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StandOut April 2026

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Skiddle celebrates 25 years in the live events industry page 22

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10 TIME TO PITCH

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

12

LEADERS IN THE FIELD

Whilst news of festival cancellations still permeates national media channels, there are a host of organisers and promoters that continue to thrive and develop their events

24 JOG ON…

Festivals aren’t content, they’re a community. When you treat culture like a commodity, you end up with soulless weekends. Respect the scene or get out! Says Will Lardner, festival director and freelance event production specialist

27 FEELING THE PRESSURE

StandOut delves deep into the not so glamorous – but essential –world of toilets and sanitation best practice

31 A SUSTAINABLE NORTH STAR

The third edition of Show Must Go On was published last month. But why will this version have more of an impact on the industry than the previous two editions? Julie’s Bicycle’s Richard Phillips explains

35 BABIES AND SITE BUILDS

From a noise risk assessment for a baby in the womb to pre-planning midwife appointments months in advance, Lily Robins talks about her experience of freelancing and working on-site whilst pregnant

41 LEAP OF FAITH

Cameron Balfour, founder of Outsider Events, on making tough decisions, the launch of South Scotland Outdoor Festival, and a deep passion for cycling

47

RESPECTING BOUNDARIES

Barrier and fencing experts discuss the fencing best practice, the latest trends, and new products

10 TIME TO PITCH
41 LEAP OF FAITH
31 A SUSTAINABLE NORTH STAR
12 LEADERS IN THE FIELD
24 JOG ON

APRIL 2026

chatted to Homestead Festival’s Will Lardner the other day about life as a festival director and event management lecturer; he said something I’d never heard before. Rest assured, it wasn’t some cheesy line that could be turned into a wall sticker and sold in The Range, or perhaps it could. So what did he say? “I’ve learned so much from making mistakes that I think I am going to make some more.”

We all know that you learn more when things don’t go quite right, which is why I think our live events landscape is so world-class. We’re definitely an industry that is open to learning. We learn as we go, make changes where necessary, and continue to think about the customer experience long after the gates have closed.

Perhaps Will’s comment is not the thing you necessarily want to hear straight after taking some heat in a post-show debrief but when you have some time to analyse what could have gone better, I really do think it’s a nice way of putting it. Because nobody’s perfect and mistakes will happen. That’s how we grow, it’s how we develop events, and it’s how we move forward. Naturally, when you look back over things that did and didn’t work, it gives you the perfect opportunity to make tweaks, change processes, and refine ops, making things better for next time round. This issue is packed with that kind of insight. Turn to page 12 and discover how festival organisers are developing their events this year or if you’re looking for something that can definitely not be described as sitting on the fence, Will’s opinion piece on page 24 is quite the read. He says that when organisers and promoters overpromise and underdeliver, you don’t just disappoint people, you kill consumer trust, and poison the well for everyone else. Make a brew and have look and in the meantime, don’t forget to live, laugh, love!

Happy reading, Caroline

Cover image: © Skiddle

This month’s

CONTRIBUTORS:

WILL LARDNER

Will has spent more than 25 years in the live events industry as a promoter, festival producer, and tour manager. He has built festivals from the ground up, programmed line-ups and toured internationally, and now lectures in festival production at City of Bristol College. When he’s not teaching the next generation how the industry really works, he’s usually on the road managing tours, consulting on live events, or making noise with his own band.

CAMERON BALFOUR

Cameron is founder of Outsider Events, which creates high-energy experiences centred around trail running and gravel riding, designed with a festival spirit that blends music, culture, and community. Cameron started Outsider to build outdoor events that everyone can enjoy – from first-time participants to experienced athletes pushing their limits. His approach is rooted in the belief that the best events happen slightly outside the mainstream. Through carefully chosen iconic venues, grassroots promotion, and a strong focus on the participant experience, Outsider Events aims to create events that feel authentic, inclusive, and memorable for everyone involved.

AMBER LORT-PHILLIPS

Amber is the founder of The Little Retreat and co-founder of The Big Retreat Festival, a fast-growing feel-good festival brand. She began her career as a personal trainer, Pilates and group fitness instructor, working internationally before returning to Wales to run her own health clubs for seven years. After starting a family, Amber created The Little Retreat in the garden of her mother-in-law’s B&B, which later inspired the launch of The Big Retreat Festival with Diana Hinde, who brought marketing expertise to the venture. Following Diana’s departure, Amber has continued to lead and grow the brand, which now operates across two festival sites with plans to expand to a third location in 2027.

Benjamin Robinson is operations manager at Motiv Sports UK.

IPS has appointed Rael Hancock as hire director.

Grace Doran is new operations and sales executive at British Marine, organiser of Southampton International Boat Show

Orla Ryan is head of build at Live Nation Entertainment

Gigantic Tickets has appointed Greg Flanagan as head of client services.

Alan Smith will join People&Co as operations coordinator for the opening and closing ceremonies at Glasgow 2026

Corrie Ince is the new chair of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations

Kevin Miller is regional director at Field and Lawn

Faye Rockley has started a new position at senior director, global health and safety at MARI

Olympia Events has appointed Davinia Bourdon as head of sales – exhibitions.

Eve Hannam is operations assistant at Cream Global.

Cal Reid is production manager at Back Doune the Rabbit Hole.

Opus Agency has appointed Clare McNulty as head of event management and operations, EMEA.

from

Two private spaces were transformed for the pre-reception and after-party, finished with props and real costume displays from the film. In Birmingham’s Centenary Square, fans were able to walk the red carpet and get a photo with the premiere’s impressive and Instagrammable flaming backdrop.

LINKEDIN POST OF THE MONTH

NEWS IN BRIEF PIC

The events industry doesn’t have a burnout problem. It has a hero culture. And we built it ourselves. We reward the 2am fix. The last-minute save. The person who “pulled it off”. We clap for them. We never ask why it needed saving. The planner who flagged the issue three weeks out? Invisible. The ops lead who built margin into the schedule? Forgotten. The producer who said no to an unrealistic brief? Difficult. But the one who stayed all night and absorbed the chaos? Legend. And that’s hero culture. And it’s addictive. And that’s the problem. Because adrenaline feels like purpose. Crisis feels like value. Exhaustion feels like commitment. None of it is true.

If your show depends on heroics, it isn’t well designed. It’s fragile. And fragile systems don’t burn people out because they’re weak. They burn people out because the structure demands sacrifice.

So ask yourself: Who gets rewarded more in your world? The person who prevented the problem, or the person who fixed it at 2am? That answer tells you everything about the culture you’re actually building.

The UK Resilience Academy will publish its new SAG guidance on May 19. Similarly, the academy has launched a Chairing Safety Advisory Groups course with the first one taking place on April 28.

Oxford Brookes University has completed a research project that looks at how to create safe events for children. The research is called Where are the Children in Event Planning and Delivery?

The Home Office has published new Martyn’s Law top tips and infographics designed to help event professionals identify whether or not an event is “in scope”, or not.

Live Recruitment has published its Live Recruitment Events Industry Salary Survey According to the report, while headline pay increases have softened, competition for experienced talent remains strong, and employers are having to differentiate far beyond base salary alone.

Invictus Games has launched its Impact Strategy for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027

A new £10 million fund has been launched by Liverpool’s Accommodation BID to support events hosted by the city.

Bearded Kitten delivered the global premiere of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man on behalf of Netflix last month. The agency built the red carpet
the ground up.

Time to pitch

Looking for new business opportunities? Discover news of the latest event tenders and contract wins

Freemans Event Partners will support Kingsholm Stadium and deliver food and beverage operations across the new Kingsholm Summer Series programme.

Swansea Council’s events team has issued a tender for clearspan framed marquees and associated equipment. Email lisa.evans5@swansea.gov.uk – the deadline is 12pm on March 23.

Gravity Media has been appointed the official audio visual production provider of the Montreux Jazz Festival

Ealing Council is seeking to appoint an events company to take on the management of Ealing Summer Festivals and Ealing’s Place Services (Events). The pre-market engagement deadline is April 10. Interested? Email johala@ealing.gov.uk

The North East Combined Authority wishes to create a framework agreement for event management services. The deadline is 12pm on April 13. If you are interested in this opportunity, email procurement@northeast-ca.gov.uk

South Ayrshire Council is looking to establish a multi-provider and multi-lot framework agreement for various event services and equipment. Email procurement@south-ayrshire.gov.uk – the deadline is 12pm on April 20.

Belfast City Council is looking for a wide variety of marquees and supplementary items for annual council events. The deadline is 12pm on April 22. Email cps@belfastcity.gov.uk

Streamline Leisure has won the contract to manage concessions at Leeds Festival

Renfrewshire Council has issued a prior information notice as it requires hostile vehicle mitigation for events over a two-year period. Email stephanie.mckay@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Hull City Council is carrying out a market engagement exercise in relation to the hire of events equipment and installation services. The event is being held virtually on April 1, 2026. To book your place, email – procurementteam@hullcc.gov.uk

Golf Buggy Hire
MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL
Image: © Lionel Flusin

Leaders in the field

Whilst news of festival cancellations still permeates national media channels, there are a host of festival organisers and promoters that continue to thrive and develop their events…

HAPPY PLACE, FOUNDED BY FEARNE COTTON (she/her)
Images: © Charlie Mitchell/Owen Howells Photography/Kezia Tan/Gobinder Jhitta/Mark Kensett/Andrew Mackley

info@temporarywatersolutions.co.uk

The cost-of-living crisis and increasing production costs are well-documented issues within the festival market. But despite depressing accounts of doom and gloom, several organisers are bucking the trend and planning for their future.

Just this month, Kambe Events advertised a role for a new MD who will manage the business as it moves forward from being founder-led to employee-owned. Similarly, Green Gathering has recently onboarded two new directors who – in-time – will develop the off-grid, not-for-profit festival further.

From this, it’s clear that organisers are thinking long-term and about business sustainability. Festival owners strongly believe in their events and the communities they have created, which is why it’s so positive to discover a raft of organisers that are developing their festivals and thinking about consistent approaches that will see them through the years ahead.

THINKING LONG-TERM

In September, Greenbelt revealed that the 2026 edition of its festival would be its last at Boughton House. As such, the organising team has started to look for a new festival home.

Derek Hill, MD of Greenbelt, confirmed that the festival team has been all over the country trying to find the perfect new location but the team has not yet found the right venue. “We decided to tell our audience at the end of last year’s festival that we were moving, rather than do it all in secret,” Hill explained. “It’s not that we don’t love our site, but for various reasons staying at Boughton House is not going to be viable in the long-term.”

He continued: “The festival is accustomed to moving and making a new home and in

our over 50-year history, we have moved several times.

“The good news is our finances are pretty healthy right now. Ticket numbers have stayed steady for quite a few years too and we’ve even been able to build up reserves over the last decade.

“When we do the festival maths and look at future projections, it paints a pretty clear long-term picture. If we carry on as we are, producing the festival as it is – where it is –we’re storing up trouble for a few more years down the line. Whilst it’s been a brilliant home for us for the last decade, and we recently passed our half-century in rude, multigenerational health, Boughton’s greenfield site also poses its own set of operational challenges. All of which cost money.”

GETTING THE SITE RIGHT

Hill and his team have made the long-term strategic decision to make the move and ensure the future of the festival for the next generation of ticketholders. Hill says it will be the same Greenbelt but different and firmly believes that the festival is not a particular location. It’s a place where people belong. However, it’s still vital to get the site right.

It’s a view shared by Amber Lort-Phillips, cofounder of The Big Retreat. She has first-hand experience of exactly how it feels to find the right event site.

In February, The Big Retreat, a wellness festival, revealed it is expanding its portfolio and has launched a second festival. As well as returning to its original home in Pembrokeshire this May, the festival will also take place from September 11-13 in Cambridgeshire on Secret Garden Party’s old site, a site which “understands independent festivals”.

EXPANSION PLANS

Far and Beyond (FAB) has been appointed to provide production, operations, and site management support across both Big Retreat sites, bringing consistency across both locations. Yet it’s not the only reason for their appointment.

Lort-Phillips confirmed that she has big plans for the brand and is therefore, working with FAB on strategy. The long-term plan for The Big Retreat is for it to be seen as a “feel good movement” rather than just an event, meaning she would like the brand to expand to a third site.

“Pembrokeshire will always be the heart of the festival, but introducing Cambridgeshire will enable us to reach a new audience and build the brand in a really thoughtful way,” she said. “Ultimately, we want to be known as the UK’s feel good festival, somewhere people return every year, to reconnect with what really matters.”

Now in its seventh year, The Big Retreat – which has contracted Anthem Events, Pembrokeshire Marquees, and Sober AF to provide event equipment and services – is known for its distinctive mix of retreat, wellbeing experiences and uplifting festival energy. The Big Retreat is built around more than 300 curated “feel-good” experiences spread across a dozen immersive zones, all accessible with a festival ticket.

Both festivals will feature the same breadth of activities, and the “heart will be the same”, said Lort-Phillips but The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire has one major difference. It’s adult only. “Why?” StandOut asks.

Lort-Phillips explained: “We have a lot of families visit our Pembrokeshire festival and we have lots of kids activities but sometimes,

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people just want to come to Big Retreat on their own, without children, and fully absorb themselves in talks and workshops without having to think about a super pirate workshop. They can come and switch off because that is a big part of Big Retreat; it’s a reset because modern life can be incredibly busy and overwhelming.”

OH DEER

The Big Retreat is not the only festival to pop up at a new location. Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place festival has a new London home in the shape of Old Deer Park, Richmond after We Are Happy Place, organiser of the festival, submitted a licence application to Richmond Council in December.

The two-day wellbeing event will take place on July 11 and 12 with Hester Dunkley, director of HD Event Services, overseeing operational delivery of the much-loved event.

Last year, Happy Place took place at Gunnersbury Park. However, the park is going through a licensing process and was not able to confirm whether the festival could return this year. Happy Place could not afford to wait any longer. The organising team wished to push forward with marketing and ticket sales, so a decision was taken to move site.

Dunkley explained: “Old Deer Park is a lovely blank canvas. It’s going to be a lovely easy site to work on and a lot of our visitors come from the Richmond area so as a space and location, it just works.”

SAFE SPACE

As an alcohol-free daytime festival that runs until 6pm, the festival’s licence application received no objections. The premises licence was approved straight away and now Dunkley is liaising with Richmond Council’s safety advisory group on plans for the live event.

Site plans are done and suppliers including GAP Group, Field and Lawn, Gofer, Temporary Water Solutions, Just Loos, The Stretch Tent Company, Showbase, Tipis and Tents, and Casablanca Marquees will provide equipment to the festival, which also takes place at a second site in Cheshire.

Dunkley hopes that the new London location will mean visitors have a “smoother journey” getting to the festival compared to Gunnersbury Park – thanks to greater public transport options – yet her main concern is that visitors love the new site and consider Happy Place to be the same safe space it has always been, just in a new location.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

Like Lort-Phillips and Dunkley, Marc Dennis, co-founder of Love to be Festival, hopes that his festival also feels like a welcoming and safe space for his audience.

Love to be will return to The Stray in Harrogate this September. The 2026 edition will be the festival’s third outing and according to Dennis, things are going better than expected.

“When we decided we were going to push the button and put on a festival in 2024, we hoped to sell 2,000 tickets,” he said. “We

LOVE TO BE FESTIVAL
GREENBELT

knew what budget we had and we knew the break-even was sensible, so we put out a ‘Sign up now’ post across our socials and within four hours, 1,500 people had signed up.

“We put tickets on sale and we ended up selling 4,500 tickets, double what we expected, so we still kept the budget lean but made the site bigger and added more to the production.

“For year two, we knew we had to raise the bar – extra production, a bigger line-up, and make the experience a little bit different. Last year, we sold 6,000 tickets and so for 2026, we hope to hit 8,000 even though we can go up to 10,000.”

BIGGER AND BETTER

It’s Dennis’ aim to grow the festival over the next two years but he knows there is a need to be sensible with money, ploughing any profit back into the event.

He continued: “This year, we’ve gone bigger with the line-up and we’ve added some extra areas, including a chill out area, because we want to give people a new, slightly different experience every time they come.

“We’ve made the VIP area bigger and our ultra-VIP package is doing really well because people just want to have a nice experience,

and we know those moves are working because we’re about 25 per cent up on ticket sales for the time of year.”

Love to be – which is working with Grace and Tailor on production – will feature a new site layout for 2026. There will be a new main stage, too, which will help Dennis and the team enhance the festival’s look and feel.

CREATE MORE SPACE

Wychwood Festival is marking its 20th anniversary celebrations with an increase in capacity. Plus, for the first time in the festival’s history, Wychwood will open its gates on Thursday for those looking to expand their weekend to four days of live music and camping.

Iain Game, festival director of Wychwood Festival, explained: “2026 is a pretty significant year for us. It’s our 20th edition and we’re looking to increase our licence from 10,000 to 15,000. We’re also opening one stage on the Thursday night because demand for it has built up over the years but this means we can programme a full day of music and content on the Friday and it means we can go big.” Game is working with Proud Events on the festival and together they have contracted

Pure Power, Harrier UK, Trust Events Stages, and Right Guard Solutions for the event.

“This year, it’s not so much about big changes but more about refining,” Game continued. “This is the fourth year on our site since moving and becoming a proper greenfield site. We have a huge family offering and we have seven venues in our family area so we’re looking to condense some of those stages and create more open space so that everyone can have the time of their life at Wychwood.

“We’re also looking at our back of house logistics and production access, specifically around routes for production vehicles and where they interact with audience areas and we plan to have a small number of internal site moves that will improve customer flow around the arena.”

He added: “We’re growing a lot this year so we want to create more space in front of our main stage and we’re working with Joynes Nash to push our decibel level from 55 with a max of 60 to 65. Joynes Nash has been crucial in helping us to show how that’s not going to have a negative impact on the residents so we can push the festival and give everyone a great experience.”

THE LONG ROAD FESTIVAL

MORE THAN THE MUSIC

Like Love to be, the organiser of The Long Road Festival says that ticket sales are exceeding expectations, too.

Baylen Leonard, creative director and cofounder of the country, Americana, and roots music festival, explained: “Ticket sales are going well, and we will sell more this year. I think it’s a combination of luck, hard work, and the way that we have built the festival to be more than the music. The lifestyle is also super important.”

Leonard continued: “There are no major changes to the festival this year.

“In 2025, we added a new stage called The Hitching Post and that was our first new stage since we started the festival. That took a lot of planning and a lot of work around the theming of it so we might tweak the programming a little bit but really, this year, we want to make sure that we can deliver The Long Road Festival to the level that we delivered it last year.”

Beyond the music, The Long Road is levelling up its culinary offer for 2026 and has launched the Red Dog Saloon, a Texas-style BBQ restaurant. It’s been something that The Long Road has been working on for some time, said Leonard and it’s just one of several features that tell a story and add to the festival’s atmosphere.

CONSISTENT APPROACH

Leonard explained that such additions are demonstrative of the festival’s consistent approach and attention to detail. It’s a similar story for Laura Armstrong, who is currently seconded from LS Events as festivals director at AEG Presents. She is looking at how AEG can consistently deliver top-level customer experience and operational excellence and is supporting Jim King, chief executive officer of AEG Presents UK and European Festivals.

Armstrong explained: “We want to ensure that the AEG standard runs across all AEG festivals [BST Hyde Park, LIDO, All Points East, and Roundhay Festival] now that we have four shows. We want to have the same initiatives and strong creative on all our events.”

American Express presents Roundhay Festival will debut in summer 2026.

Launched in collaboration with Leeds City Council, Roundhay Festival aims to bring world-class artists and world-leading production to music fans in Leeds, while building on Roundhay Park’s musical legacy.

Armstrong said: “We’ve got a new show, which is a big thing for this year so we’re looking at what we can do to bring it to life.

“Roundhay Park is a very different park compared to the parks that we have in London. We have the luxury of space, which is not something that we’ve had in Victoria Park or Hyde Park so we’re working on how we fill that space, how we can have premium customer experiences, and how we can deliver elevated fan experiences.

“We’re taking on the learnings that we’ve had from launching LIDO in 2025, we’re looking at sharing headliners with BST, and we’re looking at our supply chain, coming up with designs that will give our customers a great experience.”

CORE STANDARD

LS Events and AEG will be working with a number of equipment and service providers on its portfolio of shows this year, including Star Live, Nu Kleen, Waste Baling Machines, Bridge Creative, and GL events.

Sustainability and accessibility are a big focus for the AEG team, said Armstrong, who is

looking to develop a core standard across its portfolio. In particular, AEG wishes to build on its sustainability ambitions, ensuring it hits sustainability targets and follows the success of LIDO’s big sustainability moves last year.

“We want to make sure our events are inclusive and they’re safe for each individual customer,” Armstrong continued. “What I mean by that is making sure that we’ve got premium, tailored fan experiences, making sure that the sort of ticket that a customer wants is available to them, whether that’s a nicer toilet, nicer food, offering a nicer grandstand. That’s something that LS Events and AEG do really well together.

“Together, we understand that premium, high end, integrated experiences are what customers want.

“But it’s also about consistency. That’s the key driver for AEG, now there’s a portfolio of four shows. We want to make sure every show has got the same policies and same procedures, they’re not working independently of each other and we’re doing things the same way so risk can be eliminated,” Armstrong concluded.

WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL

Ticket to the top

Ben Sebborn and Richard Dyer founded Skiddle, the ticketing platform and online events guide, in 2001. Since then, Skiddle has sold millions of tickets and is celebrating 25 years in the industry by hosting a huge party and awards at Blackpool Tower Ballroom on April 30. Discover more in this Q&A with the duo…

hat does reaching 25 years in the events and ticketing industry mean to you personally and for Skiddle as a company?

Ben: It means a great deal. It all began as a pipedream, an idea shared over a pint in a now-defunct Preston nightclub, and now it’s this wide-reaching, successful events business, servicing the ticketing needs of some of Europe’s biggest and best events, selling millions of tickets every year.

Richard: Personally, with the exception of raising our families, there’s probably no bigger achievement for either of us. It’s something we’re extremely proud of. To remain independent too, in such a competitive market, it allows us the freedom to keep making the decisions that ultimately benefit music fans and the event organisers who trust and partner with us.

Why did you choose Blackpool as the location for your 25th anniversary awards ceremony?

Richard: After 25 years of working with clubs, gigs and festivals across the UK, we wanted our celebration to take place in one of the UK’s most iconic venues possible — and this is it.

What can attendees expect from the awards event in terms of experiences, performances, or surprises?

Richard: Aside from the 20+ awards up for grabs, decided on by public vote and set to be presented by comedy legend Sir Lenny Henry, there’ll be a welcome drinks reception followed by a three-course fine dining experience, and entertainment running right through the evening. Some of the stellar show-stoppers joining us on the night include Monka, whose drumming-DJ hybrid show

is something to behold, ventriloquist and comedian Max Fulham, and Katie and Hacker T Dog – the cheeky Border Terrier puppet and his handler from CBBC.

There’s also going to be a pretty raucous afterparty running into the early hours of the morning, with even bigger headline names – yet to be revealed – in charge of the soundtrack and keeping the dancefloor lively.

How important is it for Skiddle to celebrate not just the company, but the wider live events industry at this milestone?

Ben: It couldn’t be of any greater importance. Without the live events industry, Skiddle simply wouldn’t exist. The least we can do is highlight and appreciate the amazing work that event organisers, artists, venues, managers, and every other industry professionals do. We’re consistently blown away by the innovation, creativity, passion, and dedication of the people behind the events sector. They’re the people who drive us to be better.

How does this anniversary shape Skiddle’s vision for the next five to ten years?

Richard: There’s absolutely been a moment of reflection for all of us at Skiddle this year, where we’ve been able to look back, take stock, and appreciate how far we’ve come, and this has also helped shape our strategy for the next decade.

Ben: We’re as focused as ever on delivering the same reliable and trusted service for which we’ve become renowned over the past 25 years, whilst developing our platform both for customers and event organisers alike. We’re also aiming to expand into new territories, working with new event teams to bring exciting new experiences to those who love events.

Tickets are available for Skiddle’s 25th anniversary celebrations on April 30 – visit www.skiddle25.com

Eager to get your events listed on the UK’s most comprehensive what’s on guide? Email promoters@skiddle.com

BEN SEBBORN (he/him) AND RICHARD DYER (he/him)
BLACKPOOL TOWER
Image: © Jonny Gios
L

Jog on…

Festivals aren’t content, they’re a community. When you treat culture like a commodity, you end up with soulless weekends. Respect the scene or get out! Says Will Lardner, festival director and freelance event production specialist…

When you overpromise and underdeliver in this industry, you don’t just disappoint people. You break the spell, you kill trust, and you poison the well for everyone else.

et’s not dress this up in polite industry language because polite industry language is half the reason this mess keeps happening. Festivals are being ruined by people who don’t belong here. Not by weather, not by licensing and not by “the economy”.

They’re being ruined by people who got into this because they smelled money, not meaning. Who treat the audience like livestock and the line-up like a stock market. The kind of people who wouldn’t recognise the soul of a festival if it punched them in the mouth. And the worst part? We’ve normalised it.

We’ve accepted that this is just how it goes. We’ve been trained to shrug and say, “Well, it’s a business”. We’ve been gaslit into thinking we’re naïve for wanting it to be about music, community, culture and those rare, unrepeatable moments where the whole world feels like it lines up for five minutes.

But here’s the truth. It is a business, yes, but it’s not a normal business. It’s not selling stocks or phone contracts or whatever product you can shift without ever meeting the customer. This is a business where the product is a human experience, the raw material is emotion, and the consequences of greed aren’t just bad reviews, they can be dangerous.

When you overpromise and underdeliver in this industry, you don’t just disappoint people. You break the spell, you kill trust, and you poison the well for everyone else.

Because there are two types of promoter. One type gets into this because they’ve got something to share. A sound or a culture. A weird obsession with a particular kind of music that makes their heart beat faster and their brain go quiet. They’re doing it because they want to build something that didn’t exist yesterday. They want to give people a place to belong. They want to create a weekend that feels like a secret society made up of strangers who somehow all understand each other without speaking.

The other type gets into this because they want to rinse it. They want the lifestyle, the status, the VIP wristbands, and their own backstage areas. They want to be seen as

a tastemaker without ever doing the hard part of building taste. These people don’t build scenes, they harvest them. They don’t create culture, they consume it, and they certainly don’t nurture communities. They monetise them.

RESPECT THE AUDIENCE

The problem is that industry keeps handing these type of people the keys, because on paper they look “successful”. Big ticket numbers with big sponsorship, trendy headliners, and unrealistic growth projections. The sort of glossy metrics that make investors and lazy journalists clap like trained seals. But none of that means the festival is good. They fail for one simple reason: they don’t respect the audience. They don’t understand

that when someone buys a ticket, they’re not just buying entry: they’re buying a promise. They’re buying the idea that for a few days they can step out of their normal life and into something bigger, something that feels like it matters. They are handing you their weekend, their money, their time off work, and their hope. They’re saying, “Go on then. Show me something worth believing in”. And if you don’t deliver, you don’t just lose a customer. You lose trust.

THE INVISIBLE GLUE

Trust is the only currency that matters in festivals. It’s the invisible glue holding together every decision people make when they choose your event over another. It’s the reason they bring their friends. It’s the reason

Image: © Johnny Such
WILL LARDNER (he/him)

they buy early bird tickets without even seeing the line-up. It’s the reason they forgive you when it rains, the toilets are struggling, and the queues are long because they know you tried, they know you care, and they know you’re not taking the piss.

These other festivals don’t have that. They don’t want it. Trust is slow, takes years, and requires humility and competence. Trust requires you to spend money on boring things like welfare, accessibility, safety, design and all the other unsexy infrastructure that stops your festival becoming a shit show. They’d rather spend it on fireworks and influencer content. They’d rather spend it on a headline act that looks good on a poster.

COPY AND PASTE

Many festivals now feel like the same copy paste weekend. Same line up, same overpriced bars, same “immersive” nonsense, and the same cheap aesthetic pretending to be magic. Because when you’re not building from love, you’re building from templates.

Overpromising and underdelivering is the disease of modern festivals. It’s the quickest way to lose trust in festivals, in business, and in life. It’s what happens when someone sells big dreams but can’t back them up with reality, when they talk louder than they can act, when they sell an experience that doesn’t exist and then act surprised when people turn up expecting what they were promised.

We’ve all seen it. The whole industry is bloated with noise merchants. Overpromising looks confident, it looks like “vision”. In the long term, it makes you a liar. And every time you fail to meet expectations, you chip away at trust until eventually there’s nothing left. Then you’re finished.

RICHES IN THE NICHES

If you’re an independent promoter right now, here’s the harsh reality – you cannot compete with the big boys on scale. You can’t outspend them, you can’t out headline them, and you certainly can’t out market them either. So stop trying.

The fastest way to die in this industry is trying to copy a big festival with a small budget. That’s how you end up with the worst of both worlds: the stress of scale and none of the money to achieve it or pay anyone.

The way you win is by doing the things these big brands can’t: by being real and by building something that feels like it belongs to the people who attend it.

There are riches in the niches. Because the niche isn’t small: it’s focused. It’s loyal, it has its own identity, and its own community. The kind of crowd that doesn’t just buy tickets, they wear the merch, they talk about it all year, they come back because it’s theirs. And when you get that right, you don’t need to chase trends.

You don’t need to beg for attention. You don’t need to pretend you’re something you’re not.

PEOPLE WHO CARE

The real professionals, the ones who last, the ones who build reputations that survive bad weather and a shit economy, don’t shout. They don’t sell fantasies they can’t afford. They speak honestly and they plan carefully. They surprise people with quality, reliability, and they actually care. They make people feel safe, looked after, and respected. They deliver more than they said they would because they understand that the best marketing isn’t ads… it’s trust.

LOVE WINS

We need to stop applauding the wrong people. We need to stop treating big numbers as proof of quality. We need to stop pretending that “selling out” means you delivered something meaningful. We need to stop letting these vultures set the tone for what festivals should be because they don’t even understand what festivals are.

Festivals aren’t content farms and they aren’t “brand activations”. They aren’t an excuse for corporate teams to cosplay as ravers for a weekend. They are living, breathing cultural gatherings. They are our modern rituals and they are where people go to feel human again in a world that feels increasingly tough at times.

So if you’re in this industry and you’re doing it for the love, for the craft, for the people, for the music, please keep going. Keep building, keep delivering, and keep proving that festivals can still be made with soul.

And if you’re one of the culture vultures, one of the hype merchants who sees crowds as cash machines then here’s my honest advice: F*@k off. This isn’t for you.

Feeling the pressure

The loos you choose can have a massive impact on your event. StandOut delves deep on toilets and sanitation best practice, including new products

ast month, at the Green Events and Innovations (GEI) Conference, almost 50 event professionals packed into a room to hear about the latest developments in sanitation. Chaired by Jane Healy, who is Glastonbury’s sanitation expert and Boomtown Fair’s water, waste and toilet manager, the session discussed the not-soglamorous but essential world of toilets. However, if you’ve ever met Healy, you will know that her passion and enthusiasm for dealing with pee and poo is, for want of a better word, infectious.

“I eat, sleep, and dream toilets,” said Healy at the start of the GEI session where she shared why the loo you choose for your event matters. But what got Healy so interested in loos and sanitation?

“Years ago, I worked on small events in Somerset that had compost toilets and although the job I was doing wasn’t necessarily connected directly to the toilets, it sparked an interest straight away.”

She continued: “I was quite lucky, quite early on, to be offered a role at Glastonbury doing sanitation. That was the year we made the jump from PolyJohns to compost loos and had more than 1,000 compost toilets on-site.

“From there, my love has sort of just grown and luckily, I’m always given quite a lot of freedom to trial different ideas and different technologies, so it keeps it exciting, fresh and new all the time.

“I really do think about toilets all the time. I’ve even had dreams where I’m marking out fields, marking out where toilets go. That’s how sad I am,” she laughed. “But if you don’t

get your toilets right then your visitors will let you know. It’s so important.”

KNOW THE KNOCK ON EFFECTS

As sanitation manager at Glastonbury, Healy is in charge of the festival’s circa 2,000 compost toilets on-site. And she is also in charge of the management of more than 6,000 toilets during the event and general on-site liquid emptying logistics. At Boomtown, she has a similar task but rather than an abundance of compost loos, last year’s event saw a move towards vacuum toilets.

Healy explained: “Vacuum loos are seen as a higher end option that give a more boutique feel. In the past, Boomtown has had them in the boutique camping area, but never within the arenas. Last year, that changed and we put vacuum loos into the arenas as well.”

The installation of vacuum toilets had a big impact. The public wanted a nicer toilet experience but if you increase the number of vacuum loos on site then you have more wet waste to manage. This means more tankers are needed on-site to empty the toilets and there’s an increase in water usage compared to compost loos. So if you’re going to make changes to your toilet plans, you need to consider all the possible knock on effects, Healy said. And if you do introduce a higher end product to your customers, it will be harder to take it away.

BOOSTING SUSTAINABILITY

According to Healy, it’s likely that Boomtown 2026 will feature more vacuum toilets. Yet, it’s not the only event to invest in vacuum loos.

Cheltenham Festival increased its scope of works to include vacuum toilets in its hospitality areas rather than traditional full flush toilets. Zoo Events Group worked with The Jockey Club to provide 200 modular vacuum toilet units, 150 vanities, 160 urinals, and 18 accessible units across 20 different areas of the event site. Plus, at Aintree, Zoo Events Group has won the contract to supply all temporary vacuum loos across the course for the Randox Grand National. This includes 190 modular vacuum toilets, 120 vanities, 150 urinals, and 12 accessible loos across 15 areas. Previously, most of this site was operated on traditional full flush toilets so this has move has given the event’s sustainability credentials a huge boost.

PODS AND PUMPS

Zoo Events Group recently launched a three-bay modular loo to offer more variety within its Zoovac range. It provides a more economical solution in large footfall hospitality areas and can be used in conjunction with other ZooLoos products. Furthermore, the business has decided to double the capacity of its 12-bay urinal pods to meet demand. Unlike traditional urinal trailers, they are not limited to holding tank capacity and instead can integrate with a vacuum system or other temporary waste infrastructure, ensuring continued use with no down time.

Dan Steel, MD of Zoo Events Group, which provides toilets and showers to events and festivals, explained: “Each pod features a pump so they’re incredibly easy to deploy at

event sites. There is a noticeable decrease in queues as throughput is so much quicker. They’re also smaller and a fraction of the cost of the equivalent number of vacuum toilets which is a big perk for any event.”

POSITIVE IMPACT

The University of Greenwich is conducting research to see how toilets can be more efficient and its findings will be published shortly. Right now, industry can lean on experienced companies that are developing new products. Yet Zoo Events Group is not the only company to invest in new kit. Clive Owen, director of A1 Loo Hire, confirmed that A1 has invested in more vacuum toilets that can be used in high-end environments, including hospitality and backstage areas, Lapee has launched Lapee Dua, its new lightweight modular solution for “safe and accessible event sanitation”, and NPK Recovery continues to develop its system that connects to waterless or chemical free toilets to process waste into a safe and sustainable fertiliser.

Healy is keen to investigate filtration systems and talk to companies – even those conducting the smallest of trials – to see how their sanitation systems can improve operations and increase efficiencies on event sites.

“I’d love for the end product not to be a waste product,” said Healy. “All the stuff that we’re taking off site, I’d love to have a system that meant that it could be reused or go to a filtration system that was 100 per cent guaranteed to take out any contaminants.”

Healy is yet to find a system that ticks all her boxes but whilst she continues to search for innovation and anything that could have a massively positive impact on wet waste, she also knows that best practice is the result of open communication with your chosen contractor and knowing the ins and outs of the products you’re using.

“I’ve always said, I’d rather know when there’s an issue first rather than be the one that’s finding out through the grapevine,” she said. “Even if it’s bad news.

“So I think building strong relationships with contractors and building strong relationships with the organisers of your different areas is absolutely key.

“You have to know the demands of their audience so you’re not second guessing things and getting it wrong,” Healy concluded. “If you have clear routes of communication, so you can data capture and timestamp things, even if it’s on a simple Jotform system, it really helps. Because when those curveballs come, it will be much easier to solve issues and you want to be clear as possible.”

BOOMTOWN
Image: © Giulia Spadafora
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A sustainable North Star

The third edition of Show Must Go On was published last month. But why will this version have more of an impact on the events industry? Julie’s Bicycle’s Richard Phillips explains…

In February, Vision for Sustainable Events and Julie’s Bicycle published the third edition of the Show Must Go On report, a comprehensive guide designed to help organisers reduce their impact on the environment.

Ten years since the first edition was published, the latest edition of the Show Must Go On presents an up-to-date and realistic picture of where the industry is at in terms of its emissions and current best practice. But what’s different about this version of the report and how can its contents help shape the live events industry?

According to Richard Phillips, climate change consultant for Julie’s Bicycle, the report is the “best look ever” at the festival industry’s climate footprint, with data from 84 greenfield and urban festivals shaping the conversation.

Phillips explains: “Show Must Go On tells us where we are currently, it’s a state of play, but the progression with this report is that we have taken that comprehensive data set and we’ve modelled what the different initiatives –the most impactful and the most feasible – will have the best results in the next five years.”

FEASIBILITY AND IMPACT

Show Must Go On has been broken down and features six environmental actions and impacts, including audience travel, food, production material, and waste.

Phillips continues: “The report looks at the most feasible and most impactful initiatives to implement before 2030 and if we implement all the changes, we can get to a 37 per cent emissions reduction if adopted at wide scale. That leaves us with a 13 per cent gap to our total – to halve the emissions we are responsible for by 2030.”

Show Must Go On is a transparent document that acknowledges the gap. To remedy the situation, Phillips hopes

that a set of policy asks, alongside supply chain innovation, will unlock deeper emissions cuts and close the gap to 50 per cent emissions reduction.

But are the new environmental impacts feasible? And what can organisers do to prepare? “It’s not just about feasibility,” argues Phillips. “What’s the thing that you can implement now?

“If we want to reduce the emissions we make, every organiser needs to think about

SOLAR POWER AT FUTUR 2 FESTIVAL
Image: © Robin Hinsch

best practice and these 30 actions that everyone needs to learn and follow.”

STARTING POINT

Thirty actions? The report’s authors have listened to the sector and written the report based on industry’s need. The research has identified 30 practical steps that most events can typically implement, which can be used as a menu for meaningful action. For example, Show Must Go On asks that event professionals reduce new materials purchased for creative builds, promote car sharing, implement an efficient production delivery schedule to reduce build and derig travel, introduce plant-based menus, investigate and implement water efficiency measures to reduce water usage, adopt green riders, and engage audiences with clear initiatives and incentives to reduce waste brought to site.

Phillips adds: “The third edition of Show Must Go On is just the starting point. This is the industry saying, ‘This is what we need’. The work we need to do now is to hammer the message home, work to the solution, and keep talking to the Government.”

COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

Show Must Go On was launched at the House of Commons at an event hosted by MP Patrick Hurley. He is supporting the report and has given it his backing, championing Vision for Sustainable Events and Julie’s Bicycle’s belief that more needs to be done. But that requires more help from Government, particularly around audience travel, which would require transport providers to pay attention.

Phillips recognises that different government departments have responsibilities for different things so it will require a collaborative approach from all stakeholders if changes are to happen.

“It’s the start of a conversation,” Phillips continues. “Firstly, we’d like to see national adoption of Green Events Code of Practice,

which is essentially a foundational standard. Second, we would also like to set up a task force on audience travel and third, we want to accelerate the installation of grid connections in public outdoor event sites and follow up on the amazing work that the city of Liverpool has done.”

Phillips would like to create working groups for each impact area that is outlined in the report but groups that include organisers, suppliers, and Government so that a “North Star” can be developed, a “that’s where we need to get to”.

GET ON BOARD

But how will this version of Show Must Go On have more of an impact than before?

“Good question,” says Phillips. “I think the fact that we can now model where we’re going to get to should be a wakeup call. Even if everybody implements basic measures, even if we push the boundaries, we’re not going to reach the climate target. And I think before this report, before modelling all of this, we had no idea. Now we’re saying, these are the best practices, go away and do them because it’s clear what can and can’t be achieved.”

Phillips believes that the report should act as a lightning rod for more action. It should ignite the sector to do more. Organisers need to take action, the supply chain needs to innovate, and the Government needs to sit up and take notice.

“We need everybody around the table if we’re serious about our climate targets,” Phillips continues. “All of this work links to the UK climate targets.

“The other point I would add is that this report has been a massive collaboration with the industry. We’ve got the leaders of sustainable events as well as suppliers on board and individual festivals putting their weight behind this, and an MP putting that his weight behind the report, too. We’ve got clear direction on what we need to do and a united plan for the industry but we need more buy in from an operations level.

“You have people who set policy and strategy and vision but then you have people

who are hands-on and on the ground who are actually doing the work. This project, this report cannot be done in isolation so if we want the 30 action points to become common practice, we need information to trickle down and everyone to get on board.”

To download a copy of Show Must Go On, visit www.visionsustainableevents.org

RICHARD PHILLIPS (he/him)

Babies and site builds

From a noise risk assessment for a baby in the womb to preplanning midwife appointments months in advance, Lily Robins talks about her experience of freelancing and working on-site whilst pregnant…

hen Lily Robins started Always Live in 2019, she knew she wanted to build an event, site, and production company that would support her future, including if and when she decided to have children. In 2025, she gave birth to beautiful baby boy. But before she fell pregnant, Robins knew that the advance on this particular project was going to take some additional planning.

In fact, that decision took two years of prep because when Robins and her partner decided they were going to have children, she saved an entire year’s salary so she could afford to take a year off work, which meant some lengthy comms with HMRC.

It was a big commitment but one she felt necessary, something she could control, and it was one less thing to worry about. She had other things on her mind – just what was event freelancing whilst pregnant going to look like, how would clients react when she told them that she was going to have a baby, and were extremely long days on-site really the perfect preparation for motherhood? “When I was pitching for work whilst pregnant, it was

really nerve wracking – but for me,” explains Robins. “I think I went in with quite a negative mindset, thinking people were going to think it’s an issue but everyone was really happy, supportive, and congratulatory.

“People asked, ‘What do you need?’ and I think when you’re pregnant, what you need doesn’t necessarily mean huge changes but to be asked was great and really positive.”

NO SECOND GUESSING

Last summer, Robins worked on several event and festival sites, including SXSW London, Glastonbury with Avalon Bars, LazyDays, and Lost Village. She took on a variety of roles, too. From event operations and site management to stints in the site office.

Managing sites is very much Robins’ “thing” and it was a role she didn’t want to miss out on. She was pregnant and being on her feet all day, driving telehandlers, and lifting chairs, for example, were an everyday occurrence for her. Why should pregnancy stop her now?

“I told all my clients that I was pregnant via video call or in person because I wanted that

human contact,” Robins continues. “I didn’t want to tell them in an email.

“I had lots of conversations with my clients and my midwife and it was great to have lots of open dialogue about what I wanted to do, what jobs I might not be able to do, and what could be a problem.

“I think a lot of people hadn’t experienced this scenario [a pregnant freelancer] before and weren’t really sure how to go about it so we were all learning at the same time.

“One of the key things I think I learned is that there could be the temptation to go overboard and for people to say, ‘No, you can’t do that’. People were so worried about me. I know it came from a good place, of worry and concern, but for someone who is used to doing stuff, being told constantly that you can’t do something was hard. The key thing was for me to communicate if I couldn’t do something, if I wasn’t comfortable doing something, or if I didn’t feel safe doing something. I reassured my clients that I would tell them and would be vocal, rather than have them second guessing.”

LILY ROBINS (she/her)

SUPPORTING CLIENTS WHILST PREGNANT

Robins believes that the key to her successfully managing her time on-site as a pregnant freelancer was because she communicated her needs and capabilities.

“Even if you had someone on site who had additional needs, you wouldn’t automatically assume they couldn’t do something,” Robins explains. “You would have a conversation with that individual and just work out if anything needs changing, and usually it’s never anything huge.”

Rather than work very long days, Robins worked eight to ten hour shifts. Working at height came to a standstill, but with some simple adjustments and even a noise risk assessment for the baby in the womb, Robins was able to continue successfully supporting clients on live event sites. “For example, I drive a telehandler all the time but I found that driving one around the yard was fine but driving one down a road, a long distance, was too much because of the suspension. So we decided that I would do stuff in the yard and another driver would bring things back and forth. It was very easy to move things around and make them more feasible and most of my shows put in support, a second, for me.”

PREGNANCY NOTES

Robins worked on Lost Village, Lincolnshire, right up to a week before her due date. It’s a decision she discussed with her midwife who reassured her that the city of Lincoln did have a hospital, too. “My midwife explained that women have been having babies for hundreds, thousands of years and hospitals deliver babies all the time,” says Robins. “And you can plan as much as you want, and about where you want to give birth, but babies can have other ideas.

“I think it also helped to not have such a rigid birth plan and because I am used to thinking on my feet and dealing with things when they crop up, I felt relaxed about it.

“I also had a copy of my notes with me wherever I went and gave a copy of them to each company I worked with. I also gave a copy to my direct manager just in case anything happened so they could just hand them over to an ambulance as well [if needed].”

SUPPORTIVE COLLEAGUES

Thankfully, for Robins, she had a brilliant support network around her. A group of people who could help her during this period of her life with its huge physical and emotional changes. She found that a lot

events@gap-group.co.uk

of people wanted to call her rather than email her. Some people were hesitant to ask questions for fear of coming across as antiinclusive but Robins’ approach encouraged frank and open conversation. This resulted in strong working partnerships being formed built on mutual respect and understanding.

Robins continues: “I think having people on-site, working with people that you trust is a massive help because being pregnant is a surprisingly vulnerable situation to be in. We work, sometimes, in very high stress, high intensity environments for very long hours, and we’re absolutely used to that. But you can’t just be thinking about what you’re used to. You have to think, is this okay for the baby? Therefore, having someone to nudge you and say, ‘Do you need to rest?’ is so important.”

She goes on: “That was a huge thing on site. Just realising, how supportive my friends and colleagues were because everyone’s worried about you and wants to help. I didn’t necessarily go into jobs planning to have that but I was very fortunate that multiple shows I worked on, I did have some amazing people working on them with me and it made a massive difference.”

MORE UNCERTAINTY AHEAD

But what’s next? Now Robins has had baby Rowan, how does she plan to juggle freelancing with being a mum?

“I’m having discussions with some clients about this year but I think being pregnant on site actually might have been the easiest part.

“Now I think returning to work with a child will be the hardest thing, especially if some shows don’t allow children on-site.

“It’s frustrating, because I realise we work in an environment that doesn’t seem child and baby friendly, but I think it can be done. No, you can’t have kids running around a site with plant and stage builds going on but most mums will want to be with their baby for as long as they can after giving birth so returning to work and having the option to have a creche or additional facilities, particularly for breastfeeding mums, is key. Even if it’s just allowing children in crew camping areas.”

She comments further: “My partner is also freelance but if I am not given the option to bring my child to work, or can’t bring a partner, then that takes me out of the running for a job. Obviously, I am going to pick my baby over work so looking ahead, there is more uncertainty than I had hoped there would be.”

A NEW CHAPTER

Unfortunately, Robins thinks that the incredible support she had on-site whilst pregnant will not be the same now she has a baby. The dynamic has “slightly” changed, which is a “shame”, she says. So what can organisers do to make it easier for event freelancers – with a young baby – to return to work? StandOut asked Robins the question.

“Most work in the world was built around men working and not having to bring a child to site. And I realise in a full-time job, you wouldn’t go back to work with a baby. However, if you’re in a full time job, you

would have maternity pay, maternity leave or parental leave, and you would have that financial support, whereas as a freelancer, we don’t.

“I think within an industry that thrives off freelancers, we should consider that, and particularly consider mums returning to the workplace with children, whether that is with things like a creche or babysitting service or allowing parents to be on site with their babies in controlled, safe environments.”

Sadly, for Robins, it looks like there will be one or two shows that she cannot do this year because she cannot do a ten to 12-hour shift without breastfeeding her baby. She is having ongoing conversations but some decisions will be made for her. As a result right now, she is concentrating on what she can control; doing some advancing work which is helping to navigate this new chapter in her life.

“Our industry definitely prepares you for motherhood,” concludes Robins, smiling. “When I was first working on-site and people found out I was pregnant, they kept asking me whether I was tired. I was like, ‘Nah, I’m used to touring’.

“Events have prepared me well for being a mum and so I can’t wait to talk to clients about how we can work together.”

Leap of faith

Outsider Events’ Cameron Balfour on FOMO, the launch of South Scotland Outdoor Festival, and a passion for cycling

hen Cameron Balfour, founder of Outsider Events, discovered that the 2027 Tour de France will start in Scotland for the first time, he was working at Scottish Borders Council as an economic development officer for events. He could not be more elated. A lover of bikes and all things outdoors, as a child, Balfour dreamed of being a professional cyclist. To find out that “the Tour” was to take place in his neck of the woods was like Christmas.

“I grew up riding a bike and the Tour was always part of my dream,” Balfour explains. “I wanted to be a professional cyclist so being involved with it was really interesting.”

But, and it’s a big but, as much as Balfour loved being within touching distance of the biggest bike race in the world, he had a tough decision to make.

He launched Outsider Events in 2019 with the sole aim of creating outdoor events and experiences that he’d like to attend himself. Balfour knew he had to make a call. Stay at the council and work on the Tour De France or take a leap and work on Outsider Events full-time – expanding its event portfolio and plotting growth.

“There was a slight feeling of FOMO when I left the council, but I knew if I stayed, I would not be able to do both my roles,” he admits.

BUZZ AND BIKES

In February, Balfour launched South Scotland Outdoor Festival, a three-day event that aims to combine gravel riding, trail running, road events, music, and wellness into one big celebration of the outdoors.

According to Balfour, the timing could not be better. The festival takes place just one year before the Tour de France lands so he hopes to play his part in building the buzz towards that big cycling moment. Putting the region firmly in the spotlight.

“Last year was silly,” Balfour continues. “So I decided to concentrate on Outsider Events full time, which is an exciting step.

“I thought I would be doing half the amount of work that I was doing before but the reality is that it feels more busy. I can be more responsive, things are building faster, and I have not had a sense of dread yet, which is a positive.”

Balfour laughs. In year one, he would love to sell 2,000 tickets to South Scotland Outdoor Festival before growing it. Eventually, he’d love to welcome 12,000 people, and their bikes, to the festival’s stunning Dumfries and Galloway location.

GAP IN THE MARKET

The festival’s home – Drumlanrig Castle – is

no stranger to hosting large-scale events. Previously, it has hosted Electric Fields and Tough Mudder.

“We’ve been looking for a wee while to organise a multi-sport weekend festival in a really cool setting,” Balfour adds. “I saw a bit of a gap in the market for something in the outdoors that pulls together sport, music, wellness, talks, and films.

“Often, there’s a lot of going back and forth with venues, discussing what the event programme will be, but Drumlanrig was keen to work with us, and that makes a world of difference.”

Balfour continues: “We organise a trail

CAMERON BALFOUR (he/him)

running festival at Blair Castle, which is super accessible, and we did look at developing it into a multi-sport event but it wasn’t feasible.

“We had the opportunity to do something different but the estate didn’t really want to develop a cycling route. We didn’t want to jeopardise the good relationship we have with them so we will keep growing the Blair Castle Trail Weekender and just focus on running there,” he adds.

SUPPORTIVE WIFE AND SAUNAS

Balfour and his team knew that Drumlanrig Castle had previously hosted Tough Mudder and Electric Fields so they knew the venue was “tried and tested”. He also knew he would need to bring in more infrastructure to make the site work for a family audience.

Already, Outsider Events has appointed BorderLoos, 360 Event Hire, and AW Audio to provide equipment and services to South Scotland Outdoor Festival, which has been awarded major events funding from Dumfries and Galloway Council because it’s a first year event.

“It’s great to get council support and we’ve just won a bid with British Cycling to host the inaugural Lloyds National Gravel Championships at Ae Forest in August,” Balfour comments. “It will share some of the same course that South Scotland Outdoor Festival will use in June so it will be great to use the gravel cycling element of the festival as a bit of a marketing tool.”

But what will be the biggest thing to stand out at the first South Scotland Outdoor Festival? “The setting is arguably the biggest selling point, but I think unlocking a full weekend with one ticket is just going to be epic,” Balfour explains. “There’s so many different elements to it – talks, films, saunas, yoga, music. It’s a full weekend of outdoor engagement and we haven’t even announced details of our wellness ticket and offer.

“We really do have something for everyone so Dad can run a half marathon, Mum can go riding, and the kids could do a fun run. The entire family can do the bit they’re interested

in, all at one event, and then come together later on and listen to great music.”

According to Balfour, ticket sales are going well and having started the business during COVID, he takes all the highs and lows of event organising in his stride.

“I’ve got a supportive wife, and she’s got a good, stable, full time job, which takes the pressure off but I guess on paper, any organiser will know that sometimes you need to take risks, but so far, I’ve had some really, really solid growth,” Balfour concludes.

Wicked Event Water Services provides quality assured water solutions.

Satisfied long-term clients include Glastonbury festival, Victorious Festival, The BBC, ITV and Netflix.

During the pandemic we were involved in two nightingale hospitals and a temporary mortuary in London.

Call Free: 0800 043 2688

Email: sales@dcrs.co.uk www.mototrbo.co.uk www.dcrs.co.uk

noise

with Siderise noise barriers

From legendary festivals to intimate outdoor gigs, Siderise Noise Barriers help keep sound where it belongs — inside the site.

Engineered for tough outdoor conditions and superior acoustic performance, our barriers can help you stay compliant and avoid fines, whilst keeping the neighbours and campers happy.

Available from stock for fast delivery or built to your exact requirements in bespoke designs to suit your brand (even in low volumes) –we’ll take the headache out of noise control. Let the music make headlines — not the noise.

sales.sspl@siderise.com

+44 (0) 1473 827695 Find out more

www.siderise.com

Making event hire simple

Number 8 Events has launched Number 8 Hire and an easy-touse website dedicated to hasslefree event equipment rental

ig news from the Number 8 team!

Number 8 Hire has officially spun off from Number 8 Events to become its own dedicated hire company — and to mark the occasion, Number 8 Hire has launched a new website – www.number8hire.com.

The move has been a long time coming. Number 8 Events has built a strong reputation over the years, supplying equipment and expertise to the live events industry. However, it became increasingly clear that a chunk of the market wanted something more streamlined. Event professionals were approaching Number 8 Events with specific briefs: they wanted great gear and sensible prices, and to work with people who actually understand what a live event build looks like.

Wes Pierce, director of Number 8 Hire, explained: “We kept hearing the same thing. People wanted the equipment and the expertise from one supplier. So we have built something that delivers exactly that.”

A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

Number 8 Hire is a focused, easy-to-navigate hire operation with a team that has realworld live events experience. It will operate as a dedicated hire function whilst Number 8 Events will continue to provide event safety and management support to long-standing clients across the globe.

Pierce continued: “Event professionals can still expect the same great service from myself and the team. It’s the name that’s changing but everything else remains the same. Customers can still expect the same owners, the same experienced team, and the same hands-on understanding of how changeable –and brilliant – live events can be.

“The team understands that build schedules compress, plans change on-site, and the last thing that a production manager needs at 6am on a build day is a supplier that does not pick up the phone.”

Pierce added: “At Number 8 Hire, we will still provide our customers with the same quality products and core infrastructure that event professionals reach for again and again. Things like crowd control barriers, fire safety equipment, traffic signage, production consumables, pop-up gazebos, and event furniture, but what our new name guarantees is a sharper offering for a market that knows what it needs.

“This is not a rebrand for the sake of it; it’s a commitment to quality and distinction.”

YOUR GO-TO EQUIPMENT PARTNER

The Number 8 Hire website is built for the way event professionals actually work. If you know what you need and when you need it –and have no interest in a sales conversation – you can place your order directly online. For larger bookings, complex multi-category requirements, or events where overall budget planning matters, you can locate the items you need on the site and submit a quote request — the Number 8 Hire team will take it from there.

Either way, the new website makes sourcing event infrastructure straightforward and hassle-free. With fast turnarounds and a team that treats every hire like it matters, Number 8 Hire is ready to be your go-to equipment partner for the 2026 season and beyond.

Visit www.number8hire.com or email info@number8hire.com for more details on how Number 8 Hire can help you.

NUMBER 8 HIRE TEAM
QUALITY EQUIPMENT

BUILT FOR FESTIVALS, EVENTS, MARKETS & OUTDOOR VENUES

Big

BRADSHAW EVENT VEHICLES

Respecting boundaries

Barrier and fencing experts discuss the upcoming event season, fencing best practice, the latest trends, and new products

Thousands of athletes flocked to Roundhay Park last July when Ironman Leeds took over the city for the very first time. The Ironman Group revealed in September 2024 that the triathlon would visit Yorkshire, a county with a rich history in the sport and with a huge passion for hosting large-scale events.

Following a successful first outing in 2025, the endurance race series will return to Leeds once more on August 16 when competitors will take on a 2.4 mile lake swim, a 112-mile bike ride across the Yorkshire Dales, and a 26.2 mile run on a multi-lap course around Roundhay Park and surrounding areas.

FUNCTIONAL AND VITAL

The challenge event was a huge hit but as with anything event-related, there are always lessons to be learned. As operations director UK and Ireland at The Ironman Group, it is Dean Smith’s job to oversee event delivery and work with suppliers to ensure that the course is clearly marked out, infrastructure is in place, and operations run smoothly so that competitors have a positive experience.

Whilst many people will say that fencing is not “very interesting” in terms of a topic, fencing and barriers are functional and vital to the safe and efficient delivery of events across the UK. Ironman included.

BARRIER RECONFIGURATION

For Smith, there are three reasons why Ironman uses fencing and barriers – for crowd control, for branding, and for guidance of the competitors and athletes.

Events Crew is contracted to provide fencing and barriers to Ironman at Ironman Leeds and Ironman Wales, where crowds are enormous. In fact, Smith and the Ironman organising team were surprised last year by the sheer number of people who lined the streets of Leeds to cheer on participants.

“Last year, we learned little bits about the course and because Ironman Leeds is a full distance event, it has a late finish,” Smith explained. “Depending on the start time, participants could be finishing at 1am, so we learned lots about the darkness and the park.

“Also, Leeds was very, very popular in terms of spectators and the car parks were

very busy so we know that we will need some barrier reconfiguration for 2026.”

KNOW YOUR PRODUCTS

Events Crew work alongside Smith and the Ironman team and provided more than 2,000 crowd barriers and 200 heras panels to Ironman Leeds. In Wales, this figure is circa 3,000 barriers, which are heavily branded and require DropBlocks because when used down the middle of two lanes, the barriers cannot be braced. Smith commented: “If you have a course where the runners are going outbound on one lane and back on the other side of a road, then you need barriers down the middle for core separation. For them to be braced, bracing would have to stick out to stop the barriers blowing over. But when a barrier is just over two metres wide that takes up most of the lane, so you can’t use a barrier for bracing because it takes up too much of the road. This is why DropBlocks are a great solution.”

Brent Mitchell, managing director of Events Crew, concurred. He believes Oxford Plastics’ DropBlocks is a widely underused product.

“When we’re asked about supplying fencing, turning up to site with 2,000 barriers is not an issue, it’s knowing where to put them and whether they can be braced,” explained Mitchell. “DropBlocks is definitely one product that we think if people knew more of their existence then I think they would use them a lot more.”

Louise Finnigan, national account manager – barriers and fencing at Sunbelt Rentals, agreed. Like Mitchell, she argued that product knowledge is key to successful site design. Therefore, it’s paramount that organisers have honest conversations with suppliers and be open to advice on the best products to use for the task in hand.

NEW PRODUCTS

Events Crew is investing in more stock; more pedestrian barrier, more heras, more DropBlocks and more Slot Block Barriers, which reduce trip hazards and stay up in strong winds when filled with water.

But Events Crew is not the only business to invest in new kit. Dutch Barrier Services has launched a Smart Access Turnstile, Zone Secure has invested in more crowd barriers, Mojo Rental Entertee has launched Timberhoard, a wooden hoarding panel, ideal for VIP zones, production compounds and hospitality spaces, August Event Support, which is providing fencing and barriers to Bearded Theory, Boardmasters, and Shambala, has invested in new hire equipment and new heras panels, and it is now an official distributor for ZND products. Similarly, Sunbelt Rentals has purchased new Steelshield fencing and it has invested in what it calls Horas, a black mesh panel that Finnigan describes as “great new addition”. In fact, she thinks Horas will be popular with more prestigious events because it looks “nicer” than galvanised steel. It’s demonstrative of the lengths that event suppliers will go to create functional products that add to an events overall look and feel.

PRICING AND SITE DESIGN

Zone Secure’s Nick Jones, director, described 2026 as tough, with the cost of living crisis and slower ticket sales impacting budgets. In the last five years, he has not increased prices for fencing and barriers but if the current situation in the Middle East continues, he may consider delivery surcharges to counter balance the cost of fuel.

In fact, Jones believes that organisers who are working with relatively tough and tight budgets will positively impact the industry. Why? Because events will learn to adapt and survive. As a result, suppliers will survive too, he says. However, Mitchell argued that prices are being challenged and Finnigan warned that companies are willing to undercut other businesses by pennies.

Mitchell added: “We’re getting pressure to squeeze prices. We tend to price keenly and stick with it. But I think it feels like we’re getting a little bit more pressure to reduce costs but that depends on volume.

“Also, when organisers are getting quotes, I urge them to make sure that what they are getting is like for like. There are operators out there that I wouldn’t entertain, people who are turning up with any old stock they’ve picked up in the depot so product quality is massively important.”

Liz Gillies, senior project manager at Mojo Rental Entertee, which is supplying fencing and barrier products to Bloodstock and BST Hyde Park this year, agreed. Quality products ensure strength, safety, and efficient crowd management, which are all essential for large events. But what one piece of advice would Gillies give to event organisers who are currently thinking about their fencing and barrier requirements?

“Think about barriers early in the site design process,” she said. “They don’t just secure an event perimeter — they influence how people move around the site.

“Well-planned barrier layouts can significantly improve crowd flow, safety and the overall visitor experience.”

IRONMAN
Image: © Ironman/Getty Images
SUNBELT RENTALS’ HORAS
TIMBERHOARD

TCrucial crew

Honest and open conversations around project briefs, crew requirements, and rates are vital if you want your event to be successful

he words “book early” have long been the mantra of many equipment and service providers, no matter what industry you work in. If you confirm contracts in a timely manner, you can often secure the best kit or in terms of crew, the best people for your project and if you can get ahead of your event management plans, you have the ability to save money and create efficiencies. But if only it was that simple.

“Many clients are still working with late budget approvals and very short lead times,” explains Edward White, CEO of S3K Group, the crew and event logistics specialist. “Some event infrastructure suppliers, who we support, might not receive confirmed orders until close to show dates, which means we can’t formally schedule crews even though we can see the work coming.”

He continues: “Often, there’s also a ‘rinse and repeat’ mentality where someone might say that they had four crew last year, so they’ll have four this year rather than have an honest appraisal of how the event has grown or how long tasks now take.

“Not every year is the same so it’s good to get a grasp of scope from the outset and look at efficiencies.”

Calum McConnachie, commercial director at Crewsaders, concurs. The crewing specialist is increasingly seeing requests for more crews and crew chiefs who can manage local crews because clients have assessed their event needs and see the benefits of having skilled crew on-site. Why? Because sites run more efficiently when the benefit of experience can contribute to the overall success of an event.

White agrees and says there’s an increasing number of organisers who are rethinking their crewing requirements because they appreciate the crucial role that quality crew play in the success of an event.

White continues further: “Clients are also recognising that to build and derig efficiently, and look after their teams properly, they need more people on the ground rather than a smaller crew working unsustainable shifts. We champion this approach too; it’s important for staff welfare, safety, and overall event delivery.”

THE RIGHT APPROACH

Heath Freeman, director of Pinnacle Crew, believes that quality crew matters far more than numbers but for events to be successful, crew companies and organisers need to have honest, open, and transparent conversations around project briefs, requirements, and realistic expectations. Like McConnachie, Freeman says that productivity and efficiencies can be achieved if skilled and motivated people are employed on site to deliver a project. This is a much more successful approach than throwing a heap of unskilled labour at a job, he argues.

“Too many people on site can sometimes be counterproductive, especially in tight venues with demanding schedules,” Freeman explains. “What tends to work best is a well-trained, motivated team led by experienced crew chiefs and supported by a solid second in command structure. Our approach has always been that while we may not be the cheapest option on paper, the productivity and experience of our crews often means projects run faster and more smoothly. In many cases

we’re able to deliver better results with smaller, well-led teams than clients initially expect.”

Freeman adds: “We’ve always believed that ‘cheaper and more’ can often be a false economy. Less but better-trained and more motivated crew tends to save clients’ money in the long run. It’s an approach that seems to be working and is evidenced by our sales which have grown by around 20 per cent year-on-year since COVID.”

ADAPT AND UNDERSTAND

Freeman says that like many industries at the moment, the biggest challenge impacting events and crewing companies is general global uncertainty. Economic pressures, world events, and supply chain issues all have an impact on planning and budgets. That said, the live events industry has always been resilient, he comments.

“Our clients are used to navigating challenges, and so are we,” Freeman says. “It’s an industry full of determined people, and I’m confident we’ll continue to adapt and push forward despite the wider uncertainties.”

RATES

McConnachie confirms that he is waiting until June – because the market is currently saturated – to decide whether to increase crew rates this year. The market will dictate that decision, he says.

Dominic Riley, CEO of Olympus Crew, is keen to talk rates, too. He acknowledges the rising costs that are being experienced across the globe and is disappointed by the number of companies booking crew, who are not paying for services, or even worse, liquidating.

He says: “With the current financial situation of our clients and the industry, I’ve made the decision not to increase our rates this year. We will still be giving our crew pay rises but we will take the hit on our profits, knowing we are still offering affordable crewing services at a time when it’s needed most.

“I have had quite a few clients asking for discounts and I always accommodate as much as I can, but I’m seeing this happening more going into 2026,” he adds further. “I don’t see this changing for a while. But you can’t be in events if you aren’t adaptable, understanding, and willing to compromise where needed.”

Riley says that it’s saddening to see good companies going under because of the actions of others and argues that it’s a shame that as an industry as inclusive and supportive as ours, we still have to fight for payments after services have been provided.

It means that companies like Riley’s Olympus Crew are having to be more adaptable, looking at strategies that will sustain the business moving forward.

GOOD BUSINESS

Connection Crew recently announced that it has achieved B Corporation certification. It is the first UK events crewing company to achieve B Corp status, meaning it has achieved high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Over two decades, Connection Crew has grown from a small crew of six into a crewing company that has generated more than 300,000 hours of paid, living-wage work for more than 508 people affected by

homelessness, and it’s a London Living Wage Employer, too.

Warren Rogers, director of Connection Crew, says that great service and great impact can go hand in hand and B Corp Status is proof that business for good is good business.

Freeman concurs. As a responsible employer, he says it’s important that his business responds to changes in the National Living Wage and the broader cost of living and if the industry wants to continue attracting capable and motivated people into events, the pay has to reflect that.

“Rates are inevitably moving upwards,” he explains. “Budgets are always tight in events, but overall I think the industry understands the value of good crew. In most cases, organisers appreciate the difference that skilled, motivated people make on site and are prepared to absorb some of those increased costs.”

White – who describes the live events market as confident and busy – concludes: “Our approach is to keep the rate honest and transparent rather than cheap at first glance’.

“We don’t bolt on extras for things like being out of a set location, working after 5pm, or basic travel – and we share GPS data so clients can see exactly when crews were on the ground and track their spend live. Other agencies sometimes go in high and treat it like a one shot opportunity. Our model is different and about long term, repeat business where everyone knows where they stand. It’s about building relationships for the long term and maintaining high standards on-site.”

OLYMPUS CREW
CONNECTION CREW

• MARKING OUT: Flags, Line Marker & Fencing Pins

• SCRIMS & FENCE COVER: Hessian, Tildenet, Bamboo Screen, FR Ranges & Cable Ties

• SITE BUILD & SAFETY: Site Signage, Pipe Lagging, Plastic Sheeting, Hazard & Warning Tape

• STAGE & ARTISTE SUPPLIES: Artiste Towels, Clocks, Ear Plugs, Pit Cups & Stage Brooms

• PPE CLOTHING & COVID: Printed Tabards, Hard Hats, Hi-Vis Masks, Sanitisers & Wipes

• BARS: Optics, Trugs, Ice Buckets, Jiggers, Bar Caddies & Waiters Trays

• SITE CLEANING & WASTE: Toilet Rolls, Cleaning Supplies, Litter Pickers & Work Gloves

• STAFF WELFARE & OFFICE: Coffee, Hot Cups, Extension Leads & Fans

BRADSHAW EVENT VEHICLES

WIDEST RANGE OF BUGGIES AND EVENT VEHICLES. VEHICLES ARE READY TO WORK ON ARRIVAL; CLEAN, SERVICED, AND FULLY FUELLED / CHARGED. WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE OUR TEAM CAN OFFER EXPERT ADVICE.

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

Opal Temporary Access Ltd

Norfolk Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2PS

E: info@opaltemporaryaccess.com

W: www.opaltemporaryaccess.com

T: 01474 568100

: www.linkedin.com/company/opal-temporaryaccess-ltd/posts/?feedView=all

ALUMINIUM TRUSS & SUPPORT STUCTURES Truss

ASSOCIATION

UK & Ireland

TAF-UK Ltd

8 Fryers Road, Walsall, West Midlands

WS2 7LZ United Kingdom

T: 01922 495 396

E: sales@taf-uk.com

MUTA

10B Red House Yard, Gislingham Road, Thornham Magna, Eye, Suffolk IP23 8HH

T: 01379 788673

E: info@muta.org.uk

W: www.muta.org.uk

AV, SOUND & LIGHTING

Event Production Services

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

T: 01844 278446

E: info@epsoxford.com

Hire Frequencies

T: 0203 3026947

E: enquiries@hirefrequencies.co.uk

W: www.hirefrequencies.co.uk

Lighthouse Events

Reading, UK

T: 0333 335 6353

E: info@lighthouse-events.co.uk

W: https://www.lighthouse-events.co.uk/ : https://www.instagram.com/ lighthouseeventsuk/ : https://www.linkedin.com/company/ lighthouse-events/

NSR Communications Ltd 16 Caxton Way, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 8UA

E: james@nsrcommunications.co.uk

W: https://nsrcommunications.uk/ : https://www.linkedin.com/company/ nsr-communications-ltd : https://www.facebook.com/NSRComms

Press Red Rentals Limited

Unit H11, Halesfield 19, Telford, TF7 4QT

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

BARS

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

Innovative Hire

Unit N, Lion Works Estate, 543 Wallisdown Road

Bournemouth BH12 5AD

T: 01202 941 068

W: http://innovativehire.co.uk

Peppermint Events Ltd

Lower Ground 04, Edinburgh House, 154-182 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5DP

T: 0333 043 7845

E: Standout@peppermintevents.co.uk

W: https://peppermintbars.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

Instant Marquees

T: 01840 213063

W: www.instantmarquees.co.uk

Sunbaba

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Plexal, Here East, London E20 3BS

T: 0208 988 9100

E: info@sunbaba.co.uk

W: www.sunbaba.co.uk

BUGGY HIRE

Bradshaw Event Vehicles

New Lane, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LW

T: 01780 782621

E: rentals@bradshawev.com

W: www.bradshawev.com

: @Bradshaw_EV

CABINS

Event Buggy Hire

T: 0113 393 4100

E: info@eventbuggyhire.co.uk

W: www.eventbuggyhire.co.uk

NSR Communications Ltd

16 Caxton Way, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 8UA

E: james@nsrcommunications.co.uk

W: https://nsrcommunications.uk/ : https://www.linkedin.com/company/ nsr-communications-ltd : https://www.facebook.com/NSRComms

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 : @QdosEventHire : www.facebook.com/pages/Qdos-Event-Hire/ : @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 : @WernickEvents : @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

CLEANING & SUPPORT SERVICES

Falcon Cleaning

Chipping Hall Farm, Chipping, Herts SG9 0DP

W3W: https://w3w.co/bless.loses.typed

E: info@falconteam.co.uk

W: www.falconteam.co.uk

The Nu Group

T: 0208 594 0800

E: info@thenugroup.co.uk

W: www.thenugroup.co.uk

Top Mops Event Services

7 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR

T: 0800 970 4035

E: info@topmops.net

W: https://topmops.net

CONTROL ROOM MANAGEMENT

MinT Command Ltd

Unit 1063, Kent Science Park Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8PX

E: neil@mintcommand.com

W: www.mintcommand.com

: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/neilminter : @MinTcommand

: www.facebook.com/MinTcommand/

CORPORATE CREW

Rodeo Crew

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

T: 020 8075 7799

E: bookcrew@rodeocrew.uk

W: www.rodeocrew.uk

SERVICES

MLD Event Group

T: 01903372773

E: office@mldeventgroup.co.uk

W: www.mld.events

Olympus Crew

T: 07904 903452

E: info@olympuscrew.co.uk

W: www.olympuscrew.co.uk

Optimal Events Group Ltd /

Trading as Optimal Crew

Marsh Mill Village, 5A, Fleetwood Rd N, Thornton-Cleveleys FY5 4JZ

T: 07375 843976

E: Enquiries@optimalcrew.co.uk

W: https://optimalcrew.co.uk

PS Events Crew

Suite 117-119 Lovell House, Birchwood Park, Warrington, WA3 6FW

T: 0151 319 8888

E: Operations@pseventscrew.co.uk

W: www.pseventscrew.co.uk

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 : @s3kgroup

Stage Miracles Ltd

Markey Ltd

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

T: 01763 271110

E: info@markey.co.uk

W: www.markey.co.uk

Rooms 39-40, The Enterprise Centre Cranbourne Road, Potters Bar EN6 3DQ

E: mail@stagemiracles.co.uk

T: 01707 662 500

The UK’s Leading Crew Company

We supply crew in:

London (and surrounding areas), Leeds, Hull, Sheffield, Birmingham, and more

CAR PARKING
COFFEE BARS

YOUR Group - A global workforce

T: +44 (0) 203 576 2330

E: connect@your-group.co.uk

W: www.your-group.co.uk

: https://www.instagram.com/your.comp.group

: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourcompanies-group

Video: https://vimeo.com/yourvid/ presentationuk

DRONE DISPLAYS

FlightShows

T: 020 3151 6891

E: Hello@FlightShows.com

W: www.FlightShows.com : www.facebook.com/FlightShows/ : www.linkedin.com/company/flightshows/ : www.instagram.com/flightshows/ : www.tiktok.com/@flightshows_drones

EQUIPMENT HIRE

GAP Event Services

CityPoint 2, 25 Tyndrum Street, Glasgow, G4 0JY

T: 03330 094 153

E: events@gap-group.co.uk

W: www.gap-group.co.uk

EVENT ACCOMMODATION

Bunkabin

Tweedale Way, Oldham, OL9 7LD

T: 0345 456 7899

E: hires@bunkabin.co.uk

W: www.bunkabin.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

EVENT CONSTRUCTION

Setstage Ltd

T: 01274 265217

E: info@setstage.co.uk : linkedin.com/in/kate-greenwood-82315223/

EVENT CONTROL, RADIO & WI-FI SERVICES

Controlled Events

T: 0203 286 6392

E: info@controlledevents.com

W: www.controlledevents.com

EVENT MANAGEMENT

Bright Events Ltd

T: 07856588815

W: www.brighteventsltd.com

: linkedin.com/in/karen-edwards-events/

CM Production Management Ltd

T: 020 8056465

E: hello@cmpm.co.uk

W: www.cmpm.co.uk : facebook.com/cmpmlive : @cmpmlive

LFX Events

Unit 10 Merchants House, Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1EU

E: enquiries@lfxevents.co.uk

W: www.lfxevents.co.uk

Victorious Events

T: 07922 836227

E: info@victoriousevents.co.uk

W: victoriousevents.co.uk

EVENT PASS PRINTING

Eyecatchers

T: 01772 681000

E: sales@eyecatchers.co.uk

W: www.eyecatchers.co.uk / www.myeventpass.co.uk

EVENT PRODUCTION

Culture Creative

T: 01665 798 007

E: info@culturecreative.co.uk

W: www.culturecreative.co.uk

SC Productions Ltd

T: 02921 850 650

E: admin@scproductionsltd.com

W: https://scproductionsltd.com/

Visions Live

EVENT SAFETY

Unit 2 Thames Valley Connect, Western Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1QP

T: 01189 358121

E: info@visionsgroup.co.uk

W: www.visionsgroup.co.uk

Acumen Safety

T: 07557 669523

E: hello@acumensafety.co.uk

W: https://acumensafety.co.uk/

LFX Safety

Unit 10 Merchants House, Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1EU

E: enquiries@lfxsafety.co.uk

W: www.lfxsafety.co.uk

Number 8 Safety

The Hay Shed, Sparrows Lane Matching Green, Essex, CM17 0RP

T: 0203 7437292

W: https://number8events.com

E: info@number8events.co.uk

Radius

Desklodge House, Redcliffe Way, Bristol, England, BS1 6NL

E: info@radius-events.com

W: www.radius-events.com : linkedin.com/company/radiuseventsltd

EVENT SERVICES

SafetyDocs

Conect Ltd 483 Green Lanes, London, N13 4BS

T: 0208 242 4942

E: info@safetydocs.org

W: https://safetydocs.org/

Number 8 Hire Ltd

The Hay Shed, Sparrows Lane, Matching Green, CM17 0RP

T: 0203 7437292

E: info@number8events.co.uk

W: www.number8events.com

EVENT STAFFING AGENCY

Event People

: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ event-people/ : weareeventpeople

E: hello@weareeventpeople.co.uk

EXHIBITION STAND CONTRACTORS

Access Displays

Unit 38, Whitehill Industrial Estate, Whitehill Lane, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, SN4 7DB

sales@accessdisplays.co.uk www.accessdisplays.co.uk 01793 613088

EXHIBITION TRAILERS & MOBILE UNITS

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

EVENT VEHICLE HIRE

Bradshaw Event Vehicles New Lane, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LW

T: 01780 782621

E: rentals@bradshawev.com

W: www.bradshawev.com : @Bradshaw_EV

FENCING & BARRIERS

Augusta Event Support Ltd

Cadeby, CV13 0BD

E: Sarah@aesteam.co.uk

W: https://augustaeventsupport.com/

Zone Secure

Gorsley Business Park, Ross on Wye HR9 7SD

E: info@zonesecure.co.uk

W: www.zonesecure.co.uk

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

Red Rose Fire Solutions Ltd

6 Brissenden Close, New Romney

Kent TN28 8JD

T: 01995 503504

E: info@redrosefiresolutions.co.uk

Virtus Fire

W: www.virtusfire.co.uk

T: 01895 590212

E: office@virtusservices.co.uk

Instant Marquees

T: 01840 213063

W: www.instantmarquees.co.uk

FLOORING & FLOOR COVERINGS

Coir Store 8-9 Yelverton Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5HP

E: info@coirstore.co.uk

T: 07983 614410

W: https://coirstore.co.uk

Event Flooring Solutions Ltd

T: 01509 768 252

E: sales@efseurope.co.uk

W: www.efseurope.co.uk

FURNITURE HIRE / SALES

Furniture On The Move

Unit B, Canada Warehouse, Chittening Industrial Estate, Worthy Road, Avonmouth, Bristol, BS11 0YB

T: 0845 459 9875

E: info@furnitureonthemove.co.uk

W: www.furnitureonthemove.co.uk

HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS

BiemmedueUK & Arcotherm

Unit 12, Wilson Road, South Wigston, Leicester LE18 4TP

T: 01773 836999

E: sales@biemmedueuk.com

W: www.biemmedueuk.com

Cooling & Heating Solutions Ltd

Marlwood House, Silver Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 6DG, UK

T: +44 (0) 1590 681 434

E: sales@candhs.co.uk

W: coolingandheatingsolutions.com

FLAGS

Spica Temperature Control Solutions Ltd

20 Crowsport, Hamble, Hampshire, SO31 4HG

T: 02380 453841

M: 07780 638976

E: kay@spicasolutions.com

W: www.spicasolutions.com

INFLATABLE STRUCTURES

Dawsongroup tcs

Dawsongroup | tcs

Export Drive, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 6AF

T: 01623 518538

E: info@dgtcs.co.uk

W: https://dgtcs.co.uk/inflatable-cold-rooms/

INSURANCE

Tysers Insurance Brokers

71 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 4BS

T: 0203 037 8000

E: tim.rudland@tysers.com

W: www.tysers.com

LASER & FX

Laser Grafix

Unit 4A Stratton Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8QS

E: info@lgfx.co.uk

W: www.lgfx.co.uk

UK office: 01767 315948

Dubai office: +971 4887 9808

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

Falcon Cleaning

Chipping Hall Farm, Chipping, Herts, SG9 0DP

W3W: https://w3w.co/bless.loses.typed

E: info@falconteam.co.uk

W: www.falconteam.co.uk

The Nu Group

T: 0208 594 0800

E: info@thenugroup.co.uk

W: www.thenugroup.co.uk

Top Mops Event Services

7 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR

T: 0800 970 4035

E: info@topmops.net

W: https://topmops.net

Alternative Stretch Tents

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

T: 01920 830256

E: info@alternative-stretch.co.uk

Fews Marquees

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

T: 01527 821789

E: info@fews.co.uk

W: www.fewsmarquees.co.uk

Instant Marquees

T: 01840 213063

W: www.instantmarquees.co.uk

Mahood Marquees Ltd

8 Lords Fold, Rainford, Saint Helens WA11 8HP

T: 01744 882 079

W: https://mahoodmarquees.com/

TT Tents Ltd

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

T: 01256 397 551

E: sales@tttents.co.uk

Tentickle Stretch Tents UK Ltd

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

T: 0121 7401385

M: 07826 843099

E: jorg@tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk

London & York

T: 0800 080 3310

E: hire@yslv.co.uk

W: www.yslv.co.uk

LIGHTING TOWERS

Boels Rental

T: 01245 208031

E: dale.fletcher@boels.co.uk

W: www.boels.com

W: www.tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk

Tentstyle

T: 01403 333135

E: enquiries@tentstyle.co.uk

W: www.tentstyle.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

MARQUEES

Ziggu Marquees

Dutton Green, Little Stanney, Chester, CH2 4SA

T: 01244722739

W: www.ziggumarquees.com

E: hello@ziggumarquees.com

MARQUEES ACCESSORIES

Opas Southern Ltd

Enterprise House, St Lawrence Avenue Worthing, West Sussex BN14 7JH

E: sales@opas.co.uk

Free Phone: 0845 1300 477

W: www.opas.co.uk

MEDICAL SERVICES

First Aid Cover Ltd

T: 020 8875 5758

E: enquiries@firstaidcover.co.uk

W: www.firstaidcover.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

Medirek

8 Primrose Place, Portsmouth Road, Godalming

Surrey, GU7 2JW

T: 07776 128 409

safety and medical

E: ryan.soper@medirek.co.uk

W: www.medirek.co.uk

MET Medical Ltd

T: 0203 627 9042

E: info@met-medical.co.uk

W: www.met-medical.co.uk

NOISE MANAGEMENT

Siderise Group

Forge Industrial Estate CF34 0AH

T: 01656 730833

E: enquiries@siderise.com

W: www.siderise.com

Wise Parking

T: 03301 334522

E: info@wiseparking.co.uk

W: www.wiseparking.co.uk

Charles Wilson

86 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP

T: 0800 458 5701

E: instanthire@cwplant.co.uk

W: www.cwplant.co.uk

A Star All Solutions

T: 02477 350679

W: www.astarallsolutions.co.uk

Excloosive Event Hire

Field House, Bromley Park, Abbots Bromley Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 3AH

T: 01283 575 749

M: 07778 473 064

E: info@excloosive.co.uk

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

Just Loos

Paddock Barn, Manor Farm, Itchen Stoke, Hampshire, SO24 0QT

T: 01962 867808

E: office@justloos.com

W: www.JustLoos.com

Ontrax Rentals

Elmwood Farm, Bampton OX18 2PL, England

E: hello@ontraxrentals.com

W: www.ontraxrentals.com

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

Vacant Event Hire

Unit C White Oak Technology Park, London Road, Swanley, Kent BR8 7AG

T: 01322 761 117

M: 07960 301178

E: info@vacant.events

W: https://vacant.events/

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

ATD Electrical

Unit 93, Greenway Business Centre, Greenway, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QE

T: 01279 507890

E: office@atdelectrical.com

W: www.atdelectrical.com

Festival Power Ltd

Unit 2, Temple Bridge Business Park, Bristol, BS39 5AA

E: info@festivalpower.co.uk

W: www.festivalpower.co.uk

Gofer Ltd

Unit 7 Arkwright Road, Hadleigh Road Ind. Est, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 0UB

T: 01473 282530

E: info@gofer.co.uk

W: www.gofer.co.uk

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

Instagrid UK Ltd

Silent, Clean and Portable Power

T: 07939 315074

E: andy.barnby@instagrid.co

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

Pearce Hire

Unit 8-9 Reynolds Industrial Park, Thetford IP24 3RR

T: 01733 554950

E: info@pearcehire.co.uk

W: www.pearchire.co.uk

Power Revolution

Unit 9 Kelvin Place, Stanton, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 2AR

T: 01359 256 265

E: info@power-revolution.co.uk

W: www.power-revolution.co.uk

Robert Blezard Electrical Contractor Ltd

Unit 5, Fishes & Peggy Hill Fm, Clitheroe BB7 3BY

T: 01200 777 666

E: hello@robertblezard.co.uk

W: www.robertblezard.co.uk

Stuart Power

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

T: 01953 454540

E: enquiries@stuartpower.co.uk

W: www.stuartpower.co.uk

The Technical Department

14 Henley Business Park, Pirbright Road, Normandy, Surrey, GU3 2DX

T: +44 (0)1483 238 050 or +44 (0)7850 367 917

E: chantal@thetechnicaldepartment.com

Wernick Power Solutions

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

T: 03334 001 247

E: power@wernick.co.uk

W: www.wernick.co.uk/power : twitter.com/WernickGroup : www.linkedin.com/company/wernickgroup

XLE Event Services

T: 01789 224227

E: info@xle.co.uk

W: www.xle.co.uk

: XLeventservices : @xle_events : www.linkedin.com/company/xleeventservices/

PRINTERS

UK Flyers

Suite 210, Victory House, Somers Road, North Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 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

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

Light of Night

T: 0203 189 2679

E: info@lightofnight.co.uk

W: www.lightofnight.co.uk

Marathon Communications Ltd

Oakhurst Business Park, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 9RT

T: 01403 473 858

E: info@marathoncomms.co.uk

W: www.marathoncomms.co.uk

: uk.linkedin.com/company/marathoncomms : www.facebook.com/marathoncomms

: instagram.com/marathoncomms : x.com/marathoncomms

RECYCLING

Falcon Cleaning

Chipping Hall Farm, Chipping, Herts SG9 0DP

W3W: https://w3w.co/bless.loses.typed

E: info@falconteam.co.uk

W: www.falconteam.co.uk

The Nu Group

T: 0208 594 0800

E: info@thenugroup.co.uk

W: www.thenugroup.co.uk

REFRIGERATED STRUCTURES

Dawsongroup tcs

Export Drive, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 6AF

Dawsongroup | tcs

T: 01623 518538

E: info@dgtcs.co.uk

W: https://dgtcs.co.uk/inflatable-cold-rooms/

RENTAL EQUIPMENT

Sunbelt Rentals

T: 0330 053 2348

E: events@sunbeltrentals.co.uk

W: www.sunbeltrentals.co.uk/sectors/events

REUSABLE CUPS

Re-uz UK Less is now Limited

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

T: 01278 238390

E: info.uk@reuz.com

W: www.re-uz.com & www.green-goblet.com

SAFEGUARDING

X2Consult Safeguarding & Child Protection

T: 01622 278702

E: Tom@x2consult.co.uk

W: www.x2consult.co.uk

SAFETY TRAINING

Acumen Safety

T: 07557 669523

E: training@acumensafety.co.uk

W: https://acumensafety.co.uk/

SCAFFOLD SYSTEM & TRUSS STRUCTURES

SRG Structures

SEATING

Anubis Group

T: 0800 121 6576

E: sales@anubis-security.com/ recruitment@anubis-security.com

W: www.anubis-security.com

ESM Operations

T: +44 7355 094162

E: info@esmoperations.com

W: www.esmoperations.com

Light of Night

T: 0203 189 2679

E: info@lightofnight.co.uk

W: www.lightofnight.co.uk

Manchett Security

The Tack Room, Lorkins Farm, Conway’s Road, Orsett, Grays, Essex, RM16 3E

T: 01375 470 022

E: info@manchett-security.com

W: www.manchett-security.com : @ManchettSec –: @ManchettSec –: ManchettGroup

McKenzie Arnold Group

E: joanna.white@mckenziearnold.com

T: 01376 350 999

M: 07701 048 69

Oldbury Lane, Bristol, BS35 1RE

T: 0117 911 4034

E: info@srg-structures.com

W: www.srg-structures.com

Ace Seating Hire

T: 01832 279333

E: info@aceseating.co.uk

W: www.aceseating.co.uk

Alliance Events Ltd

Ventura Park Road, Tamworth, England, B78 3HL

T: 02034 885480

E: admin@alliancemanagementgroup.co.uk

W: www.alliancemanagementgroup.co.uk

Ministry Protective

T: 0800 2335518

E: info@ministryprotective.com

W: www.ministryprotective.com

New Dawn Security and Training Unit 10 Dunley Hill Court, Ranmore Common, Effingham RH5 6SX

T: 01306779436

E: Events@ndst.ltd

W: www.ndst.ltd

Newman Event Services Ltd

Crowd Management, Festival & Event Security/Stewarding. Bloxham Mill, Barford Road, Bloxham, Oxfordshire, OX15 4FF

T: 01295 722844

E: enquiries@newmanevents.co.uk

W: www.newmanevents.co.uk

Right Guard Security

Experts in Crowd Management and Event Security

T: 01227 464588

E: info@rightguard.co.uk

W: www.rightguard.co.uk

Showsec

Regent House, 16 West Walk, Leicester, LE1 7NA

T: 0116 204 3333

E: sales@showsec.co.uk

W: showsec.co.uk : showsec.uk : showsec : company/Showsec

SET & SCENERY

Trojan Security Unit B7 Loughton Seedbed Centre

Langston Road, Loughton IG10 3TQ

T: 0330 113 9966

E: info@trojansecurityuk.co.uk

W: www.trojansecurityuk.co.uk

: @trojan-security-uk-ltd

: @TrojanLondon

: @trojan_security_UK

CONSTRUCTION

Staged Events Ltd

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

T: 01256578055

E: info@stagedevents.com

W: www.stagedevents.com

SHOWERS

Zoo Events Group Ltd

Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ

T: 01258 840233

E: info@zooeventsgroup.co.uk

W: www.zooeventsgroup.co.uk

SITE MANAGEMENT

SITE SUPPLIES

Special Projects, Site Management

T: +44 (0) 1738 505 747

E: info@specialprojects-uk.com

W: https://www.specialprojects-uk.com

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

SOUND, LIGHTING, VISION, POWER AND SCENIC

SPH Event Production LTD

Unit 7, Upper Wensleydale Business Park, Brunt Acres Road, Hawes, DL8 3UZ

T: 01535 442084

W: www.event-production.live

STAGING & RIGGING

IPS (Impact Production Services)

Second Avenue,Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK1 1ED

T: 01908 657950

E: enquiries@ips.co.uk

W: www.ips.co.uk

Rigger.co.uk

T: 0333 772 0120

E: contact@rigger.co.uk

W: www.rigger.co.uk

Serious Stages Ltd

Tor Hill Works, Dulcote, Wells, Somerset, BA5 3NT

T: 01749 899 188

W: www.stages.co.uk

E: info@stages.co.uk

The Stage Bus 19 Prestwood Road, Birmingham, B29 5EB

T: 0121 585 9264

E: info@thestagebus.com

W: www.thestagebus.com

SRG Structures

Oldbury Lane, Bristol, BS35 1RE

T: 0117 911 4034

E: info@srg-structures.com

W: www.srg-structures.com

Steeldeck Rentals

Unit 58, T. Marchant Estate, 42 - 72 Verney Rd, London SE16 3DH

T: +44 (0)207 833 2031

E: rentals@steeldeck.co.uk

W: www.steeldeck.co.uk

STAND DESIGN & BUILD

Saward Marketing and Events

T: 07788 660996

E: admin@saward-me.com

W: https://saward-me.com/

TEMPORARY BRIDGES

Mitchell Bridges Limited

London Road, Kings Worthy, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7QN

T: 01962 885040

M: 07768630373

E: chris@mitchellbridges.com

W: www.mitchellbridges.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

Fews Marquees

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

T: 01527 821789

E: info@fews.co.uk

W: www.fewsmarquees.co.uk

Losberger De Boer

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

T: 01280 846500

E: sales.uk@losbergerdeboer.com

W: www.losbergerdeboer.com/uk

Media Structures : Imagine, Create, Deliver Green Lane Sawmills, Outwood, Surrey, RH1 5QP

T: 0203 781 7772

E: lance.baker@mediastructures.co.uk

W: www.mediastructures.uk

NEPTUNUS Ltd

Cob Drive, Swan Valley, Northampton NN4 9BB

T: 01604 593820

E: sales@neptunus.co.uk

W: www.neptunus.co.uk

Creative Structures

Creative House, Station Road, Theale RG7 4PD

T: 0118 380 5590

W: https://www.creativestructuresgroup.com/

Technical Overlay by Visions

Unit 2 Thames Valley Connect, Western Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1QP

T: 01189 358121

E: info@visionsgroup.co.uk

W: www.technicaloverlay.co.uk

Tentickle Stretch Tents UK Ltd

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

T: 0121 7401385

M: 07826 843099

E: jorg@tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk

W: www.tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk

The Dome Company

T: 07876673354

E: info@thedomecompany.co.uk

W: www.thedomecompany.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

WH Silverbacks

Unit 26, Oakfield Road, Woolsbridge Industrial Park, Dorset BH21 6FE

T: 01202 096957

E: info@silverbacks.co.uk

W: https://whsilverbacks.co.uk/

TRACKWAY TRACKWAY

Worldwide Structures Ltd

Ayrshire Farm, Sharcott, Pewsey, SN9 5PA

T: 01672 565 060 / +44 (0) 7875 027369

E: enquiries@w-sl.com

W: www.worldwidestructures.com

All Weather Access Ltd

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

T: 01487 823344

E: info@gttrax.co.uk

W: www.gttrax.co.uk

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

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

Carbonite Traffic Solutions

T: 020 3567 1479

E: enquiries@carbonitetraffic.co.uk

W: www.carbonitetraffic.co.uk

CSP (The Combined Services Provider)

Unit 1, Abloy House, Hatters Lane, Watford, WD18 8AJ

T: 020 8900 2405

E: sales@gotocsp.com

W: gotocsp.com

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

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Falcon Cleaning

Chipping Hall Farm, Chipping, Herts, SG9 0DP

W3W: https://w3w.co/bless.loses.typed

E: info@falconteam.co.uk

W: www.falconteam.co.uk

The Nu Group

T: 0208 594 0800

E: info@thenugroup.co.uk

W: www.thenugroup.co.uk

Top Mops Event Services

7 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR

T: 0800 970 4035

E: info@topmops.net

W: https://topmops.net

WATER & PLUMBING SERVICES

MTD (UK & Ireland) Ltd

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

T: 01264 773 818

E: sales.uk@mtd.net

W: www.mtd.net

T.E.S.S Ltd

W: www.tess-ltd.co.uk

E: info@tess-ltd.co.uk

T: 01332 850 860

Wicked Event Water Services

Kevin: 07909 771996

E: info@wickedeventwaterservices.com

W: www.wews.biz

WIFI, INTERNET & STREAMING

attend2IT

Unit 6-8 Park Farm Industrial Estate, Buntingford

T: 01763 877 477

W: https://attend2it.co.uk/

Fli-Fi Ltd UK Wide

T: 020 3778 0454

E: enquiries@fli-fi.com

W: www.fli-fi.com

NVENTS

T: 0330 043 5113

W: https://nvents.co/ E: info@nvents.co

SimpliWifi Unit 13, Leominster Enterprise Park, Leominster, Herefordshire

HR6 0LX

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Editor Caroline Clift caroline@standoutmagazine.co.uk

Advertising manager

Jen Crisp jen@standoutmagazine.co.uk

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Sarah Bourne sarah@standoutmagazine.co.uk

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Lewis Briggs lewis@standoutmagazine.co.uk

David Powell david@standoutmagazine.co.uk

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Katie Goldsmith marketing@standoutmagazine.co.uk

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Neil Hepden

Jemma Heslop

Emma Hickman

Colin Swaffer studio@standoutmagazine.co.uk

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Janine Walmsley creditcontrol@standoutmagazine.co.uk

Managing director Neil Fagg neil@standoutmagazine.co.uk T: 01795 509101

CEO John Denning

StandOut Multimedia Limited, 10 The Metford, Evegate Business Park, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX T: 01795 509113 www.standoutmagazine.co.uk

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Featured in our next issue...

WINTER WONDERLANDS

Organisers of winter events and festive experiences share their event developments and lessons learned and reveal their plans for 2026 and beyond

DRIVEN TO SUCCEED

How are organisers working with industry experts to develop their traffic management plans for 2026? StandOut investigates

PUSHING AHEAD

Brockwell Live’s planning application for its 2026 event series was approved by Lambeth Council. Joe Elkins, event director of Summer Events, organiser of

chats

Brockwell Live,
Image: © Oliver Dixon
Image: © Luke Dyson

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