added: “There are opportunities for organisers as so many new markets are opening up. But the key thing for us was not just to do an event for English people in Croatia. It has to be an event for everybody and we have booked artistes with that in mind. “Luckily for us everybody has been really supportive and the feedback so far has been great.” It is hoped that the festival will become and annual event and organisers are already thinking ahead to next year.

Safety moves THE San Francisco 49ers enlisted Integrated Security Consultants to ensure the safety of its high-profile visiting cheerleading squad during their recent UK visit. In conjunction with the NFL’s annual International Series game at Wembley Stadium, the prestigious “Gold Rush” cheerleading squad flew to the UK ahead of the main game to set the atmosphere and kick start festivities. And ISC was selected to provide all security and close protection needs. ISC’s Tony Wright said: “The current security state in London coupled with the sheer number of locations and movement of the squad presented a potential security nightmare. “Thorough forward planning and carefully preplanned procedures meant we were well prepared for any situation that could potentially arise.”

Final line-up revealed THE final line up has been revealed for the Hampton Court Palace Festival – with acts performing including Westlife, Brian May and The Australian Pink Floyd. Alfie Boe will headline the Festival Finale and Fireworks and will be joined by soprano Natasha Marsh and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The festival is known for its intimate atmosphere, with artists performing in the main courtyard of the palace in front of an audience of 3,000.

Tattoo welcomes X Factor winner VISITORS to this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo will be able to enjoy a performance from X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, organisers have revealed. The event takes place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in July and is Europe’s largest airshow – attracting more than 250 aircraft from around the world.

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LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

Organisers opt for extra evening Turnout exceeds event team’s expectations ... WEST Cheshire and Chester Council chose Pennine Events to put on a successful cycling event in Chester. Cycle Sunday provided cyclists with a chance to take on either a four mile or eight mile guided ride – as well as experience exhibitions and displays. The event exceeded expectations of turnout, with the four guided rides reaching capacity with 300 riders.

Leah Sandamas of Pennine Events said: “We never expected so many riders, up until Friday we only had one ride full so to fill all three other rides was fantastic. “It is great sign of how much cycling has grown in the last few years within Chester and with many people complimenting the event delivery team on such a fabulous day.”

THIS year’s Mouth of the Tyne Festival will have even more to offer visitors after organisers decided to introduce an extra evening of entertainment. The Friday concert will include headline performances from Beverley Knight, pictured right, and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke and takes place against the backdrop of Tynemouth Priory and Castle. The event is organised by North Tyneside Council and according to festival director, Steve Bishop, adding another concert will be the perfect way for organisers to tap into a new crowd. He said: “We’re thrilled to add an extra evening concert to the line-up for this year’s Mouth of the Tyne Festival. It will bring a whole new dimension to the event and will help us reach out to a much wider audience, ensuring that there is something for everyone.” The popular Saturday evening concert will also return this year – with a headline performance from chart topping band Scouting for Girls. Steve added: "Securing high calibre music acts for a fourth consecutive year is testament to the event establishing itself as one of the North's favourite summer festivals. Adding the Friday concert will help us to meet public demand and continue the event’s year-on-year growth. “We will soon be announcing details of the Sunday afternoon line-up which will also take place in the stunning surroundings of Tynemouth Priory and Castle.”

How are plans going for your event this year? Have you made any changes to improve the visitor experience? Let The Main Event know by contacting our editorial team on 01226 734463 or email your news to ce@whpl.net

How local authority helped Jim along ... THE organiser of a successful North East festival has told how local authority support has proved invaluable in a tough climate. The Evolution Festival takes place over the end of May bank holiday weekend and this year has signed up the likes of Tinie Tempah, Plan B and Example to perform for crowds at three sites in NewcastleGateshead. Speaking at the City Sessions event in Leeds, Jim Mawdsley told delegates about the importance of working closely with local authorities

when putting on an event and how gaining their support – whether financially or on issues such as using council land – can make a big difference.

important to evaluate your event so you can prove to others the benefits it can bring into a local area, giving them a reason to support you.

He explained: “We have had a lot of support from the local authorities – and we don’t have to pay a land fee.

He added: “The festival generates an additional spend of £3.2m to the local area. Also the Baltic Centre is on our site and they get more visits over the festival weekend than any other weekend of the year. Bar operators also report record takings.

“Get as much support from the local authorities as you can and find out what services they can give you.” He added that when looking for support from local authorities or potential sponsorship, it is also

“But you need to get hold of the records and figures.”

Also speaking at the event was James Barton from North West music festival Creamfields, who agreed with Jim about the importance of measuring the economic impact of events. He added: “You need to demonstrate the extra spend from your audience. There will always be opposition to what you are doing and an economic impact study can be really useful. It gives a balance to some of the stories local people may want to present at licensing meetings.”

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LOCAL AUTHORITY SPOTLIGHT The opening of a major new art gallery and one of the country’s top food festivals are just two examples of projects putting Wakefield on the map as a destination for major events. Christina Eccles paid a visit.

Festival marks rhubarb links THE Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb is one of the first major events in the food festival calendar and celebrates the city’s links with rhubarb growing. The event – which takes place in February – has steadily grown over the years with organisers adding more content each time to attract visitors. The 2011 festival was visited by over 80,000 people and provided the opportunity for local chefs to show off their skills while also acting as a showcase for the best of the region’s food and drink offering – including the famous rhubarb. According to Wakefield Council’s events team, the festival’s lasting success is down to working with partners – from tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire, to local restaurants, chefs and tourist attractions – to ensure there is plenty to do at the event for both local people and visitors looking to experience what Wakefield has to offer. Senior markets and major events manager Lisa Ferguson said: “It is the first food festival of the year in the calendar and fires everyone up for the rest of the festivals that follow. Yorkshire has got a good reputation for food festivals and we are really proud of the event.” Local businesses are always keen to get involved – reporting large increases in takings over the festival weekend – and the event has recently been recognised for the role it plays in attracting tourists. The festival was a finalist in the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards for Tourism Event of the Year in both 2009 and 2010. It is also in the running for VisitEngland’s

The council’s annual bonfire night celebrations take place in Wakefield’s Thornes Park and attract up to 30,000 visitors each year. At last year’s event, changes were made to improve the safety and crowd management aspects of the event – and the visitor experience. This involved setting up a special operations room in conjunction with West Yorkshire Police, which included CCTV screens – allowing organisers and the emergency services to keep a close eye on what was going on on the ground and spot any potential incidents. The team added that everyone involved thought the idea worked really well as it allowed them to step in and diffuse any situations before they escalated and they are looking at doing it again this year.

Food also plays a major part in another of Wakefield Council’s most popular events – the Pontefract Liquorice Festival. The festival was originally organised by the Pontefract Liquorice Trust but the council took over running the event two years ago. The team added that they still work closely with the trust – holding regular meetings with them – and both sides are really pleased with how the festival has developed.

Events team draws the visitors ... Where Else but England Award, which recognises the best of England’s quirky events calendar. To capitalise on the festival’s tourism offering, at this year’s event, organisers teamed up with a number of local hotels to offer overnight stays which tied in with the dates of the festival and created a package. Lisa added: “We are keen to work with businesses and major attractions in the region and we had a really good mix of programming. Our partners can see the benefits of getting involved, which is really important.”

THE events team is made up of senior markets and major events manager Lisa Ferguson and senior festivals officers Debbie McKeith and Natalie Johansson. Together they work on a range of projects which are bringing more visitors into the city and raise its profile as an area capable of hosting events. After successfully completing work on the Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb in February, they are currently working with partners in the city to pre-

pare for the opening of the Hepworth Wakefield – a major new art gallery which launches on May 21. Lisa added: “We tap into the skills of our tourism team and work very closely with other departments. We understand the mutual benefits that working in partnership can bring. “We are currently working with the Hepworth Wakefield on their launch opening and looking forward to the Olympic celebrations in 2012.”

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FESTIVAL FINALES Last issue The Main Event spoke to a worried fireworks supplier who claimed the proposed introduction of double British Summer Time could kill off the fireworks industry. Here we look at some of your responses.

Vital timing ... THE perfect time to fire your fireworks is just as the headline group conclude their last set, whilst the crowd are still cheering. The introduction of the fireworks at this moment really lifts the celebrations to a new level. There are many different styles of show. From experience, especially if budgets are tight, the best firework finales are between two and three minutes’ duration. With the fireworks forming just a part of the overall entertainment, keeping the show short means that we can increase the intensity and scale of the show for the same money. The sooner we are engaged in the planning process, the more value we can bring. With planning, we can synchronise the final band set with on stage with sequenced pyrotechnic splash as we lift the fireworks. A good firm will undertake all of the planning and co-ordination, safety and security of the fireworks. This enables the event planners to focus on the rest of the event. For more information contact 21cc Fireworks on: 0800 612 9371 or visit: www.21ccfireworks.com

Change would have ‘devastating effect’ THE Campaign for Daylight Savings is calling for a three-year trial period on this issue, which would mean adding two hours to GMT in the summer and one hour in winter. But according to Fantastic Fireworks managing director Jon Culverhouse this could have disastrous consequences for the industry, as during the summer months it will be too light to let off fireworks before the 11pm curfew. Since we spoke to Jon, responses have been flooding in from other companies – with many fireworks suppliers agreeing with his comments. Hannah Clarkson from Pyrotexfireworx explained: “As you are not legally allowed to let off fireworks after 11pm, the double BST would have a devastating effect on the firework industry as it would be too light in summer to be able to let off fireworks before 11pm. “Many professional display companies rely on the summer wedding season and summer events to support their November seasonal

Picture courtesy of 21CC Fireworks income. If this campaign were to go ahead, we would see many firework companies go out of business.” Director of Big Bang Fireworks Martin Edwards added: "We at Big Bang Fireworks have no problem with the daylight saving proposals, and would enjoy the lighter evenings. “However we would need a change in the law to allow the industry to fire displays up to midnight for six to eight weeks

of the summer. Or else we will all be out of work for one of our peak periods.” 21CC Fireworks’ director Geoff Crow also spoke to The Main Event about his concerns for the industry if this proposal was to go ahead. The company is based in Scotland so if the time difference came into force, it would be close to midnight when it got dark, which could impact on the company’s summer business such as corporate events and music festivals. He added: “Fireworks have become an established way of finishing an event off in style. It makes a big statement about an event if it has a professional fireworks display and removing that finale would be a real shame. “I don’t think the government has thought this through. “ In the current climate where everyone is working hard to sustain their business, the government should be thinking about how they can support the industry.”

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TRAINING & EDUCATION

Graduates from The University of Huddersfield’s events management degree have gone on to jobs ranging from organising local authority events to managing projects as far afield as Canada. Christina Eccles met with students and staff.

No glamorous perception for events students IN the past, degrees in event management have come under fire from certain corners of the industry – with some claiming the only real way to learn is on the job. But with the course at Huddersfield now seven years old, head of department for hospitality and events Rita Carmouche says times are changing and a mixture of theory and practical experience is the best way to create the event managers of tomorrow. It’s not easy for students to make it on to the course at this university. A good points score at A Level and relevant work experience are both needed to make the grade and to ensure everyone who signs up knows the realistic side of organising events – not just its glamorous perception.

She explained: “We get students with the same academic entry points as those studying subjects such as law and chemistry and they have chosen this subject specifically. When they come for an interview, we ask if they have been involved in events and that’s what we look for in their application. “Universities have a responsibility to make sure we put people on events that are capable.” As part of the four-year degree, students undertake a work placement in their third year which gives them the chance to put the theory they have learned so far into practice. And with the earliest graduates from this type of course now holding prominent positions in the industry, more doors are being

opened for students to gain the experience needed to kickstart their careers. Rita added: “Once the graduates become managers, they have a different view of these students and are more responsive to them. The industry has to be open to young people because they are its future. If it turns them away, then they will go and work in different industries.” Throughout the course, students are also encouraged to gain practical work experience by volunteering at events and in their final year, are tasked with organising a local event, working alongside existing staff as colleagues rather than students. The intake each year is also relatively small compared with rival courses – meaning each person benefits from as much individual

support as they need. Rita added: “Our USP is that we only take 45 students on each course so we have got the time to develop them. We also run a lot of visits out to give them a feel for the global industry. “One of the strengths of our course is that the students can think as well as operate within events. They have the right combination of practical experience and intellect and are up to date with new trends. “We are producing people with a lot of practical experience but also graduates with the intellect to take the industry forward – and we want to see these students welcomed into the industry. The world is changing and people need all the expertise they can get.”

Good grounding to secure job EVENTS which final year students have played a part in include the Huddersfield Literature Festival, the town’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations and the World Coal Carrying Championships at Gawthorpe. They can be tasked with managing anything from town centre road closures, to artiste liaison, marketing and sourcing venues, which gives them a realistic take on the elements involved in pulling together a major event. Course lecturer Nikki Dawson told The Main Event that another successful project the students have been involved in is ‘Million Makers’ – events which raise funds for The Prince’s Trust – and in three and a half years have raised £19,500 for the charity.

She said the students have been increasingly given more responsibility on events and that organisers and venues they have worked with have been impressed with their abilities – and so has she. She added: “When I’m working with the students, I feel like we are equals and they are my colleagues.” Students Katie Perry and Ann Williams also explained why the course has been so valuable to them. They believe the combination of theory and practical experience they have gained from their degree has given them a good grounding to get a job in the industry. Both graduate this summer, with Ann staying at the university to do a post graduate course and Katy looking for work in events.

Huddersfield Literature Festival organising team

Rigging training A.C. Entertainment Technologies rigging division is to run another set of its rigging training schools, taking place at the LS-LIVE Studio in Wakefield. The school is a training partnership between A.C. Rigging, trussing and staging manufacturer Prolyte and Backstage Academy, a Wakefield based initiative offering entertainment industry training. Keeping the same format as last year, the two day training programme – which has been attended by industry practitioners from across Europe – will be led by Eric Porter, a committee member for the PLASA National Rigging Certificate. The first course took place at the end of March and others are scheduled for June and September.

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CONFERENCES & VENUE

The first ever National Fitness Awards arrived with a bang last year, attracting almost 500 people to York’s National Railway Museum. With big plans already in place for this year’s awards, The Main Event spoke to organiser Liz Lee.

Awards in good shape for second year THE awards – organised by The Main Event’s sister magazine Workout – were created to celebrate excellence within the fitness industry and to celebrate clubs and individuals who had demonstrated outstanding commitment in their fields. And with gyms entering from up and down the country, it was important to find a venue that everyone could get to. Liz explained: “One of the most important decisions to make was where the awards would be held. Workout is distributed throughout the length and breadth of the UK, so we needed to choose a venue which was accessible to all. In the end, we decided to book the National Railway Museum in York. “Obviously, there are pros and cons with using an 'unusual venue'. There are limitations on the use of the building, especially when it comes to the staging and AV equipment, so we hired a local AV company who had staged events at the museum before and were used to working within its limitations. Fortunately, the pros far outweigh the cons at this venue – the catering is excellent, the staff extremely helpful and there are two

large, flexible spaces available to use for your event with one, The Station Hall, able to accommodate up to 700 for a sit-down dinner. “As this was the inaugural event, it was hard to gauge what the final numbers would be, so we needed a venue which could cater for numbers anywhere between 300 and 700 and there are not many venues with that amount of flexibility in the UK, as I discovered when researching the various options. Plenty of hotels can cater for around 300-350 for a dinner/dance, but after that you are faced with either a marquee in the grounds – not good in November heated or not – or getting rid of the dance floor which reduces the options for offering decent entertainment.” Almost 500 people attended the awards ceremony and dinner, hosted by Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies and after receiving such positive feedback from guests, organisers are looking to make this year’s event even better. Liz added: “To move the awards forward in 2011, we have acted in response to feedback we received and have included six new categories, which will include some of

High-profile meeting endorses arena’s growing reputation THE Ricoh Arena has held its highest profile meeting to date, which included a visit from the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. David Cameron and Nick Clegg, along with Government Ministers Vince Cable, Eric Pickles, Mark Prisk and Greg Clarke, attended the National Local Enterprise Partnership Summit at the venue in Coventry. Representatives from LEPs across the country were invited to attend a reception in the Jaguar Club before hearing from the leaders of the Coalition Government. Chief executive Daniel Gidney said: “The Ricoh Arena’s reputation as a

centre for business excellence is growing all the time and this ministerial visit endorses the environment we provide for businesses across the UK. “We have taken the city of Coventry from outside the top 20 UK conferencing destinations to seventh place within five years which emphasises not only the high standard of our facilities but also our flexibility since we can hold events for between seven to 7,000 delegates.” Picture shows chairman of Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Denys Shortt, Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Ricoh Arena chief executive Daniel Gidney.

Sharron Davies with some of the award winners the niche gyms who didn't feel able to compete against some of the bigger clubs last year. “We have also decided to include a member achievement award, on the basis that it would be good for the industry to honour some of the people who have helped their gym become successful by their achievements. “This year, the awards will be held in the Midlands. Good as the

National Railway Museum was as a venue, we need to alternate where the event is held to be fair to everyone wanting to attend. “Clubs have already contacted me for details ahead of the launch, both those who entered last year as well as new entrants. Sponsors are also signing up again for this year – an excellent indication of how well the awards were received in the inaugural year.”

‘We are extremely excited and proud to be part of the Glaziers Hall journey’ A LONDON conference and events venue has completed an extensive refurbishment programme to expand its offering to organisers. Glaziers Hall, which can accommodate up to 600 guests, now features several newly adapted and enhanced spaces in which to host events, conferences and meetings including the River room, library and and Banqueting Hall.

Managing director Samantha Enstone said: “We are extremely excited and proud to be part of the Glaziers Hall journey. “The continued investment in audio visual, lighting and decor is an integral part of our strategy, allowing us to stay ahead of our competitors, meet clients’ high demands and work with the best in our business.”

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SCREEN HIRE

Four live site plan for London 2012 FOUR live sites will be positioned around the Capital next summer so locals and visitors can experience the excitement of the London 2012 Olympics on large outdoor screens. The sites are planned for Hyde Park, Victoria Park, Trafalgar Square and Potters Fields Park and will also include a programme of free entertainment to showcase London and the UK to the world. Live Nation has been appointed as the event organiser and promoter by The Mayor of London, The Royal Parks and Tower Hamlets Council and the company has also been granted commercial rights allowing them to stage concerts and offer hospitality packages, food and drink concessions and merchandising opportunities. Chief executive of The Royal Park Mark Camley said: "The Royal Parks will host some of the key venues for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and we are delighted that Hyde Park will not only be home to the Triathlon and Marathon Swimming events – but to

the largest Live Site in London as well. Combining the beautiful surroundings of Hyde Park and the excitement of London during the Games, the atmosphere at the Live Site promises to be electric. Live Nation UK chief operating officer John Probyn added: “Live Nation are delighted to be producing and promoting the London Live Sites 2012. “This is a remarkable opportunity for Londoners and the UK to show the rest of the world how to celebrate en masse and embrace the spirit of the 2012 Games. “Live Nation has produced some of the biggest multi-artist events in London including Live 8, Concert for Diana, Wireless Festival and Hard Rock Calling, but this event reaches entirely new levels. “Combining every magical sporting moment throughout the London sites and showcasing a world class line up of multi cultural activity and internationally known artists, this will be the most exciting chapter in the history of Live Nation in the UK."

We will wow you ... LED screens have been adding the wow factor to performances of award winning musical We Will Rock You, which has been touring venues throughout the UK and Italy. displayLED’s digiLED TILE system screens have been used to compliment the stage show, projecting a mixture of video, animation, graphics and lighting effects. Sales director Guy Horrigan said: “The ability for the frames to be installed and de-rigged quickly on the tours is vital. “The digiLED TILE system is also exceptionally light weight, which is a great benefit as many theatres can’t fly traditional LED screens.”

According to Guy, the company has seen a recent increase in theatres using LED screen backdrops. He added: “WWRY was the first theatre production to use LED screens on stage in a big way. In 2002 the investment was about $1.6m but now, with costs approximately one third of what they were, this more accessible pricing will create new opportunities for the live show environment. “LED is perfect for creating all kinds of effects, including scenic changes, and it will be increasingly exploited. “The experience we’ve gained on WWRY since our first involvement in 2002 is invaluable.”

Top equipment and huge expertise XL Video is a multi award winning worldwide operation and an industry leader focused on supplying the best video systems and crew for all types of tours and events. The company stocks a wide range of indoor and outdoor LED surfaces – from 4mm high resolution, to 40 mm low resolution – plus a diversity of ‘creative’ products and everything in between, including numerous ‘specials’ like MiStrips and MiSpheres and a full range of truck mounted screens. In addition to display screens, XL Video has the widest range of other video related SD and HD products including all types of projectors,

cameras and PPU systems which are pre-configured and available ‘off-theshelf’, designed with tours, festivals and one-off events in mind. Then there is an endless assortment of ancillary equipment that only an established company can offer, the essential mechanical ‘glue’ that is vital to making any touring video system ready-to-rock. These include fibre control and computer playback systems, media servers, hanging brackets, dollies and transportables of every description – all of which are prepped and ready-to-go. Equally as important as the equipment is the huge pool of knowledge and expertise offered by XL’s full time

staff and regular freelancers, who are among the most talented, skilled and creative engineers and brains in the industry. They ensure unparalleled levels of experience are available to all XL’s

clients to assist in finding solutions for their requirements and expectations, however ambitious, XL’s ATeam of project managers has extensive experience in all market sectors.

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SCREEN HIRE

Switched-on firm looks to future Advertiser’s announcement BIG TV is a provider of state-of-theart giant LED screens for all event needs including mass participation sporting events, concerts, road shows, festivals, promotions, outdoor broadcasts and more. They specialise in Mobile LED Screen hire but also have modular solutions available. The mobile units include on-board generators, built in VT5 edit suites, D&B PA sound systems and the larger units have integrated stage and lighting facilities. For live event needs, Big TV can provide professional camera crew and equipment, wireless links, mixing technicians, sound engineers and more. As Big TV enters its eighth year of trading, they’re pleased with how the business is progressing. Despite the recession and difficult economic times, the main event season looks set to be another successful one. That’s not to say the budget cuts haven’t been noticed. Production manager Amy Jenkins said: “Many clients with whom we have long standing working relationships with are feeling the strain of council reductions and we’re sad to see clients who have become good friends to Big TV

facing redundancy. “The natural progression is that budget cuts have a knock on effect to pricing strategies.” But they remain positive as looking ahead, the 2012 Olympics is looming, and coupled with Euro 2012 their events calendar will be dominated with sporting and outdoor broadcast events in the UK and Europe. In response to this, during the year Big TV are looking to strengthen their professional relationship with both fellow screen suppliers and manufacturers, venturing into new contracts together and researching new ideas and investments. With a high demand for screens in 2012 and hopefully the following years, they will be looking to make new investments to meet the already high demand for screens. To maintain their high standards of equipment and professionalism, a new investment isn’t a decision that will be made lightly. Keeping a keen eye on new developments, particularly 3D large screen LED technology, managing director, Simon Woodcock added: “We’re looking for investments with a new outlook and innovative design to complement our existing, well respected and recognised fleet. “Any additions to Big TV need to be a continuation of the high quality equipment our clients are used to

One of Big TV’s 46sqm screens with integrated stage, lighting & sound working with.” Big TV is proud of the reputation and status they’ve built over the years, remaining the preferred supplier of many major outdoor events and successful event managements companies. Simon added: “We pride ourselves on providing outstanding attention to detail, full technical support and

expert consultancy across our range of services. “Our professional capability does not make us unapproachable and our friendly team are happy to work on all projects, large or small. “These are fundamental core elements of our business that keep clients coming back year after year.”

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SCREEN HIRE

Screen to move around Cornwall SOME of Cornwall’s best loved locations will provide the setting for a giant inflatable screen, showing a season of outdoor film screenings. The 8m x 6m screen enables up to 500 people to watch a film at any one time and film lovers can see their favourite flicks in a range of unusual places, including the grounds of Pendennis Castle, on a beach in West

Cornwall and on a ferry in the middle of the Fal river. Each location has been chosen by organisers for its breathtaking views and scenery and the films being shown at each screening will compliment the setting. The project is being staged by Event Cornwall and Skylight Cinema, following the success of Film on the Fal – a movie screening held on the King

Supplier re-launches website Advertiser’s announcement THE UK’s leading event LED screen supplier have just re-launched their website. www.adi.tv has been updated with a brand new look and even more content to help event organisers decide which screen and service they need. The brand new LED screen selector page brings all of ADI’s class-leading range of screen options onto a single page, with full details of each of ADI’s iCONIC mobile LED screens – the world’s widest and largest range of mobile screens – as well as modular screen options and digiBOARD event signage solutions. Following a record 2010, which saw ADI provide well over 1,000 days of screen rental, ADI are finding 2011 to be even busier, and the website launch has been timed to streamline the booking process. Marketing manager Oliver Brindley explained: “We’ve chosen now to launch the new website to ensure

people can get full use of it to book their screens for the summer – traditionally the busiest season in our market. Unlike most of our competitors, we offer a huge selection of screens and size options and a fleet of over 25 screens, so we’ve focused the site on making it as easy as possible for our customers to compare them directly and choose the best solution for their event. Each of our iCONIC screens is accompanied by its own video – to show how it is built – key specifications and multiple photos of it in use at events, giving customers a great sense of scale. “We’ve provided an even larger library of case studies and these are organised by industry to show our customers how our screens have been used in events similar to theirs. You’ll also find full details of the other services we offer to help lower costs for our customers, such as full event broadcast and extensive branding opportunities on all of our trailers.”

Harry Ferry which forms part of the Fal River Festival. Event Cornwall director Claire Eason-Bassett said: “The buzz of watching a film like Jaws on a ferry in the middle of a river after dark is fantastic for audiences and we wanted to capture that feeling at other locations across the county. “Cornwall has a wealth of spectacu-

lar settings in which to screen a movie, so this year we have rolled out a season of shows capturing its beauty. Wherever possible we have tried to work with organisations that preserve the natural beauty of Cornwall, so we have chosen settings like Godrevy beach and Pendennis Castle as they are protected English Heritage and National Trust sites.”

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SCREEN HIRE

Determined to achieve perfect project delivery Advertiser’s announcement LIGHTMEDIA Displays is highly regarded throughout the event industry for their professionalism and capabilities. We have the capacity to work at short notice at any time of the day or night with a highly experienced team who have all worked together for the last 15 years and are recognised throughout the events industry as possessing an impeccable reputation. Our event teams perform to the

highest standards and with the determination to achieve perfect project delivery which makes us stand out from the crowd. On site, we coordinate with other contractors in a professional manner to ensure that your event is a huge success. In fact strong bonds and relationships have been developed with many of the familiar faces that we are fortunate to meet on different sites up and down the U.K. Our friendly team are approachable and will go that “extra mile” on the day to ensure that you are totally happy with your Lightmedia experience. The Lightmedia Displays Fleet has grown intensively over the years from when Eddie “anything is possible” Smith, started out in 1997 bringing the first bulb type screen unit into the U.K from the USA. We have grown our

fleet steadily which currently consists of 11 mobile LED truck mounted screens with sizes ranging from 8sqm to 60 sqm, all with high quality resolution led screens with a 7mm virtual pixel pitch. In addition to our fleet we also carry 200 sqm of modular screen which are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Our latest two additions to the Lightmedia Fleet are our new 12sqm mobile screen and also the latest in outside broadcast trucks which joined us at the end of March 2011, having been purpose built to LMD specification. Lightmedia has worked on many high profile events over the years and clients love us for our “can do “approach, nothing is too much trouble for any client who we are working with, however large or small their event is. We pride ourselves on outstanding attention to detail with full technical support and expert consultancy across our range of services that are provided to only the highest of industry standards. Lightmedia provide a full event

broadcast solution; all our screens come with full outside broadcast facilities with production suites and microwave links, along with onboard generators which are silent and eco friendly. Using our exclusive and highly professional camera crew, we can provide your event with only the most experienced directors and vision mixers, all with one call. Lightmedia Displays recently won the prestigious contract for Cancer Research UK providing screens for the majority of their Shine and Race for Life events in the UK. Equipment and suppliers manager Nick Wright recently said of Lightmedia: “The service that LMD provides does not start and finish with the provision of screens but rather it includes, consultancy; content production; dedicated account management; requirement flexibility; price discounts and added value services. “Cancer Research UK is happy to endorse and recommend LMD and look forward to working with them again in 2011.”

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365 - SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

Access Control Ticket Alternative UK ltd Unit 333 Ashley Rd, London N17 9LN T: 0800 011 2894 E: orders@ticketalternative.co.uk www.ticketalternative.co.uk

Air Displays TSA Consulting Ltd Lodge House 15 Gosditch Street Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 2DP T; 01285 659590 E: info@tsaconsulting.co.uk www.tsaconsulting.co.uk

Backline & PA Hire Sensible Music Group 90-96 Brewery Road London N7 9NT T: 020 7700 9900 F: 020 7700 4802 E: studio@sensible-music.co.uk www.sensible-music.co.uk

Car and Van rental Arnold Clark Rental Head Office Kerse Road Stirling FK7 7RU T:01786 468 700 E: car.rental.sales@arnoldclark.co.uk www.arnoldclarkrental.com

CCTV Hire 2CL Communications Ltd Unit C, Woodside Trade Centre Parham Drive Eastleigh Hampshire SO50 4NU T: 0800 389 2278 F: 02380 720038 E: sales@2cl.co.uk www.2cl.co.uk

Crowd Management Specialized Security 4 Fairways Business Park Deer Park Livingston EH54 8AF T: 01506 442255 E: tom@specializedsecurity.co.uk www.specializedsecurity.co.uk Pro Touch Security Ltd 4C Queensway business Centre Dunlop Way Scunthorpe North Lincolnshire DN16 3RN T: 01724 279522 E: office@protouchsecurity.co.uk www.protouchsecurity.co.uk

Event Branding Principle Group 2270 Silverstone Technology Park Silverstone Circuit Northants NN12 8TN T: 01327 858 614 F: 01327 858 287 www.principle-group.co.uk

Event Hire Elliott – Event Hire St Georges House Rearsby Business Park Rearsby Leicester LE47 4YH T: 0800 1313314 E: events@elliottuk.com www.elliott.com

Event Production Medical Management Ethix Management 100 Kingsgate Road West Hampstead London NW6 2JG T: 0207 691 1960 E: enquiries@ethixmanagement.com www.ethixmanagement.com

Event Power BRM Productions Limited Unit 12 Canalside Industrial Park Kinoulton Road Cropwell Bishop Notts NG12 3BE T: 0115 989 9955 M: 07860 285305 E: power@brm-productions.co.uk

Fireworks 21cc Fireworks Hopetoun Sawmill Hopetoun Estates Edinburgh EH30 9SL T: 0800 612 4509 E: info@21ccfireworks.co.uk www.21ccfireworks.com

Insurance Services ARC International St. Clare House 30-33 Minories London EC3N 1PE T: +44 (0) 207 977 7630 F: +44 (0) 207 977 7631 E: twaller@arc-int.co.uk Robertson Taylor 33 Harbour Exchange Square London E14 9GG T: 020 7510 1234 E: enquiries@rtib.co.uk www.Robertonson-taylor.com

Marquees Danco Plc The Pavilion Centre Frog Lane Coalpit Heath Bristol BS36 2NW Tel: 01454 250 222 Fax: 01454 250 444 www.danco.co.uk GD Marquee Hire Western Brake Tedburn St Mary Exeter EX6 6EY T: 01647 24455 E: info@gdhire.com www.gdhire.com GL events Snowdens Second Drove Eastern Industry Fengate Peterborough PE1 5XA T: 01733 344110 F: 01733 314985 E: info@snowdens.co.uk www.snowdens.co.uk

Marquee Stakes and Accessories Ansell Hand Tools 72 Catley Road Darnall Sheffield S9 5JF T: 0114 244 8098 E: ansellhandtools@aol.com www.ansellhandtools.co.uk

SP Services (UK) Ltd Unit D4, Hortonpark Estate Hortonwood 7 Telford Shropshire TF1 7GX T: 01952 288 999 F: 01952 606 112 E: sales@spservices.co.uk www.spservices.co.uk Paramedico No 1a Storage unit Tannery close Croydon Industrial Estate Beckenham, Kent BR3 4BY T: 02086565956 M: 07515287962 E: events@paramedico.info www.paramedico.info

Portable Kitchens PKL Group (UK) Ltd, Stella Way Bishops Cleeve Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL52 7DQ T: 01242 663000 E: postbox@pkl.co.uk www.pkl.co.uk Elliott – Event Hire St Georges House Rearsby Business Park Rearsby Leicester LE47 4YH T: 0800 1313314 E: events@elliottuk.com www.elliott.com

Revolving Stages Movetech UK A division of British Turntable Co Ltd Emblem Street Bolton BL3 5BW T: 01204 537682 E: rental@movetechuk.com www.movetechuk.com/rental The Revolving Stage Company Ltd Unit F5, Little Heath Industrial Estate Old Church Road Coventry CV6 7ND T: 024 7668 7055 E:enquiries@therevolvingstagecompany.co.uk

Reusable Cup Systems The Incredible Cup Company Ltd 41 Mitchell Street London EC1V 3QD T: 0207 780 7137 F: 0207 253 7165 E: Lucy@brand-width.net www.icupco.com

Sound & Lighting Stage Electrics Third Way Avonmouth Bristol BS11 9YL T: 0844 870 0077 F: 0117 916 2828 sales@stage-electrics.co.uk www.stage-electrics.co.uk

Staging Daytona Stage Hire P.O. Box 43 Huddersfield HD8 9YU T: 01484 605555 M: 07889 132580 F: 01484 602806 E: daytonastagehire@mac.com www.daytonastagehire.com Steeldeck Rentals Ltd Unit 58 T.Marchant Estate 42-72 Verney Road London SE16 3DH T: 020 7833 2031 E: richard@steeldeck.co.uk www.steeldeck.co.uk

The Stage Bus 19 Prestwood Road Weoley Castle Birmingham B29 5EB T: 0121 603 8367 M: 07738 900 762 E info@thestagebus.com www.thestagebus.com

Toilets Eventloos.com 12a Bold Industrial Park Neil’s Road St Helens Merseyside WA9 4TU T: 0845 544 0513 E: info@eventloos.com www.eventloos.com Elliott – Event Hire St Georges House Rearsby Business Park Rearsby Leicester LE47 4YH T: 0800 1313314 E: events@elliottuk.com www.elliott.com

Venues Wicksteed Park Ltd. Barton Road Kettering Northants NN15 6NJ T: 01536 512475 F: 01536 518948 E: info@wicksteedpark.co.uk www.wicksteedpark.co.uk

Walkie Talkies 2CL Communications Ltd Unit C, Woodside Trade Centre Parham Drive Eastleigh Hampshire SO50 4NU T: 0800 389 2278 F: 02380 720038 E: sales@2cl.co.uk www.2cl.co.uk Wall to Wall Communications Unilink House 21 Lewis Road Sutton, Surrey SM1 4BR T:020 8770 1007 F:020 8770 9700 E:hire@walltowallcomms.co.uk www.walltowallcomms.co.uk

Water supplies Water Direct Ltd B-26 Earls Colne Business Park Earls Colne Colchester Essex CO6 2NS T: 0845 345 1725 F: 01787 223354 E: enquiries@water-direct.co.uk www.water-direct.co.uk

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Organising festivals such as The Big Chill and Green Man have given Fiona Stewart insights into the changing role of security and crowd management at events. In a special column for The Main Event, she shares her thoughts.

The changing role of security and crowd management FESTIVAL security has changed a great deal in the last 10 years. Then Police and security firms saw festivals as a club in a field which sometimes led to lack of appropriate management of the risks of an outdoor event. It was all about managing the gates then, rather than what was going on inside the festival. Security dressed in paramilitary uniforms and sometimes their manner was overly aggressive and both festival goers and organisers found them intimidating. The tragic incidents which occurred at festivals in 2010 were shocking. But part of the reason they got so much press was that incidents at festivals are very rare. Crowd problems are scarce. In comparisons to towns with similar populations figures, festivals’ assault statistics are tiny. Theft, and ticket fraud on the other hand, is a problem with many events. But over the last few years’ direct action by festival organisers and Police has seen this decreasing year on year. One of the reasons the AIF was founded by Rob da Bank and Ben Turner was to address the rise in thefts at events, and the opportunity for members to share information and ideas about festival crime and security is a great resource. The AIF also set up a Security Task Force to share intelligence and work with festival security. They have had significant results in combating crime at Rock Ness, Creamfields and Bestival. Melvin Benn’s Crime at Major Music Festivals’ conference has brought about better understanding between Police and promoters. An outcome has been the setting up of the Police Intelligence Forum where Police share intelligence and trends across the UK. Also a rolling intelligence log now covers the larger festivals which gives a real indicator of what issues need addressing each year and if they are being controlled adequately. There is now a major initiative to address ticket fraud. Podium is a Police Unit which has been a great success with approximately 50 arrests in the first six months. Another success has been the setting up of the Action Fraud website. This

enables fraud to be reported very easily by the public and has increased intelligence significantly, resulting in ticket forgers and bogus ticket suppliers being caught. Pan European intelligence is also now being disseminated through the E.U. Outdoor event security is becoming more sophisticated each year. New Bucks and Leeds University undertake research and offer degrees in the subject. Cardiff University offers excellent Environmental Health Degrees which include issues relating to open air events. Terms such as crime tackling, planned advance intelligence gathering, crime mapping, and pattern recognition in developing situations are now used and undertaken at festivals. Predicting crowd behaviour and the movement of people attending festivals is part of the planning now. Knowing the acts or other entertainments that stimulate movement is discussed between programmers and security in advance so that appropriate crowd controls can be put in place. All these things would have been unimaginable 10 years ago and personally I have a Margaret Rutherford rather than the Arnold Schwarzenegger approach to festival security and think this sort of sensible, intelligent research and analysis wonderful. But things could always be improved and in the future it would be good to include sporting organisations in discussions as they experience the same problems. Also for Government to be more supportive of events generally by looking at legislation related to ticket touting, merchant accounts and temporary parking as an example. After all millions of people attend festivals each year from the UK and abroad, and they generate a lot of income in to the UK economy. Changes in legislation would not only decrease crime but increase income into the exchequer. Many festivals do not have problems with crime, but none of us can sit on our laurels. It is all about prediction, prevention and control, and thankfully I do not know a festival organiser who doesn’t do everything they can to protect the people who come to their festivals and is

Fiona Stewart not willing to rise to the challenge. Fiona is managing director of the Green Man Festival and member of the Association of Independent Festivals.

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