Issue 59

ISSUE 59 | 2023 | www.openairbusiness.com 

BUSINESS 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

FUNCTION VENUES 

› Showrounds 

› Accommodation 

EVENTS 

› CPD 

› Services 

CASE STUDIES: 

LOWER GRENOFEN • PETRUTH PADDOCKS • FESTIVAL OF SPORT 

GLAMPSITES 

› New Grants 

› Tented Structures

BRINGING CREATURE 

COMFORTS TO THE 

GREAT OUTDOORS. 

Easy, discreet waste solution. 

Underground but on top of everything. A Sanifos lifting station can 

handle waste water from multiple structures on your caravan, camping 

or glamping site. Sited underground, you may not see Sanifos at work, 

but this range of powerful lifting stations gets the job done, pumping 

up, and along to mains drains, a septic tank or waste treatment plant. 

For more information visit saniflo.co.uk

ISSUE 59 | 2023 | www.openairbusiness.com 

WELCOME 

Infrastructure is a big topic in this issue. All the stuff that 

goes in and on the ground to make all the fun stuff work. 

The pumps for the toilets for your pods, the jacks that 

hold the floor for your marquee, the women’s urinal that 

cuts the queues for your festival. Basically, all the (on the 

surface) unsexy yet essential parts of the whole operation. 

And when you think that more often than not we are 

looking at low impact or even temporary solutions then a 

whole new degree of difficulty enters the equation. 

Take what Fraser Mountford (our Entrepreneur’s Chat candidate) has achieved 

at Royle Forest Weddings on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border (pages 12-15). 

We think it might be the largest tipi wedding venue in the UK yet it is entirely 

dismantled at the end of each season. The only thing remaining is the 400m2 of 

decking in the middle of a forest. 

Julian Sayer from Petruth Paddocks confirms the business case for investing 

in infrastructure – he spent £500,000 on toilet/shower blocks (pages 33-36) and 

is now turning his attention to the importance of a good F&B offering and child 

friendly activities. 

If finding money for infrastructure is a priority then Richard Rampton’s advice 

on applying for the new Rural England Prosperity Fund will stand you in good 

stead (pages 38-39). And don’t forget this season’s trade shows. If you need to get 

up close and personal with the things you need to run your operation then this is 

your opportunity. Check out the first of our show previews in this issue where we 

look ahead to the Glamping Show 2023 (pages 10-11). 

PUBLISHERS 

Steve Rix - steve@openairbusiness.com 

Tally Rix - tally@openairbusiness.com 

EDITOR 

Tally Rix - tally@openairbusiness.com 

ADVERTISING SALES 

Marney Whyte - 01892 677743 

marney@openairbusiness.com 

David Hobden - 01892 677741 

david@openairbusiness.com 

ADMINISTRATOR 

Kirsty Farrow – 01892 677740 

kirsty@openairbusiness.com 

DESIGN 

James English - 

www.jamesenglishdesign.co.uk 

PUBLISHED BY 

Coffee Shop Media Ltd 

www.coffeeshopmedia.com 

Milroy House, Sayers Lane, 

Tenterden, TN30 6BW 

01580 848555 

Tally Rix 

Editor / Publisher 

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Contents ISSUE 59 – 2023 

UP FRONT 

4 News 

5 Product News 

8 Introducing 

10 Glamping Show 

Preview 

12 Entrepreneur’s Chat 

– Fraser Mountford, 

Royle Forest 

Weddings 


17 Lower Grenofen – 

elopement weddings 

in Dartmoor 

22 Killer Showrounds 

– how to do it right 

both face-to-face and 

online 

24 Infrastructure – 

products in action 

28 Outdoor 

Accommodation – 


GLAMPING 

33 Petruth Paddocks – 

‘free range camping’ 

in Somerset 

38 New Grant 

Opportunity – the 

Rural England 

Prosperity Fund 

41 Tented Structures – 




EVENTS 

48 Festival of Sport – a 

weekend of sport for 

5-17 year olds 

54 CPD in Events 

– strategies 

for continuing 

professional 

development 



58 Professional 

Services – products 

in action 

60 Spotlight 

62 Classifieds 

65 Behind the Scenes – 

Samaritans’ Festival 

Branch 

Find more expert advice online: 

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› Showrounds 


EVENTS 

› CPD 

› Services 

GLAMPSITES 

› New Grants 

› Tented Structures 

CASE STUDIES: 

LOWER GRENOFEN • PETRUTH PADDOCKS • FESTIVAL OF SPORT 

COVER PHOTO 

Lapee is the game-changing women’s urinal. Tall, curved 

walls envelop and screen users from view. Users can 

oversee the nearby area while still being private. Toilet 

queues for ladies are dramatically reduced. Plastic 

Solutions, 01922 716725, sales@plasticsol.com 

BUSINESS 

WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 3

GEORGIA BROWN @ BROWNFOXCOMMS 

STEPHEN HOUNSHAM 

Sustainable Event 

Summit 23 

Outdoor event professionals can now 

register to attend a free, action-focused day 

at the Sustainable Event Sumit 23 (SES 23). 

Presented by Vision: 2025 and supported 

by Festival Republic, the event will be held 

during the Showman’s Show on 18 October 

at Newbury Showground. 

SES 23 returns for an eighth year bringing 

event organisers, suppliers, local authorities 

and experts together to share the latest 

innovations, drive best practice and shape 

the industry response to climate change. 

The program includes the official launch 

of the new Environmental Chapter of the 

Purple Guide, a keynote from EarthPercent’s 

Cathy Runciman, a climate communications 

panel collaboration with Music Declares 

Emergency, a Green Leaders workshop 

on establishing industry standards, and 

sessions on food sustainability and battery 

technology. 

Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival 

Republic, said: “We are delighted to be 

supporting the eighth Sustainable Events 

Summit, with a packed programme of 

essential talks and industry updates, it is a 

must-attend event for anyone serious about 

sustainability in outdoor events.” For more 

information, visit www.vision2025.org.uk 

60 Day Rule for Pop-up Sites 

New legislation now permits pop-up 

glamping and camping sites in England to 

stay open for longer. The new '60-day rule' 

applies to temporary sites with 50 pitches or 

less, and also specifies that toilet and waste 

disposal facilities must be provided. 

“This is the biggest improvement to UK 

camping since the invention of all-season 

sleeping bags”, said Jonathan Knight, UK 

head of Hipcamp.com. “The extended 

period makes it much more attractive to 

landowners across England to welcome 

campers. It’s also a boon for campers, who 

will now have a greater choice of places 

to visit. We're already seeing pop-up 

campsites on Hipcamp taking advantage of 

this rule change to extend their season.” 

Host Patrick Hillier, from Great Haywood 

Canalside Campsite, said: “It’s hugely 

positive to allow pop-up campsites to open 

for a time-period that better matches all 

the main holidays in the year. We now plan 

to open for 39 days this summer and next 

season will be open for 60. It’s an exciting 

change and will also bring more custom 

to the local pubs, farm shops and other 

businesses.” 

£250,000 Funding 

Expansion 

THE SECRET Garden Glamping in Lancashire, which 

hosted TV shows including Celebs Go Dating and 

Married at First Sight, has secured £250,000 from 

Lancashire County Council's Rosebud Finance 

The site began as a project for owner Derry Green 

during the first Covid-19 lockdown. He built a pod for his children and 

shared his journey on Facebook. After advertising it on Airbnb, he was booked up for 

two years in advance. The site currently has five pods and a waiting list of more than 

50,000. Green will use the investment to add a further five pods and plans to expand to 

another site within the local area. 

Over 1,000 Orchids at Tregaron 

Glamping Site 

ORCHID MEADOWS, a private nature reserve and glamping site near Tregaron, 

Ceredigion, surveyed its land earlier this summer and counted 1,343 orchids. 

The 25-acre small-holding features flower-rich hay meadows, classic Welsh rhos 

pastures grazed by Highland cattle, wetland with rare bog plants, a pond and a 

newly planted wood of native broad-leaved trees. The site also features a holiday 

cottage, yurt and a glampavan. 

Owner Stephen Hounsham said: “Whilst these orchids are not listed as scarce, 

no orchids can be described as common anymore due to modern methods of 

land management. We will do our best over the next five years to maximise the 

populations of these and other wildflowers on our land. This will have a knock-on 

effect on numbers of insects and farmland birds. We are a glamping site offering 

stays amidst nature and this is what our guests want to see.” 

GETTY IMAGES 

4 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

GETTY IMAGES 

Awards for 

Excellence Winners 

VISITENGLAND HAS announced the 

winners at its Awards for Excellence 2023. 

The Gold, Silver and Bronze winners 

were selected from hundreds of tourism 

businesses across England including 

hotels, self-catering accommodation, 

B&Bs, glamping operators, attractions, 

restaurants, pubs and museums. 

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes 

said: “It is fantastic to come together as 

an industry to celebrate our world-class 

tourism businesses. Competition this year 

was fierce with customer service excellence 

evident across every category, thanks to 

the passion and dedication of individuals. I 

congratulate all the winners and especially 

those who won Gold, an achievement 

Gold Award Winner, The Quiet Site, Cumbria 

cementing their place as the country’s 

crème de la crème, standard-bearers for 

England’s tourism industry.” 

Gold in the Camping, Glamping and 

Holiday Park of the Year category went to 

The Quiet Site, Cumbria – a carbon neutral 

holiday park offering a host of experiential 

accommodation. Silver and Bronze went to 

Brook Meadow, Leicestershire, and Hendra 

Holiday Park, Cornwall, respectively. 

NOEA Supports Gas Safety Initiative 

THE NATIONAL Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) is backing NCASS’s campaign 

to enhance the safety, measurement and implementation of gas provisions at major 

events. The initiative, which includes a call to action at industry and government level 

to increase education around the subject, is one that underlines the values of both 

associations; the need to support event producers that execute professionally and 

safely and call out those that don’t. 

The increased focus from NCASS around the issue is a result of the growing number 

of outdoor events and street food trading activity which bring multiple mobile traders 

together, alongside large numbers of the public. 

“This is really serious. We’ve already seen examples of cylinder explosions in 

gazebos and where whole trailers have been destroyed 

by gas leaks,” commented Nick 

Summers, managing director, 

NCASS. “The culmination of 

these issues means it is only a 

matter of time before we see 

a more serious incident arise 

that could endanger public 

safety and even result in the 

loss of life.” 

SHORTS 

› £1m Investment 

at Angrove Country 

Park 

Angrove Country 

Park, located on 

the edge of the North York 

Moors National Park, has spent £1m on 28 

new lodges and three ‘love domes’ to provide 

luxury glamping. 

Operated by Leisure Resorts, each lodge 

has its own hot tub and many are dog friendly. 

Lodges vary in size with many having their 

own outdoor kitchens featuring ‘big green egg’ 

barbecues. 

Grant Gidman, marketing director for 

Leisure Resorts, said: “We are gearing up 

for our first full summer season at the new 

and improved Angrove Country Park. We 

have significantly invested in the park in the 

last year and we can’t wait for visitors to get 

their first taste of five-star luxury in North 

Yorkshire.” 

› The Pig Offers 

Outdoor Bathing 

The Pig hotel at Combe 

in Devon has joined 

the trend for outdoor 

bathing, launching 

Stream Wagons in a private 

meadow. The rustic cabins all 

feature an outdoor shower and one has an 

outdoor bath. 

“We decided to design our own bedrooms 

on wheels,” says Pig founder Robin Hutson. 

The brief was to create something “as 

good as any hotel bedroom, fitted out to the 

same standard as the main house, including 

a full bathroom with a double-ended roll-top 

bathtub. 

“There is a trend in the tropics for outdoor 

bathrooms, and we decided to take full 

advantage of our extending British summers 

by fitting out each wagon with its own private 

outdoor shower.” 


PRODUCT 

The Origami 

Building 

INTRODUCING A unique building that 

arrives on site at just 2.4m wide, 6.4m long 

and 2.8m high. When placed on its simple 

foundation, it can be unfolded to make a 

6.4m square structure. In the centre section 

is a small, fitted kitchen and a shower with 

toilet and wash basin. It has lights, heaters, 

power points, and is also fully insulated and 

double glazed. The Origami Building can be 

ready to use in just two hours and is easily 

folded up and lifted on to a truck should it 

need to be moved. 

Timberspecs has been supplying log 

and wood homes since 1999. These are all 

sourced from Romania from a very well 

managed and privately owned forest in the 

Carpathian Mountains. Each structure is 

individual in design but all materials must 

have originated from a sustainable source 

– a core principle of the company. All its 

cabins also conform to BS3632 with the 

chief aim being to minimise their carbon 

footprints. 

01580 212141, info@timberspecs.com, 

www.timberspecs.com 

Bespoke Huts 

Following 

Glamping Show 

REGENCY SHEPHERD Huts is currently 

working closely with a family from 

Worcestershire on developing their luxury 

glamping business with two custom made 

huts. The Hird family met the Regency 

team at the Glamping Show and have 

developed the huts together – an 18ft 

model, which is already on site, and a 22ft 

hut which will be ready for delivery in a 

month’s time. 

The huts are finished to a high-end 

standard and feature handmade, painted 

kitchens with quartz worktops, chunky 

oak steps, a fully fitted bathroom and a 

skylight situated over the master bed. The 

set up will be completed with outdoor 

seating and warm blankets for guests 

to enjoy a wildflower meadow and the 

stunning sunsets over the Malverns. 

01531 821599, info@ 

regencyshepherdhuts.co.uk, 

www.regencyshepherdhuts.co.uk 

Sanifos 110 wins Build It Award 

SANIFLO WAS delighted to win a Build It Award for the Sanifos 110 lifting station in the 

‘Best Plumbing or Drainage System or Product’ category. 

The Sanifos 110 is the best-selling underground lifting station model in the six strong 

Sanifos range. The compact unit provides a cost-effective 

solution for the discharge of black and grey water waste 

from new and existing buildings where gravity drainage isn’t 

accessible. With an integrated grinder pump and multiple 

connection points, the 110-litre capacity unit is capable 

of discharging all the waste from individual dwellings and 

is commonly used for glamping pods, garden rooms and 

outbuilding conversions. 

Waste can be pumped vertically up to 14m and horizontally, 

which means that building projects are feasible even if they 

are sited beneath the level of a mains drains, sewer or water 

treatment plant. Larger units can take the waste from several pods, caravan pitches and WC blocks on larger sites and these pump 

further and higher to mains drains, septic tanks or waste treatment plants. 

Saniflo has a wide range of products that can be used for discharging waste. The company's Sanibest Plus macerators are now being 

used at a premier UK festival to offer upmarket flushing toilets in glamping and camping spaces rather than chemical WCs. 

020 8842 0033, sales@saniflo.co.uk, www.saniflo.co.uk 


Putting the Magic into 

Sustainable Tourism 

THE GLAMPING industry is changing and so is rural tourism. Large estates 

and farms all over the country are having to think about sustainability and 

countryside economy. Spirit Intents clients are reporting occupancy rates 

that halved for 2023, many of them worried about cost of living. 

“We lead a little countryside revolution and tell them that the time has 

come to think about the future,” says the company. “Our solution is to 

take sustainable tourism to the next level, making it more ecological and 

environmentally friendly. We are currently working with some large estates to 

tackle the decline in the UK’s offer. 

“Our projects make tourism more contextual – from pop-up hotels that set 

up for a night on rewilding projects as a nomadic safari with tribal costumes 

and archeo-foods, to open air restaurants in yurt palaces with open fire side 

cooking. Unknown to most, ‘glamour’ in camping is an old tradition, one used 

by Middle Eastern emperors from the 1500s. We work with a selected few to 

recreate the magic, making the UK (again) the first in the world in this sector. 

We bring charm and magic back into glamping. 

“We currently have our wedding yurt at Broughton Hall as a door to their 

rewilding project and for their amazing retreats.” 

07895 019028, spiritsintent@yahoo.co.uk, www.spiritsintent.com 

The Traveller’s Pantry 

LONDON BASED The Traveller’s Pantry, founded by 

hospitality and catering expert Ariana Hudson, is making 

short breaks, camping, glamping and self-catering 

holidays even easier in the kitchen. 

The Traveller’s Pantry boxes provide convenient, 

travel size, store cupboard basics. These carefully 

sourced miniatures provide just enough to help 

holidaymakers and travellers get going in the kitchen. 

Whether it’s simply making a cuppa or staying in 

to make a delicious dinner, the Staples Box provides 

everything needed to add a touch of culinary magic to 

holiday cooking, without the added stress of having to 

drag full size cupboard basics around. All ingredients 

and items in The Staples Box have been thoughtfully 

curated and chosen from some the UK’s most 

exceptional producers. 

Included are a selection of high quality products such 

as Cotswold Gold extra virgin cold pressed rapeseed oil, 

eight generous Stokes sauce sachets and two aromatic 

sauce concentrates, perfect for delicious marinades, 

sauces, stir fries and rubs, all largely unavailable in 

regular supermarkets. 

“I’ve spent many a self-catering holiday getting 

frustrated at the sheer volume of ingredients, time 

and pounds wasted when having to take lots of full 

size staples away with you”, says Ariana. “We’ve put 

together three boxes – The Staples Box, The Family 

Box and The Breakfast Box, with more already in the 

pipeline. All just enough to get you up and running.” 

hello@thetravellerspantry.co.uk, 

www.thetravellerspantry.co.uk 

New Glamping 

Structures 

and Washing 

Facility 

BCT OUTDOORS, a British manufacturer, is 

proud to announce the addition of exciting 

new offerings to its range of services. 

Alongside a washing and repair facility, it 

has introduced a 6m yurt and glamping 

pod to its collection. 

The larger 6m yurt provides a luxurious 

and spacious glamping experience. Crafted 

with meticulous attention to detail, the 

yurt combines practical design with 

quality. The Canvas Glamping Pod is an 

innovative and versatile alternative to 

traditional pods. It offers a compact, cozy 

space designed to maximise comfort and 

blend in with natural surroundings. It also 

features unique bunks and modern styling. 

Complementing the new products, 

BCT Outdoors continues to excel with its 

washing facility and aftercare service, 

offering cleaning, proofing and repair 

services for a wide range of tents. From 

canvas and PVC tents to marquees and 

tipis, BCT Outdoors takes care to maintain 

outdoor shelters, extending their lifespan 

01274 728469, info@bctoutdoors.com, 

www.bctshop.co.uk 


PEOPLE 

INTRODUCING… 

Some new faces to get to know! 

VENUES 

GLAMPING 

Phil 

Zschiesche 

Marketing and sales, ICE Trikes 

01326 387848, philz@icetrikes.co 

www.icetrikes.co 

What does your company do? 

We design and manufacture premium 

recumbent trikes. 

How long have you been 

established? 

We were established in 1999. 

What makes your company’s services 

special? 

ICE trikes are used by people who 

cannot ride a traditional bike. Easy to 

ride, great fun, comfortable and stable, 

accessible cycling. 

What is your hero product and why? 

ICE make six different trikes that are 

available with or without electric assist 

motors that allow people to explore 

even further with ease. 

A little bit about you 

I love cycling, surfing, travelling around 

the world visiting bike shops, bike 

shows, dealer events and best of all 

meeting ICE Trike riders and owners. 

Why should a customer get in touch? 

ICE trikes can give your business a 

unique cycling experience allowing 

visitors and guests something new, fun 

and exciting to try. 

Andy 

Warren 

Managing director, NatSol 

01686 412653, andy@natsol.co.uk 

www.natsol.co.uk 


We design and manufacture waterless 

and composting toilets for remote 

sites. 


established? 

Since 2005 but the two founder 

directors already had 40 years 

combined experience when they set up 

the company. 


special? 

Quality, technical know-how and 

customer support. 


Probably the Full Access Composter 

– an odour free toilet for remote sites 

which needs no mains services. 


I am a qualified psychotherapist with 

a private practice. My hobbies include 

gardening, playing the flute, cycling 

and horse riding. 


Excellent customer support and a wide 

range of products. We promise not 

to recommend a product unless we 

believe it’s a great solution for the site. 

Vanessa 

Glossop 

Chief marketing officer, Anytime Booking 

01326 574660, vanessa@anytimebooking. 

co.uk, www.anytimebooking.co.uk 


We provide online booking management 

software to owners of campsites, 

glamping sites, holiday property 

agencies and motorhome hire fleets. 

How long have you been established? 

We have been on the market now for 

about 12 years. 


special? 

Our people are a pleasure to work 

with; we are highly supportive of every 

customer and we constantly innovate 

our software and service to add value. 


Our online booking management 

software and service becomes a happy 

extension to each team and business we 

work with. 


I love travel, reading, walking, exploring 

my home county of Cornwall, bulldogs, 

motorhoming, the pleasures of food and 

drink and get-togethers with friends. 


Work with “a team who are passionate 

about their product, which clearly 

shows, and makes them head and 

shoulders above the rest” (client review). 


PEOPLE 

GLAMPING 

EVENTS 

Ariana 

Hudson 

Founder/owner, The Traveller's Pantry 

07961 371474, 

hello@thetravellerspantry.co.uk, 



We provide hamper style boxes of core, 

store cupboard essentials in miniature 

size for travellers. 


established? 

We have been in business for one year. 


special? 

Our combination of miniature products 

are so unique and convenient. 


I have three! SA sauce blends for 

versatility, Stokes sauces for size, taste 

and variety, and Cotswold Gold for 

pure deliciousness. 


I love food and travelling and spend my 

spare time cooking, researching and 

finding new products. Being married to 

a chef helps of course! 


Our boxes will save you time, space, 

hassle and stress – a one-stop dropshop 

for your holiday store cupboard 

essentials! 

Sarah 

Unia 

Senior marketing and communications 

executive, Woodland Trust 

0343 770 5813, 

sarahunia@woodlandtrust.org.uk, 

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant 


The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest 

woodland conservation charity. Our 

vision is a world where woods and 

trees thrive for people and nature. 


established? 

Since 1972. 

What makes your services special? 

The Woodland Trust has decades of 

experience working side by side with 

landowners to harness the benefits of 

trees for business, people and nature. 

What is your hero service and why? 

Our MOREwoods tree planting scheme. 


I love nature, walking and the 

outdoors. 


With MOREwoods you get the trees, 

tree protection and expert advice you 

need to make your project a success – 

all with generous funding of up to 75%. 

John 

Gutierrez 

Director, Just Event Services 

01276 590325, 

john@justeventservices.co.uk, 

www.justeventservices.co.uk 


We offer event car parking and traffic 

management along with event 

support services such as security and 

stewarding. 


established? 

Since May 2017. 

What makes your company's services 

special? 

We pride ourselves on having a 

personal touch at all our events, 

working as a single team onsite 

and always delivering an effective 

operation. 

What is your hero service and why? 

Event car parking at large events for 

multiple days. Our team loves the 

opportunity to work several days and 

deliver amazing events. 


I am a personal trainer by hobby and 

car enthusiast, always tinkering with 

projects and enjoying nature with 

plenty of dog walks. 


For a reliable, trustworthy and 

personal service. 


INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 

The Glamping Show 

Revamped and refreshed, The Glamping Show 2023 is better than ever 

WITH OVER 100 exhibitors to meet 

in person and a revamped seminar 

programme, 2023 promises to be an 

exceptional year for The Glamping Show, 

the must-attend event for those in the 

outdoor hospitality industry. 

The only trade event dedicated to the 

glamping industry, The Glamping Show 

is the go-to event for anyone looking for 

products and information to support or 

start their outdoor hospitality business. 

From structures of all kinds, shapes and 

sizes, to furnishings, hot tubs and business 

services, this event is fertile ground for 

gathering information, brainstorming and 

decision-making. 

The expert-led seminar programme is 

entirely revamped this year, with relevant 

topics to help you along your business 

journey more than ever before. Speakers 

at The Glamping Show include Sarah 

Orchard (get-fully-booked.com), Edward 

Busby (Crown & Canopy), Sarah Riley (The 

Glamping Academy), Louis Thompson 

(Nomadic Resorts), and many more leaders 

of the industry. Topics include: 

› Has the glamping bubble burst? 

› Will glamping win the race in a gamechanging 

future for hospitality? 

› Farming to glamping – planning 

permission and business rates 

› It’s not just the structure, it’s the 

experience 

› The Shared Prosperity Fund – A 

“THE EXPO AT THE 

GLAMPING SHOW HAS 

GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY 

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, 

WITH OVER 100 EXHIBITORS 

BRINGING THE VERY BEST 

THEY HAVE TO OFFER...” 

glamping opportunity? 

› Green glamping – demystifying the 

journey to net zero. 

The expo at The Glamping Show has 

grown significantly over the past few years, 

with over 100 exhibitors bringing the very 

best they have to offer, and thus an even 

bigger array of products and services to 

supercharge your business – so you can 

try, test, compare and decide. Over the 

course of three days, you will also have 

the opportunity to get to know the people 

behind the companies. 

No matter what accommodations your 

glamping business offers – treehouses 

to tents and everything in between – you 

will also find furniture, insurance, offgrid 

power, booking systems, consulting 

services, accessories and more. With 

exhibitors coming in from all corners of the 

world, you can accomplish more in a day 

at The Glamping Show than you could in a 

year trying to do it on your own. 

The Glamping Show 2023 is being held 

at NAEC Stoneleigh, Coventry, on 14-16 

September. Located in the heart of the 

Midlands, the venue has excellent road, 

rail and air access, making it easy to 

travel to wherever you’re coming from. 

Tickets to attend are free – to discover 

all our exhibitors and to sign up for 

your e-Ticket and join us, head to www. 

theglampingshow.com. 


INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 

OAB’s TOP PICKS 

Sheep Shed Creations Stand 270 

www.sheepshed.co.uk 

New Forest Containers Stand 105 

www.newforestcontainers.co.uk 

Sheep Shed Creations manufactures 

good looking off-grid outdoor 

showers and toilets (including an 

accessible unit) for use in challenging 

or unusual locations. To produce 

accurate and consistent results 

efficiently, the company has invested 

in large-scale, digitally controlled 

machinery creating interesting, 

design-led solutions which are 

affordable. 

New Forest Containers specialises in creating unique custom builds that match the 

exact specifications of clients. Models come in a range of sizes and configurations 

allowing you to customise a space to suit the requirements of your business and its 

customers. 

With converted shipping container spaces, you can enjoy the convenience of 

a traditional home with the added benefit of having a truly unique living space. 

At this year’s show it will showcase the 208R model, a 20ft liveable space with 

bathroom, kitchenette, and sleeping/living area. 

Stop Digging Stand 38A 

www.stopdigging.co.uk 

Stop Digging Ground Screws are a screw pile 

foundation system that replaces the need for 

concrete foundations. Expertly installed by 

qualified installers, you no longer need to destroy 

the ground by digging holes and pouring concrete 

foundations. In addition, you can start your 

building project immediately after the screws are 

in place. 

Screws can be used near trees, on sloping sites 

and uneven ground, in remote locations and are 

suitable for most ground conditions. With a wide 

range of screw types, accessories and installation 

equipment, Stop Digging has a ground screw 

solution for every project, everywhere. 

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PEOPLE 

ENTREPRENEUR’S CHAT 

Fraser 

Mountford 

The man behind Royle Forest Weddings, 

a breathtaking outdoor wedding venue 

made possible by some future gazing 

30 years ago 


PEOPLE 

resh out of university, having trained as an accountant, 

Fraser Mountford, got straight to work at his family’s farm 

on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border. Royle Farm has 

been in Fraser’s family for five generations but in 2021 he 

put it on the map as one of the country’s premier outdoor 

wedding venues. 

Royle Forest Weddings has been exquisitely designed 

to take guests on a journey into the forest starting at 

handmade swan gates hanging between stone pillars 

and opening onto the Forest Drive. Once parked, visitors pass through 

a ‘ruined archway’ and enter the Forest Walkway – a winding path 

illuminated with festoon lighting that leads them to the Forest 

Clearing and the spectacle that is five interlinked giant tipis creating 

what is possibly the largest tipi event space in the country. At the heart 

of the forest also lies the ceremony area, home to an idyllic stone 

chapel with a canvas-covered quarter complete with 250 year old 

church pews. 

“The creation of Royle Forest Weddings is really down to some 

fantastic foresight my dad had around 30 years ago,” explains 

Fraser. “He had been having a tough time as a dairy farmer and 

finally decided farming wasn’t viable any longer. After some careful 

consideration, he made the decision to sell the herd and planted a 

forest on the 200 acres of grazing land. 

“He didn’t specifically have weddings in mind at the time, but 

amazingly, just in case they might be useful in the future, he decided 

to leave some unplanted, open spaces in the middle of the land. Now 

that the forest is maturing nicely, they are ideal for holding events in.” 

Naturally, the farm still needed to make an income, so most of the 

buildings were converted into storage space that could be rented out, 

and this became a successful business in its own right. 

“We’ve stored everything from industrial equipment to classic car 

collections, and managing this operation along with the rest of the 

farm has kept me very busy. Although it hasn’t stopped me pursuing 

my passion for building,” says Fraser. “I’ve always been an avid DIY’er 

and builder – I’ll watch a YouTube video, buy the tools, have a go, and 

keep at it until I’m happy that I’ve nailed it! 

Those skills have been put to good use when it comes to the design 

and build of the venue. Rather than use external contractors, Fraser 

has done all the work himself. “During Covid, I had a lot more time 

on my hands, and I really got stuck in. I did the roads, the car parks, 

the drainage, and the infrastructure myself over an 18-month period 

before bringing anyone else on board.” 

On top of this, Fraser has done an amazing job of creating the 

‘ruined’ archway and gorgeous stone chapel that really do look like 

they have been there forever. “A lot of research went into getting these 

right,” he says. “I didn’t want to build anything that looked brand new. 

It needed to look rustic and worn as if it had been part of the forest for 

generations.” 

BACK OF A NAPKIN 

Fraser masterminded the layout of the venue having already hosted 

some small festivals and dry hire weddings. “I’d gained a feel for what 

would work well,” he says. “You might be surprised that I planned 

the whole layout by sketching it out on a napkin in five minutes 

immediately after an event. It sounds crazy but I already had a firm 

vision in my mind of how I wanted the layout to work, and it all came 

together at that moment. If I still had that napkin, you could compare 

it to an aerial shot of the venue, and they’d be a perfect match!” 

Getting planning permission was a slow process. “It took two years,” 

says Fraser. “And some of it had to be retrospective because I had a 

loan to start repaying. I had to make a start as the venue needed to 

start paying for itself sooner rather than later. It was a tough process, 

but thankfully planning was granted eventually.” 

Fraser’s vision could only be realised if his parents were on board. 

Fortunately, having proven himself over several years while running 


PEOPLE 

“I MUST HAVE 

DONE A GOOD 

JOB BECAUSE 

I ENDED UP 

WITH 20 

COUPLES 

BOOKING. THIS 

ENABLED ME 

TO FINISH THE 

VENUE AND 

GET IT TO THE 

STANDARD I 

WANTED.” 

the family’s storage business and growing it year on year, he got their 

backing. “As anyone involved in a family business can attest, it's not 

been plain sailing. That said, mum and dad felt pretty confident in my 

abilities after seeing what I had done elsewhere on the farm. 

“They’ve been incredibly supportive and really enjoy seeing the 

weddings take place. Dad has a particularly keen interest in what 

we’ve got the bar stocked with and pops down whenever he can to 

help out. 

“I’m so glad they’re happy with what we’ve done. It hasn’t been 

an easy ride putting it all together and it has taken a fair bit of 

investment, both personal savings and loans.” 

With some very smart thinking and a gift for sharing his vision for 

the venue, Fraser gained additional funding from couples wanting 

to book before it was even built. “There was a period of about a year 

when I was walking people around what was just a grassy glade. I 

explained what I was going to do with it and told them if they booked 

now it would be half price. 

“I must have done a good job because I ended up with 20 couples 

booking. This enabled me to finish the venue and get it to the 

standard I wanted.” 

The demand has snowballed since that time, with Royle Forest 

Weddings only having one weekend left available between now and 

2026. “It’s been amazing. Not only have we received bookings from 

couples who have fallen in love with the venue after seeing it, but 

also from many who haven’t! We’ve had bookings from abroad but 

also from the UK from people who are more than happy to have their 

wedding here based purely on what they’ve seen online. 

“There were moments when some friends and family members 

thought I was going too niche, but I stayed true to what I felt was 

right, and clearly there are lots of people out there who share my idea 

of what a forest wedding venue should be.” 

THE TIPIS 

Fraser chose tipis for the venue following a conversation with hire 

company Garden Weddings Tipi Hire who were supplying structures 

for a couple getting married at Royle Farm when it was still a dry hire 

operation. “I bombarded the company’s owner Brett Jackson with 

questions as he was setting up,” says Fraser. “It was about a year later 

that I called him up to get some more information, and found out he 

was a fellow venue owner (Skipbridge Country Weddings). He and his 

partner Brontë Hall very kindly invited us down to look at their setup 

and they couldn’t have been more helpful. We had a super night 

with them and gained a good understanding of how tipis work in a 

wedding scenario – as well as finding out a lot more about the ins and 

outs of running a venue. 

“We have five tipis in total, all linked together – two are used for 

seating, one is dedicated to the dance floor, one hosts the bar and 

cocktail area, and the smallest is the chill-out tipi which is an intimate 

whiskey lounge. 

“We ended up going to Kata Tipis for our structures as in my 

opinion their tipis are of the highest quality – something we needed to 

reflect in our offering across the board. We can seat 160, although the 

total capacity is 200. If a client wants more of a festival vibe we also 

offer a street food courtyard.” 

The festival influence is also evident outside the tipis. “It was 

important to me that we did all we could to create a rustic, relaxed 

atmosphere. Our ‘fire pit huts’ are a great place for guests to take a 

breather, toast marshmallows, and just generally soak up the chilled 

vibe under the festoon lights at night.” 

As an April to October venue, everything except the decking – all 

400m2 of it – has to be dismantled at the end of the season. “We’ve 

taken the site down twice so far,” explains Fraser. “It’s easy enough to 

dismantle, but putting it back up again is hard work! We are fortunate 

that we have the facilities to store everything. 

“The team we have is small but very effective, and we rope in family 


PEOPLE 

and friends to help out whenever we can. That said, we are looking to 

employ more staff to ease the pressure going forward.” 

INSPIRATION 

So where did the inspiration for the venue design come from? 

“I’ve got to thank my mum for teaching me from a young age to 

be creative and think outside the box. She’s also very artistic, and 

although we have different tastes, there’s no doubt that it was 

her influence that enabled me to drive this project through to 

completion. I should also thank her for donning her high heels to 

safety-test the path to the venue! 

“I tried not to be influenced by other venues and was guided 

by what I felt couples would want from their day. Basically, I was 

determined to give the complete opposite of the in-out ‘wedding 

factory’ experience.” As well as the incredible entrance and 

journey into the forest, a stand out feature has to be the infinity 

view LED dance floor. “It had been used in a car showroom 

previously so I was confident it would be tough enough!” 

Aside from directory site Bridebook, Fraser promotes the venue 

through social media and the website and handles much of the 

photography and videography himself – another passion of his. “I 

created a story of the venue’s build on social media, which drove 

a lot of interest prior to opening,” he says. “That way, we hit the 

ground running when we did open for business.” 

Regarding future plans, Fraser is not planning to rest on his 

laurels any time soon, as he explains: “We’re going to build an 

outdoor cocktail bar (which brings the number of places you can 

get a drink on the site to five…) and some very luxury but quirky 

toilets. We may also build some glamping accommodation.” 

On a more personal level, there is a very exciting event coming 

up next year: Fraser’s own Royle wedding! “Yes, I’m going to 

enjoy the guest experience first-hand,” he laughs. “I proposed 

to my girlfriend last week, and she said yes. She has been so 

supportive throughout the whole build, it would not have been 

possible without her and I can’t. think of a better way to start our 

life together than by celebrating here at this magical place we 

created.” 

DETAILS 

Royle Farm Forest 

Caldwell Road, Drakelow, Burton upon Trent, 

Derbyshire DE15 9TU 

www.royleforestweddings.co.uk 

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FRECKLE PHOTOGRAPHY 

CASE STUDY 

Lower Grenofen 

An elopement wedding offering in Dartmoor National Park 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLARE KINCHIN PHOTOGRAPHY 

Leaving big events behind 

in favour of more intimate 

packages, we talk to Nicola 

Evans about making the 

switch to becoming an often 

imitated but never equalled 

specialist in the niche of 

elopement weddings. 

When did you start your venue business, and 

what is its history? 

We first thought about opening a wedding 

venue on our wedding day in 2012 – not the 

best time to discuss a new business venture. 

We had looked for venues for our wedding, but 

couldn't find what we wanted, so we did some 

building work at home and fashioned a space 

we could use. On the day, our caterers said, 

'Wow, this place is amazing; you should hire it 

out,' and so the idea began. 

From May to September 2014, we started 

with big weddings for up to 120 people, as 

we're primarily an outdoor venue. In 2016 

we launched elopement weddings in our 

closed season. In 2018 we extended these 

to the summer months (just one a month), 

and in 2019 we launched our midi mid-week 

package for up to 20 guests - one a week. 

So that year, we did big weddings plus midi 

mid-week weddings from May to September 

and elopement weddings all year except for 

January and February. 

When we started the business, I had a 

maximum timeline of 10 years. Like other 

venues, Covid was a game changer for us. We 

re-arranged over 150 weddings, concertinaing 

all the postponed weddings into a truncated 

period in the summer of 2020 and 2021. Both 

those years were full-on in between lockdowns. 

In 2021 we held over 60 elopements, a record 

for us. During lockdown, we decided to 

downscale early when our existing bookings for 

big weddings wound down at the end of 2022. 

Our first wedding here was a family wedding 

– our own. Our final big wedding was last 

August for my middle stepdaughter – it felt 

very appropriate to end on another family 



wedding. Now we only offer 

elopement weddings, and this year 

we've closed completely in what 

previously were our busiest months, 

June, July and August. 

Tell us about your location 

and site 

The main house (where we live) was 

built in 1760 and sits on 46 acres on 

the edge of Dartmoor National Park, 

mainly woodland protected by SSSI 

(site of special scientific interest) 

with landscaped lawns and gardens 

on the banks of the river Walkham. 

It's a special place, and we feel 

blessed to live here. 

As the house isn't used for 

weddings, keeping the business 

and personal separate has been 

relatively easy. The downside of 

operating a business from home is 

that it's only saleable if you sell your 

home, which we're not willing to 

consider. 

What facilities for outdoor 

functions do you offer? 

We used to have a tailor-made 

marquee (15m x 9m) for the bigger 

weddings, but since we stopped 

doing those, we've sold that. We 

now have our large glass-covered 

terrace with a canvas canopy and 

our oak-framed wedding barn for 

ceremonies, drinks receptions and 

wedding breakfasts. 

A separate stone cottage is used 

as the honeymoon cottage for 

couples staying on-site for two 

nights. We also have a separate 

annexe for two additional guests to 

stay in. 

The venue is very flexible. We're 

set up for the great British weather 

and can quickly move indoors to 

outdoors for any part of the day. 

There are open wood fires on the 

terrace, the patio, the Riverwalk 

and in the main house as well as 

the wood burner in the honeymoon 

cottage, which are a big attraction. 

What services do you offer? 

We offer exclusive-use, mid-week, 

two-night elopement packages for 

wedding couples looking for laidback 

luxury either alone or with up 

to six guests (10 in warmer months). 

We handle accommodation, 

photography, flowers, styling, 

champagne, canapes, wedding 

breakfast, wedding cake and 

evening food. Devon County 

Council fully licenses us for wedding 

and civil partnership ceremonies. 

Since the outdoor ceremony 

changes brought in for Covid 

became permanent, we now 

have outdoor ceremony options 

in the gardens and on the banks 

of the river. If the weather isn't 

cooperating, the ceremony can 

take place in our oak-framed barn 

and in the winter, there's an indoor 

ceremony option in the main house. 

Describe how you researched and 

sourced your structures 

When we started, we quickly 

learned that Tectonics was the 

market leader in marquees. We 

already had our permanent glasscovered 

terrace built before we 

considered hosting weddings. 

Tectonics supplied the bespoke 

canopy we needed to bridge our 

glass roofs and a modular marquee 

“EACH COUPLE 

WORKS 

DIRECTLY 

WITH OUR 

FLORIST AND 

CAKE MAKER 

IN THE THREE 

MONTHS 

BEFORE THEIR 

WEDDING, 

AND WE GO 

THROUGH 

THEIR STYLING 

IDEAS IN 

DETAIL” 

(15m x 9m) attached to the canopy 

with a customised canvas bridge. 

After nine years, the canopy canvas 

needed replacing, but the original 

aluminium structure is still in good 

order, so we just purchased a new 

canvas. 

How do you work with your 

customers to make their event 

unique? 

A big part of our attraction is that 

our weddings look so different from 

one another. We have a shed load 

(literally) of wedding décor items, 

so whether the couple is looking 

for monochrome contemporary, a 

woodland vibe, blush pink or all the 

rainbow colours, we've got it in our 

stockroom. 

Each couple works directly with 

our florist and cake maker in the 

three months before their wedding, 

and we go through their styling 

ideas in detail. Some couples know 

exactly what they want and will let 

you know. Others love how we do 



things and give us carte blanche to 

make it look amazing. 

How do you publicise yourself? 

When we hosted big weddings, we 

used online wedding directories, 

but since downscaling the business, 

we've left those and now promote 

ourselves through social media and 

blog posts. We're reviewing this and 

may return to our favourite online 

directories if necessary. 

How would you describe your 

style or unique selling point? 

We're elopement specialists. We've 

been doing them since 2016 before 

they were really a thing. We've done 

hundreds of them, so we're now 

laser-focused on this one niche area. 

Since Covid, many wedding 

venues have gone into elopement 

weddings, but it's not their primary 

focus, and many can only offer 

exclusive use for two people. 

Even if you have no guests - with 

us, you still get exclusive use of 

the whole venue, including the 

accommodation. There's no one 

else around except us because we 

live here! 

We're also super dog friendly, 

which is very popular. Couples can 

have their dogs at the wedding, 

stay in the on-site accommodation, 

and be under the table during the 

wedding breakfast. Our elopement 

photographer is great with pet 

photography, and our florists can 

provide floral dog collars as an 

added extra. 

What challenges have you faced 

historically? 

Our biggest challenge in the last ten 

years remains the first one we faced 

– the planners. To say they were 

unhelpful is an understatement, 

and we lost two whole seasons of 

business while we battled them. 

They refused permission for change 

of use initially, and we had to go to 

“WE'RE ALSO 

SUPER DOG 

FRIENDLY, 

WHICH IS VERY 

POPULAR. 

COUPLES CAN 

HAVE THEIR 

DOGS AT THE 

WEDDING, STAY 

IN THE ON-SITE 

ACCOMMODA- 

TION...” 

appeal (where we also won costs as 

they'd been so obstructive). 

The other main challenge when 

we hosted big weddings was being 

such a tiny fish in an enormous 

pond. It's hard to compete with the 

big venues when we were only open 

for five months a year and hosted 

just one big wedding a week. 

How large is your team – any 

special people you'd like to 

mention? 

Previously, we had a team of 

people. Since scaling down we've 

got one person helping on the 

day and a cleaning team. We've 

still got our team of incredible 

wedding suppliers: photographer 

Clare Kinchin, florists Jodie and 

Lizzie, caterers Taylors Events and 

cakemaker Harrie from Boo To A 

Goose. 

Have you worked with any 

industry bodies or consultants? 

I entered the wedding industry 

with lots of business experience (I 

had my own law firm for ten years) 

but no hospitality experience. 

Thankfully, many people in the 

local wedding business were happy 

to help and guide me in the right 

direction. I'm still very grateful for 

that, and I've tried to be equally 

welcoming to other newcomers 

I've never used consultants, 

although becoming a consultant 

myself is something I'm 

considering. To my knowledge, 

there aren't any venue consultants 

out there who've owned or run a 

venue, so maybe there's a gap in 

the market there. 



What are your plans for next 

season? 

Downscaling to elopement 

weddings only was a significant 

change for us, and we're always 

looking to improve how we do 

things. Having held many weddings 

and honed our craft over the last ten 

years, we're looking at minor tweaks 

instead of notable changes. 

Describe your average day midseason 

Mid-season for us would now be 

either mid-spring or mid-autumn. 

We do two elopement weddings a 

week during that time, Tuesdays 

and Thursdays. Wedding days are 

full-on and start from 9am when 

my colleague Martine arrives. The 

hair stylists and make-up team (if 

booked) have already been on site 

since 8am. They know what they're 

doing, so they arrive and get started. 

We've got the ceremony space to 

set up with chairs, registrar’s table, 

tealights, lanterns and other decor. 

We prepare for the drinks reception, 

set up the cake table and liaise with 

the florist when they arrive. Then 

there's the set up of the dining table 

for the wedding breakfast, which is a 

substantial part of the preparation. 

We're also on hand to greet the 

registrars when they arrive, and 

we regularly check on the couple 

to ensure they're on track and 

have everything they need. Once 

the ceremony is over, things slow 

down a bit, and when the wedding 

breakfast is underway, it's just a 

matter of food service. We serve 

the evening food at a pre-arranged 

time and then turn out the lights 

“FIND YOUR 

NICHE. THE 

WEDDING 

VENUE 

INDUSTRY IS 

HUGE, AND A 

NEW SMALL 

BUSINESS 

WILL NEED 

HELP TO 

COMPETE 

WITH THE 

BIGGER 

VENUES 

THAT HOST 

WEDDINGS 

ON AN 

INDUSTRIAL 

SCALE” 

when the couple head back to the 

accommodation. A full day even for 

an elopement wedding! 

What do you enjoy about the 

business and why? 

With elopement weddings, we're 

much more a part of the wedding, 

especially if the couple choose not 

to have any guests. We have to be 

the witnesses when necessary, 

and I've been a legal witness to 

many weddings since starting the 

business! 

Couples understand we're sharing 

our home here, and they appreciate 

that. They feel part of the history 

of this exceptional place, and if you 

love weddings as I do, it's a great 

business to be in - I say I'm in the 

happiness business. 

What other outdoor hospitality 

sectors do you operate in? 

We don't do any other events at all. 

We get asked to host other events 

(birthdays, parties, graduation 

balls, corporates etc.), but we've 

always said no. However, we offer 

anniversary stays to couples who've 

been married with us. Since we've 

moved to elopements only, we 

can easily fit those into weekends 

without them affecting our 

elopement bookings. 

What are you most proud of? 

So many of our couples keep in 

touch via social media years after 

their wedding day. We hear about 

how they're doing, see their family 

grow and grow up – it's a proper 

Ever After family. The anniversary 

stays are a special way for our 

couples to relive their day here and 

share it with family and friends who 

can come back with them and stay 

too. 

What advice could you give 

to someone coming into the 

industry? 

Find your niche. The wedding venue 

industry is huge, and a new small 

business will need help to compete 

with the bigger venues that host 

weddings on an industrial scale. 

Those big revolving door venues will 

appeal to some, but many couples 

are looking for something more 

personal, a place they feel cares 

about them and their wedding – be 

that place. 

Don't try to be everything to 

everyone. Figure out what you can 

offer no one else can, and focus on 

being the best. 

I've had people try to copy what 

we do in minute detail, I've even 

had people copy chunks of my 

website text, but I don't worry about 

it too much. No one else can be us; 

copying us doesn't make them us. 

ADDRESS BOOK 

MARQUEES 

Tectonics www.tectonicsuk.co.uk 

DETAILS 

Lower Grenofen 

Grenofen 

Tavistock 

Devon PL19 9ES 

www.lowergrenofen.co.uk 


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GETTY IMAGES 

Killer 

Showrounds 

Convert your online and face-to-face showrounds into 

bookings with tips from Wales’ venue expert, Zoë Binning 

AS MANY of us in the wedding venue 

industry know, wedding viewings or 

showrounds, have always played a 

crucial role in acquiring the all-important 

bookings that wedding venues need. 

Conducting a killer showround can make 

or break the success of your venue. 

Let’s talk statistics for a second – couples 

generally contact five venues and then 

go on to visit on average two, maybe 

three. If they visit your venue, there’s a 

good chance yours is in their top two. If 

you’re not converting at least 50% of the 

showrounds then there’s something going 

wrong. 

I fully appreciate that conducting a 

killer showround that guarantees those 

conversions is no easy task. Since the 

pandemic, we have seen a drastic change 

in the way showrounds have been 

delivered with virtual options becoming 

the norm. Here I will explain some of my 

top tips for mastering both a successful 

online and face-to-face showrounds, 

proving that no matter what circumstance 

the ability to succeed is always possible. 

VIRTUAL SHOWROUNDS: 

A MODERN APPROACH 

The virtual showround has become not 

only an essential tool in the wedding venue 

industry but a favourite of mine and many 

others. An idea that may have seemed 

somewhat ludicrous before Covid has truly 

established itself as a game-changer in 

the world of wedding venue bookings. A 

virtual showround, when done right, has 

proved its ability to capture the essence of 

a fabulous venue without ever having to 

step foot inside. Technology, hey?! Here are 

some of my top tips for running a seamless, 

point-perfect virtual showround – awkward 

connection glitches and all! 

INVEST IN YOUR 

1 SHOWROUND PROCESS 

Now, I understand that some of you 

reading this might be feeling a little taken 

aback by the continuation of a technologyled 

showround beyond our socially 

distanced society. Perhaps you’re not as 

comfortable in this environment as you 

feel you ought to be and your conversion 

rate is dipping because of this? Or, maybe 

you haven’t been able to invest the time 

into utilising the virtual showround as 

more than just a quick compromise in 

a time of change? Whatever the reason 

may be, any showround, be it virtual 

or in-person, has to be done to the 

highest standard imaginable to ensure 

your conversion rate is reputable and 

worthwhile. This is why, investing some 

time, energy and creativity will prove 

absolutely invaluable for the foreseeable 

future. The economical, sustainable 

and time-saving benefits of virtual 

showrounds could even lead to acquiring 

new prospective clients with the fast 

paced, eco-conscious lives of millennials 

driving many bookings. 



GIVE YOUR SHOWROUND 

2 SOME PERSONALITY! 

To succeed in delivering an engaging 

and downright killer online showround 

that matches the quality of a faceto-face 

showround it is vital that you 

share some personality with your 

clients. When delivering any form 

of presentation virtually you will 

always face the additional difficulties 

of adequately conveying tone and 

emotion through a computer screen, 

especially with any added bonuses of 

connectivity issues! To combat this, 

and a trick many successful YouTubers 

and influencers use, try amplifying your 

personality slightly to guarantee that 

your conviction and delivery translates. 

This isn’t to say that you need to change 

your personality or alter your level of 

professionalism in any way, it is simply 

to be yourself on your absolute best 

work day! 

TRADITIONAL SHOWROUNDS: 

FACE-TO-FACE 

Now that you’ve got your virtual showround 

perfected, it’s probably time you polished up 

on your classic, face-to-face showround. It’s 

all about fine-tuning your delivery to ensure 

no couple walks away without wanting to 

book your venue. So, how do you do that? 

For the majority, it’s not quite as easy as it 

sounds. Even if you’ve been in the wedding 

venue industry for many years, showrounds 

can still be a daunting final hurdle that many 

find themselves falling short on. Having both 

delivered and witnessed my fair share of 

showrounds, these are some of the best ways 

I believe to guarantee a killer face-to-face 

showround that ultimately lands you that 

booking. 

1Plan your showround 

route perfectly 

This might seem like a given but you’d be 

surprised at how many venues give little to 

no thought on the layout of the showround. 

Often couples get aimlessly led from one 

room to the next with no real structure or 

logical thinking behind the route taken. It’s 

important you place yourself in the shoes 

of your couple and envision your venue 

from their perspective. If your couple begins 

their showround feeling underwhelmed 

or confused, it’s difficult to recover and 

highlight your venue for its true worth, 

however charming it may be. 

Ideally, if the structure of your venue 

allows it, guide your couple through your 

GETTY IMAGES 

venue as they would use it on their big day. 

Doing so will allow them the opportunity to 

clearly picture themselves and their guests 

celebrating in each room. However, if this 

doesn’t seem sensible when applied to 

your unique venue, be sure to inject bursts 

of life into each room. This could be done 

by encouraging your couples to visualise 

a particular photo opportunity or perhaps 

through the use of visual aids from an iPad or 

tablet, enabling your couple to see the room 

at its most lively and vibrant. 

Engage, engage, 

2 engage 

That’s right, engagement isn’t just for the 

happy couple, it’s an absolute necessity 

for the success of your showround! When 

I speak about injecting some life into each 

room, this is where much of that energy will 

come from. If you aren’t actively listening 

and discussing ideas with your couple, 

you’re going to find it incredibly difficult to 

establish that level of trust many couples 

are looking for when booking a venue. 

What’s more, if you don’t appear genuinely 

invested in the desires and personality of 

your clientele, they won’t be left feeling 

confident you will be all that invested on 

the day of their wedding either. So, make 

sure you’re asking questions, addressing 

any uncertainties and conveying why your 

venue is the one for them. 

Share a little, 

3 give a lot 

With those tips noted, it’s now important 

to fine-tune these techniques through 

striking the perfect blend of precision and 

engagement. Sadly, this is where so many 

showrounds falter – in the inability to find the 

suitable balance between professionalism 

and friendliness or delivery and over-sharing. 

So, how do you know where you stand? 

Picture this; you’ve got your showround 

route absolutely nailed. It’s perfect! You 

know each room, each photo opportunity, 

each piece of intriguing history so well you 

could recite it word for word, backwards. So, 

what could go wrong? Unfortunately, quite 

a lot. 

I will never forget a coordinator showing 

a gay couple ‘the bridal suite’! She didn’t 

even realise that she had just completely 

alienated a couple where there was clearly 

no bride involved! Unsurprisingly, she lost 

that booking in one fell swoop. 

And don’t forget, that when you find 

yourself overly reliant on the venue 

speaking for itself, you risk losing that all 

important sense of personality that couples, 

particularly your target-market of millennial 

couples, crave. 

Maybe this image is difficult for you to 

relate to, that there’s no risk of you darting 

from one room to the next, and this is great – 

but only to a certain extent. If you’ve caught 

yourself thinking of the times you’ve spent 

endlessly discussing intricate details and 

humorous stories relating to each room, 

then perhaps you’ve missed the mark too. As 

fantastic as it is that you love your venue, you 

risk overcompensating when you cross the 

boundary from professional into personal. 

Fortunately, these issues are easily solved 

once you are aware of them. Be mindful of 

the information you share, treat each couple 

individually and you’re well on your way to 

delivering an incredible, killer showround! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Zoë Binning is Wales’ 

most recognised 

wedding venue business 

consultant, working with 

wedding venues across the 

UK to create more successful, 

profitable and environmentally 

friendly wedding businesses. 

Discover more about Zoë’s wedding 

consultancy services at 

www.zoebinning.co.uk 



PRODUCT IN FOCUS 

Infrastructure 

Nomadic Diners, 

Buckinghamshire 

Product: Mobile prep kitchen 

Supplier: Bespoke Hideouts, 

07703 387322, hello@ 

bespokehideouts.com, www. 

bespokehideouts.com 

Details: Set in a 

Buckinghamshire woodland, 

Nomadic Diners is a restaurant 

without walls. It aims to tell the 

story of the woodland in which 

it sits through the dishes served 

and uses food and nature to 

reconnect guests with the world 

around them. Nomadic feasts 

over fire offer an alternative way 

of dining, one which embraces 

nature. 

Bespoke Hideouts provided 

a mobile prep kitchen to the 

Nomadic Diners woodland 

restaurant. The cabin was 

custom designed to blend 

seamlessly with the Nomadic 

woodland, supporting the team 

in creating high end dining 

experiences in the heart of 

nature. 

The cabin was designed as an 

ancillary kitchen for prepping 

and storing food as well as 

washing up, allowing the main 

cooking to be done outside over 

the fires. The kitchen connects 

to mains water and power with 

features including stainless steel 

worktops, under counter fridges 

and freezers and washing up 

sinks. Hygiene standards were 

of paramount consideration 

and the cabin has supported 

Nomadic in achieving a 5* 

hygiene rating; no mean feat in 

the middle of a woodland. 

Built on a road legal trailer, 

the kitchen can be moved 

around as required to support 

events in different locations. 

Bespoke Hideouts is able to 

fit out similar cabins for many 

uses including reception 

areas, workshops, studios, 

accommodation pods, toilets 

and showers. 

Customer feedback: Noah Ellis, 

founder of Nomadic Diners, 

said: “We needed a kitchen 

for our woodland feasts that is 

highly versatile, meeting the 

requirements of the high profile 

chefs we cook with, yet with a 

minimal footprint and one that 

blends in with the topographical 

features of the natural 

surroundings. Bespoke Hideouts 

took this brief and created a 

fantastic kitchen which has 

revolutionised our operation.” 

Offer Guests Exciting Cycling Experiences 

ICE Trikes 

01326 387848 

philz@icetrikes.co 

www.icetrikes.co 

ICE Trikes are one of the most comfortable ways to cycle, 

offering safe, stable and accessible cycling. Enjoy a relaxed 

countryside ride or the thrill of a sporty cycle through forest 

trails. Accessible seating positions, easy-to-use controls, 

great looks with rugged ride capabilities. Cruise the open 

road, discover hidden trails and explore new environments. 

Trikes are easy to ride with the rider needing no cycling 

experience. Simple controls and comfortable seats give the 

rider a way to experience cycling at its best. 

Trikes are perfect for cycle hire at country parks, for 

accommodation providers, tourist attractions, activity 

centres, holiday parks, cycling experiences, the list goes on. 

Offer your guests a unique cycling experience that they will 

love. 

ICE has been making six different trike models from its HQ 

in Falmouth for over 20 years. Contact Phil to discuss trike 

hire and for fleet sales.


Cwmcarn 

Forest Drive, 

South Wales 

Product: Zero Discharge 

pump-out toilets 

Supplier: NatSol, 01686 

412653, andy@natsol.co.uk, 


Details: Following significant investment from Natural Resources 

Wales and Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cwmcarn Forest 

Drive has been developed to provide an outdoor activity space for 

adults and children with adventure playgrounds, picnic sites and 

mountain biking opportunities. 

NatSol provided eight toilets distributed around the site. These 

are waterless Zero Discharge pump-out toilets. Each will take 

around 7,000 uses before emptying – a total of over 50,000 uses 

for the site. A medium sized tanker could empty all eight in two 

trips. They require no mains services and are passively vented. All 

NatSol’s toilets are odour free under normal operation. 

NatSol also provided urinals for all cubicles and baby changing 

facilities in four of them. All are wheelchair accessible for anybody 

reaching the location by car. 

Customer feedback: Geminie Drinkwater, senior land 

management officer for NRW, said: “When we were consulting 

with local groups and communities on the re-development plans 

for the drive, it was important that we looked at ways in which we 

could incorporate accessible, natural and eco-friendly features that 

minimised any impact on the environment. 

“The Zero Discharge model toilets don’t use harsh chemicals 

and prevent waste run off or waste products leeching in to 

groundwater. I’m delighted that the toilets have been recognised 

in the Eco-Friendly category in the Loo of the Year Awards 

and been awarded 

the Platinum award.” 

Don’t Bury Your Investment 

MUDCONTROL 

01536 669630 

sales@mudcontrol.co.uk 

www.mudcontrol.co.uk 

MUDCONTROL slabs are the perfect alternative to concrete 

– a simple DIY way to create instant hardstanding for people, 

animals and vehicles, rated to 60 tonnes load capacity per 

square metre. 

Create instant heavy duty ground protection for car 

parking, pathways, driveways, storage areas, turnout areas, 

feeding stations and more, quickly and easily with minimal 

preparation and disturbance. MUDCONTROL slabs are the 

answer – solve your access issues in a matter of minutes, 

making high traffic areas safer and more robust for your 

business. 

Easy to install with no machinery required, you can 

revolutionise access within your site in a matter of hours. 

Robust, long lasting (20 year warranty), removable, reusable 

hardstanding is just a phone call away. 

Wide Range of Event Spaces 

Dyester 

+1 305 490 5911 

kathfleisch@gmail.com 

www.dyester.com 

Dyester.com offers a wide 

range of event spaces for 

various occasions, such as 

corporate events, weddings 

and social gatherings. 

From outdoor domes and 

yurts to modular bathrooms 

and kitchens, its event 

spaces are designed to create 

an unforgettable experience for attendees. According to Barry 

Sendach, the founder of Dyester.com. “Our mission is to provide 

unique and innovative event spaces that cater to our clients’ 

specific needs. We believe in delivering exceptional ideas and doing 

the right thing for our clients to ensure they have a seamless and 

memorable experience.” 

Dyester.com’s event spaces are customisable and can be tailored 

to fit a client’s vision and preferences. They offer sustainable, lowcost, 

and environmentally-friendly options such as Tentspaces, 

which are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. 

Moduspaces, on the other hand, offers factory-built bathroom 

and kitchen pods that are perfect for corporate events and social 

gatherings. 

Dyester.com’s diverse range of event spaces, guided by its 

commitment to exceptional service, is a testament to its dedication 

to providing clients with unique and unforgettable experiences. 



Private house in 

Anchorage, Alaska 

Product: Cassette flooring complete 

with FloorStak support and levelling 

system 

Supplier: FloorStak, 07841 069627, 

alan@regenteng.com, 

www.floorstak.com 

Details: Leading Alaskan event 

installer Over The Top Tents (OTTT) 

turned a private venue into a truly 

stunning wedding location in May. 

The client’s steeply sloping front lawn 

(up to 1.8m), overlooking the sea near 

Anchorage provided the ideal site 

for the Warner 12m x 32m structure. 

The newly supplied equipment 

complements OTTT’s existing stock 

of FloorStak floor levelling products, 

which are versatile enough to be used 

with USA-made Biljax flooring as well 

as the new cassette system shown 

here. 

Customer feedback: Shelby 

Johansen of OTTT reported that 

his client was delighted with the 

outcome. 

during Covid times. The plan was to cover the spacious court 

yard so it could be enjoyed year round. After a few site visits and 

a measure up, a bespoke size stretch tent canvas was ordered. 

Spring 2021 saw the installation of the sand colour 266m2 tent 

canvas. A full day’s work later and the courtyard was covered. 

Special wall fixings were put in place in order to avoid the 

disruption of guy ropes or tent poles. 

Customer feedback: Helen and Simon Dormer, owners, said: “We 

are very happy with the process and installation of the Tentickle 

Stretch Tent. Jorg and the whole team were really helpful and are 

still supporting us with regular checkups. We recently purchased a 

second smaller stretch tent to cover our outdoor bar.” 

The Old Cow Shed, Leicestershire 

Product: Large stretch tent 

Supplier: Tentickle Stretch Tents, 07826 843099, venues@ 

tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk, 

www.tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk 

Details: The Old Cow Shed is a fully converted farm property that 

has been in the same family since the 1960s. Helen and Simon 

worked on the conversion and opened as a wedding venue about 

four years ago. 

There is space in the shed for 66 guests and the covered 

courtyard can hold up to 120. There is also a four bedroom barn, 

which is perfect for family and friends, unisex and disabled 

toilets next to the shed, and plenty of festoon indoor and outdoor 

lighting. 

Tentickle Stretch Tents was approached by Helen and Simon 



Off-grid Showers and Toilets 

Sheep Shed Creations 

01865 600400 

hello@sheepshed.co.uk 

www.sheepshed.co.uk 

Complement your off-grid accommodation or event space with 

these stylish and customisable shower and composting toilet 

units. Both off-grid units arrive pre-assembled and almost ready 

for action. Choose from a range of colours and options and even 

add your own branding. Delivery is quick and easy too. 

Adding Value 

Woodpecker Tubs 

07435 866929 

info@woodpeckertubs. 

co.uk 


Whilst we have a range of products to meet 

and exceed the needs of our customers, it is always 

important to work alongside clients to deliver a high 

quality bespoke service for all to enjoy. 

Whether or not for a new project or an ‘added value’ 

project (going into an already established venue for 

weddings or the diversification of a farm, for example) we 

are able to deliver bespoke products in a timely fashion, 

providing customers with peace of mind. 

Want to add value? Check out our core range of hot tubs 

as well as our saunas and accommodation structures. 

01453 767171 

www.bondfabrications.co.uk 

enquiries@bondfabrications.co.uk 

WINNER : Best Safari Tent Manufacturer 

British Design & Manufacture of Bespoke Canvas Structures & Safari Tents 

We offer an unrivalled custom design service with structural engineers reports ensuring our clients take their business forward with 

confidence and ongoing support. From luxury glamping tents & shooting lodges, to exclusive outdoor event venues, all structures are made 

to order at our Gloucestershire factory with CAD support, exceptional award winning quality and professional service. 

Bond has served the hospitality industry for over 34 years, designing & manufacturing permanent canvas structures with an emphasis on 

client-led design and high performance technical fabrics, alongside traditional British craftsmanship. Call us to discuss your project. 




Outdoor Accommodation 

Skånes Djurpark – Shaun The 

Sheep Land, Sweden 

Product: Huge double shepherd hut 

Supplier: Regency Shepherd 

Huts, 07807 072080, info@ 

regencyshepherdhuts.co.uk, 


Details: Skänes Djurpark is a 

zoological park near Malmo, 

Sweden, which offers a 

Scandinavian wildlife experience, 

showcasing a variety of Nordic 

animals such as wolves, lynx, 

bears and moose. It is also home to Shaun The 

Sheep Land, which is a themed venue where 

families can meet the characters from the 

famous Aardman Studios animated 

series ‘Shaun The Sheep.’ 

Regency Shepherd Huts built 

and delivered a huge double 

shepherd hut which was the 

first to land on Skånes’ new 

luxury glamping section of the 

park. The remit of the double 

shepherd hut was to be 

sumptuous, spacious, bright 

and colourful and to appeal 

to children of all ages. The 

exterior is clad in ‘ocean blue’ 

corrugated tin with a curved 

black roof. 

The interior has three bedrooms 

and sleeps seven people. It contains 

a kitchen, dining area and bathroom. 

However the standout feature is the highend 

kid’s bunk bed. 

You’ll find a plethora of blues, yellows and reds 

throughout the hut, which create a wonderfully colourful, 

modern theme. Also on display are traditional Victorian quirks which 

are all in keeping with the original Shaun the Sheep TV programme. 

Customer feedback: Håkon Lund, owner/director of the park, was 

extremely complimentary of the high quality workmanship and 

fine attention to detail in the double hut. He stated that the quality 

exceeded his expectations and that it was just what the park was 

looking for. The park will be making future orders from Regency 

Shepherd Huts for phase two of the development coming later in 

the year. 

New Concept Flat Pack 

Shepherds Huts 

Into The Wild UK 

sales@intothewild.com 

www.intothewild.com 

Following multiple requests from customers, Into the Wild UK has developed an ingenious shepherds hut that arrives in flat pack format. This 

follows people’s frustration of not being able to manoeuvre regular transport into difficult areas such as into the middle of dense woodland, 

by a lake or river or through a three foot wide access to a property in a city centre. 

These clever huts can be carried piece by piece by two people and erected in just eight hours on average. Quality is not compromised and 

sections are pre-made with insulation, a painted interior, plug sockets, lighting points and double glazed hardwood windows and door. 

The first hut will be available for inspection from September 2023. The standard size is 12x7 feet and the initial offering price is £18,500 + 

VAT. Delivery and assembly can be arranged for an additional fee. 



Exquisite Glamping 

Accommodation 

BCT Outdoors 

01274 728469 

info@bctoutdoors.com 


Haughley Park Barn, Suffolk 

Product: Glamping cabin 

Supplier: Bespoke Hideouts, 07703 387322, hello@bespokehideouts. 

com, www.bespokehideouts.com 

Details: Haughley Park Barn is a wedding venue based in the 

Suffolk countryside. The grounds are extensive and offer couples 

the chance to have the freedom to design and decorate their 

wedding day. 

Bespoke Hideouts provided a glamping cabin to be used 

by couples as their on-site wedding night accommodation. 

The cabin provides a perfect alternative to the main 

farmhouse and is positioned at the edge of a wildflower 

meadow, in a location giving the couple an area of 

privacy to enjoy breakfast after the celebrations. 

Inside, the living and kitchen area, bedroom and 

bathroom are all designed to provide a luxurious stay. 

The interior is modern, crisp and clean with large 

windows throughout to immerse guests in the beauty 

of their surroundings. 

With a focus on quality and innovation, BCT 

Outdoors’ event tents offer durability and 

performance, providing a reliable shelter solution 

for large gatherings. 

BCT Outdoors’ boasts an impressive range of 

large-scale event tents, designed and manufactured 

for some of the most renowned festivals and events 

around the world. These remarkable structures 

have earned the company a reputation as a trusted 

supplier to major events, including one of the 

world's most significant festivals. 

BCT Outdoors also excels in crafting exquisite 

glamping tents and yurts, catering to the most 

prestigious glamping sites in the country. With 

meticulous attention to detail, its glamping tents 

provide a luxurious experience, blending nature 

with practical and easy to erect structures. 

Whether it’s the grandeur of large-scale event 

tents or the luxury of glamping accommodations, 

BCT Outdoors remains at the forefront of delivering 

top-tier products to meet the diverse needs of 

outdoor enthusiasts and event organisers alike. 

Customer feedback: Bride, Sophie, said: “We absolutely 

loved staying in the Bespoke Hideouts honeymoon suite. 

It was such unique accommodation and our guests all 

remarked on how impressive the structure was. Inside, we 

were treated to spacious living and sleeping areas, and even 

a shower! We woke up to beautiful views of the meadow – a 

very unique setting for breakfast. It gave us luxury that was a 

step above the bell tents we’d also been considering, and we have 

absolutely no regrets in our choice.” 



Manorview Hotels, Scotland 

Product: 17 Finman Retreat lodges across two sites 

Supplier: Logspan, 01389 500950, info@logspan.com, 

www.logspan.com 

Details: In 2019 Manorview Hotels were researching lodge options 

for a new development planned at Cornhill Castle near Biggar, 

South West Scotland. Primarily a wedding venue, Cornhill Castle 

also attracted leisure customers seeking relaxed stays and required 

additional accommodation to meet demand. There was a strong 

number of options for the lodges but the team was seeking 

something special with the charm to complement the rural setting. 

One of the directors first became aware of the Finman Retreat at a 

trade show and knew it would be a fantastic fit for Cornhill Castle. In 

June 2021, seven lodges were constructed within the castle's ground. 

In Summer 2022 planning was approved for 10 new lodges at 

another site – Bowfield Hotel & Spa near Glasgow. The Finman 

Retreat was again considered an excellent fit. At Bowfield the 

guest experience was different so the specification was changed to 

primarily accommodate families, which is an important market for 

the hotel. 

The ability for Logspan to bespoke design lodges to required 

specifications was a major reason for the choice. A special one-off 

‘honeymoon suite’ lodge was also created to help attract additional 

wedding bookings to Bowfield. 

Customer feedback: Managing director David said: “When thinking 

of our relationship with Logspan I would highlight flexibility as 

being a major strength. Conor and his team went out of their way 

to work with us to deliver a product that is not only attractive and 

desirable but also provides market leading value. Every stage of the 

design, planning, construction and snagging had a full presence from 

Logspan to ensure delivery was on time and on budget.” 

Family Accommodation 

Woodpecker Productions 

07435 866929 

info@woodpeckertubs.co.uk 


As we draw ever closer to another exciting Glamping 

Show, it is always important for us to showcase our 

range of products for everyone to see and experience. 

In this instance, we are showcasing one of our family 

accommodation units, which has the luxury of being 

developed to our customers’ specifications. 

As can be seen from the photo, this family 

accommodation has the dining/seating areas to the 

front, with the sleeping and washing facilities to the 

rear. No matter what design ideas you have, or the way 

in which your setting looks, we are able to adapt these 

accommodation units (no matter their size or shape) 

to your specific needs, making sure that we put 

you at the heart of your customer journey 

with Woodpecker. 

Truly Bespoke Outdoor Accommodation 

Timberspecs UK 

01580 212141 

info@timberspecs.com 

www.timberspecs.uk 

Timberspecs UK supplies any kind of outdoor accommodation, 

any size, any shape – everything to your requirements. Our 

products are eco-friendly, fully insulated and double glazed. 

We can create structures with single bedrooms or for multiple 

occupancy and can make them look any way you like, with lots 

of options for external cladding, internal linings and things like 

feature beams – the options are endless. 

Builds can be full turn key or self-fitout; we will do as much or 

as little as you need. We also offer help with design and planning 

permission and conduct free site visits. We deliver and erect 

anywhere in the UK or Europe and our buildings come with a full 

warranty. Finance options are available too. 


14-16 September 2023 • NAEC Stoneleigh Park 

THREE DAYS 

100+ EXHIBITORS 

EXPERT SEMINARS 

FREE ADMISSION 

THE ONLY SHOW OF ITS KIND 

THE VERY BEST OF OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY 

REGISTER NOW: 

theglampingshow.com

Achieve all year round 

bookings, with our unique 

luxury glamping cabins, 

just like Bowfield Hotel & Spa 

“Logspan are a joy to do business with. From the get-go we 

found the entire team to be professional, friendly, knowledgeable 

and efficient. The construction team are so talented - no mean 

feat to get these cabins looking this snazzy, and they worked flat 

out. After-sales service is exemplary. In fact I’d go as far as to say 

that Logspan are friends as well as part of our business structure.” 

Louisa Walker 

Scottish Office & Showsite: 

Milton Brae Road, Milton, 

Dumbarton, Glasgow, G82 2TX 

01389 500950 

English Office: 

Eridge Road, 

Crowborough, TN6 2SR 

01892 308041 

info@logspan.com 

www.logspan.com 


GLAMPSITES 

CASE STUDY 

Petruth Paddocks 

A back to nature campsite with quirky accommodation offering “things you can’t do 

at home” in Cheddar, Somerset 

We talk to Julian Sayer 

about escaping ‘yuppydom’ 

and creating a haven for 

“Free Range Camping” via a 

£200,000 planning battle… 

What’s your back story – your life 

before glamping? 

Having grown up in the Cotswolds 

until 11 then Hampshire, Sandra 

and I married at 20 and started our 

family at 25. I was in IT sales from 

1984 to 1997 before we jacked in 

yuppydom and moved our young 

family to Scotland enrolling in a bible 

college for 12 months where we 

rediscovered the important things in 

life and reset. 

We moved to Cheddar, Somerset, 

in 1999. In 2002, with a small 

inheritance from my late parents 

(Peter and Ruth), we bought 14 acres 

of agricultural land across the road 

in 2022 and named it Petruth. 

What made you decide to 

start offering glamping 

accommodation? 

A local farmer had recently sold off 

his campsite to the Caravan Club and 

was continuing to receive calls from 


GLAMPSITES 

customers, so he suggested that we 

turn a trough into a tap and install 

a waste tank! We hosted our first 

caravan rally in the summer of 2022 

and the rest is history. 

How did you research the 

business before entering it? 

Unlike other business ventures 

I’ve entered into, this was merely 

a hobby that got out of control! It 

simply evolved as we listened to our 

customers and, looking back over 

the last 21 years, everything we’ve 

implemented has been born out of 

campfire conversations. 

Tell us about your location and 

site 

We have a prime location on the 

edge of Cheddar village at the 

beginning of the Strawberry line 

footpath and cycleway. The site 

now comprises 35 acres of flat 

land divided across five fields, 

each one designated for the type 

of experience a guest might be 

after – quiet couples, quiet families, 

singles/couples, families, family 

groups or adult groups. 

How did you tackle planning 

permission? 

For the first 10 years we just hosted 

exempted organisations plus anyone 

else that turned up. If they were 

here when I got home from work I 

collected a few shekels and had a 

beer with them! 

Then, having seen the poor 

standard of the industry’s websites 

in 2012, we launched one that stood 

out from the crowd and incorporated 

Pitchup’s booking system. Bookings 

went from sub 1,000 to nearly 6,000 

for the following year. We installed 

a track to cope with increased 

traffic and some hard standing and 

within a few weeks I met our first 

enforcement officer! 

There followed a four year 

planning battle absorbing all of 

our profits – fortunately we were 

allowed to keep operating and 

could therefore fund the legal and 

consultancy bills that grew to over 

£200,000. By this time, we were 

bringing over £1M into the local 

economy however the Environment 

Agency continued to insist that our 

land, which has never flooded, was 

at risk. 

You’ve all seen Clarkson’s Farm? 

We had that very same meeting 

with our lawyers and, like Jeremy, 

decided we had better things to 

invest our time in so got planning 

approval for 10 acres in flood zone 

1 and used the other 25 acres under 

permitted development rights 28 

days a year. This actually works for 

us as we only use them on busy 

weekends. 

How did you finance the project? 

Until 2019 everything we did was 

funded out of our profits. In 2019 we 

borrowed a good part of the £500K 

its cost to install eight fabulous 

toilet and shower blocks. Since 

then our reviews have sky-rocketed 

and our bookings this year are up 

25% on last. People can put up 

with anything if they’ve had a great 

shower! 

What glamping accommodation 

do you offer? 

We’re open all year and six years 

ago invested in shepherd huts 

(for want of a better name) and 

bell tents. More recently we have 

partnered with a couple who make 


GLAMPSITES 

Gypsy bowtops and a chap who has 

converted an American school bus. 

We’ve simply listened to our 

customers who love quirky things 

to stay in. Having said that, we 

position ourselves as a campsite 

that happens to have some funky 

alternative accommodation rather 

than a glamping site. 

What occupancy levels and price 

per night do you achieve? 

Because our glamping offerings are 

not tucked away in wooded glens 

or atop a mountainside, we charge 

£100 per night for the powered 

unfurnished bell tents, £150 for the 

furnished bowtops and huts and 

£200 for the American school bus – 

all of which sleep up to four people. 

While greater occupancy would be 

nice, with 16,000-18,000 people 

staying per year our focus is on the 

business as a whole rather than 

the performance of our individual 

units. 

“WE POSITION 

OURSELVES 

AS A CAMP- 

SITE THAT 

HAPPENS TO 

HAVE SOME 

FUNKY 

ALTERNATIVE 

ACCOMMODA- 

TION RATHER 

THAN A 

GLAMPING 

SITE” 

How did you work out your 

brand, and how do you publicise 

yourself? 

Sadly, the majority of campsites 

on arrival provide you with a list of 

20 things you can quite happily do 

at home but you can’t do on the 

campsite! We set out to provide 20 

things you can’t do at home but you 

now can! 

Our strapline is Free Range 

Camping. Our mantra, courtesy of 

Maya Angelou, is that “people will 

forget what you said, people will 

forget what you did, but people will 

never forget how you made them 

feel”. Our brand is simply a reflection 

of who we are, our values, our 

approach. 

How would you describe your 

ethos and unique selling point? 

We’re all about enabling people 

from all walks of life to step away, 

relax, reflect, reset, refocus, realign, 

recharge and reenergise! 

We love watching friends and 

families reunite and children 

detached from tech, making new 

friends, climbing, running, den 

building and yes grazing their knees 

and scratching their legs enjoying 

a little risk and a lot of adventure – 

just like we did! 

What challenges have you faced? 

Other than our four year planning 

battle and one or two unhelpful 

neighbours, we’ve established 

ourselves as a well-respected, 

ethical business. Covid forced us 

to review, usually change, then 

document every aspect of our dayto-day 

functions. We have found 

that in doing this we now having 

robust procedures in place and our 

team’s time has been released to 

focus more upon our customers, 

knowing that the processes simply 

work beneath the surface. 

This year we launched our own 

food shack and that’s a whole new 


GLAMPSITES 

game that absorbs as much time 

in the back office as it does serving 

people! 

What are your plans for next 

season? 

Managing 200 plus arrivals on a 

Friday afternoon is a challenge and 

can cause a wait to check in. Our 

average stay is 2.3 nights and we’d 

rather increase that and decrease 

numbers! 

People (especially parents) need 

a reason to stay longer and typically 

those reasons boil down to easy 

access to food/drink and occupying 

children. I’ve mentioned our entry 

into food provision but next year is 

all about introducing landscaped 

play areas, tunnels, mud kitchens 

and mazes– old skool inventive play 

like many of us enjoyed. 

Describe your average day midseason 

Utterly random and usually happy if 

I’ve completed one thing on the list I 

set out with! 

What do you enjoy about the 

business and why? 

We all love what we do, we’re 

passionate about people and that 

shines through in all we do. 

What other outdoor hospitality 

sectors do you operate in? 

We do host events but limit them to 

50 people or less so that our other 

guests are not disturbed. 

What advice could you give 

to someone coming into the 

industry? 

Many people have told me I have 

their dream job and I absolutely 

agree. Just know that what you see 

on the surface is the result of 100% 

commitment to a vision, a purpose 

and a willingness to do pretty much 

anything (legal) to achieve it. 

I’ve made as many mistakes 

along the way as I have successful 

decisions as my family will tell you – 

that’s why we now talk stuff through 

together and share the risk as well 

as the success! 

“PEOPLE 

(ESPECIALLY 

PARENTS) 

NEED A 

REASON TO 

STAY LONGER 

AND TYPICALLY 

THOSE 

REASONS BOIL 

DOWN TO 

EASY ACCESS 

TO FOOD/ 

DRINK AND 

OCCUPYING 

CHILDREN” 

ADDRESS BOOK 

BELL TENTS 

The Vintage Tent Company 

www.thevintagetentcompany.com 

SHEPHERD HUTS 

Fernhill Farm 

www.fernhill-farm.co.uk 

GYPSY BOW TOPS 

Greg and Jules Gypsy Bowtops 

Caravans 

www.gregandjulesgypsybowtops.co.uk 

EVENT TOILETS 

Gigloo www.gigloo.com 

BOOKINGS SYSTEM 

Anytime Booking 

www.anytimebooking.co.uk 

PROMOTION 

Campsites www.campsites.co.uk 

DETAILS 

Petruth Paddocks 

Labourham Drove 

Cheddar 

Somerset BS27 3FS 

www.petruthpaddocks.co.uk 

What are you most proud of? 

Having my family working alongside 

me – I have to pinch myself 

sometimes! 


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GLAMPSITES 

GETTY IMAGES 

Rural England 

Prosperity Fund 

A new grant scheme has come to town – here’s how to get your hands on the money 

THERE’S NEW money coming for farm and 

rural businesses via every rural authority 

in England. Designed to support rural 

businesses with grants towards capital 

expenditure, to quote Defra, it will: “Support 

new and existing rural businesses to develop 

new products and facilities that will be of 

wider benefit to the local economy. This 

includes farm businesses looking to diversify 

income streams.” 

The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) 

is grant money available to farms and other 

businesses in rural local authority areas. 

Your local council will have been checked 

over by Defra to see if it qualifies as being 

‘rural’. If it meets their rural criteria, and 

some 111 authorities have done, then the 

council will have been awarded REPF funds 

and been asked to design a scheme to 

deliver them. 

The money is substantial, with a range of 

from £400,000 to over £2m and often in the 

order of about £700,000 to £1million. It is 

short-lived and has to have been spent by 

March 2025. 

Defra is experienced in running grant 

schemes and has done nationally for years. 

Defra also funded the locally-devolved and 

much lamented LEADER grants, where local 

people in defined areas were awarded grants 

for farm diversification and rural business 

development. Those went with Brexit and 

REPF is a sort of replacement, but with 

added devolution. Each local authority has 

to design its own scheme, under very broad 

and not very specific guidance from Defra. 

They are not experienced in this and there 

have been delays but gradually schemes are 

being announced. 

THE DETAILS 

How do you know what your local REPF 

scheme is about? What it will fund? What are 

the funding limits? What is the percentage 

rate of the grant? What are the time limits? 

With 111 uncoordinated grants, each council 

may have different answers to each of 

those questions. REPF is locally designed 

to meet local needs, but inevitably it will 

be something of a postcode lottery and 

neighbouring businesses may have very 

different grant opportunities and amounts. 

All you can do is to look at your own council’s 

website and see what their REPF scheme has 

to offer. 

To find out whether it is even a rural 

area and has any REPF funds, the funding 

allocations can be seen on the Defra website 

at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ 

rural-england-prosperity-fund-prospectus/ 

rural-england-prosperity-fund-allocations 

HOW TO WIN A GRANT 

There’s no such thing as free lunch and, 

while grants are free money and don’t 

have to be paid back, there are rules and 

obligations which must be borne in mind. 

It takes time to put together an application, 

and then more time for it to be appraised 

and for a decision to be made. 

You have to be open about your business 

and explain your plans, normally just 

in writing – there won’t be face to face 

meetings and discussions. Grants are 

competitive as other people are after them 


GLAMPSITES 

as well so you have to have a convincing 

case, together with the numbers backing 

it up to show that your plans are sound, 

sensible and profitable. 

Think of it as asking for someone to 

invest in you – why should they? What’s in 

it for them? How do your plans meet their 

priorities? Understand what those priorities 

are, read the questions carefully and answer 

them clearly and fully but don’t waffle. Be 

persuasive. Be positive but stay factual. 

This is a capital grant scheme and the 

councils will want three quotes for whatever 

it is you want to buy. Make sure all the 

quotes are for the same thing; have a simple 

specification so that the quotes are like-forlike. 

Be realistic about the extra money the 

project will generate and don’t be overoptimistic. 

A new glampsite won’t be full 

to overflowing from day one. It takes time 

to build up a demand – and you need to 

demonstrate you know how you are going 

to promote and publicise your new facility 

or product, that you have done your market 

research and that you really know what 

customers want and how much they’ll 

pay for it. These are difficult questions for 

small businesses to answer but they are 

reasonable questions for funders to ask and 

you’ll need an answer. 

A grant will only provide a proportion of 

the funding to set up the new project so 

where will the rest (called match funding) 

come from? The local authority will ask for 

evidence that you can provide it. This money 

can come from your own business reserves 

(you’ll need a current bank statement to 

prove it), or from a loan from the bank or 

private source like family or a friend – and 

you’ll need a letter from them to confirm it. 

You won’t know the exact amount you need 

until you’ve got the quotes in, but you’ll 

have an idea of the scale of the plan and it’s 

a good idea to have early talks with your 

bank and probably your accountant to make 

“ UNDERSTAND WHAT THOSE 

PRIORITIES ARE, READ THE 

QUESTIONS CAREFULLY AND 

ANSWER THEM CLEARLY AND 

FULLY BUT DON’T WAFFLE. 

BE PERSUASIVE. BE POSITIVE 

BUT STAY FACTUAL” 

sure they understand your plans and are 

supportive. If they don’t believe in you, then 

the grant funder certainly won’t! 

Once you’ve sent in the grant application, 

you have to wait – and don’t start on the 

project. Capital grants are not retrospective 

and if you start before being awarded a 

grant, the funder will believe you don’t need 

one. You have to be patient. Sometimes the 

funder will come back to you with questions 

– don’t be alarmed, this is your chance to 

improve the application, to clarify something 

and to be even more persuasive. 

Above all and throughout, make it as easy 

as you can for an appraiser to say yes to your 

application. So: 

› Have a clear plan of what you want to do 

and why 

› Check to see if your local authority has 

REPF funds 

› Understand the authority’s scheme and 

their priorities 

› Make a complete, concise application, 

providing all the information that’s asked 

for 

› Be patient. 

Good luck! 


Richard Rampton has 

managed farms in 

England and overseas, 

has taught farm business 

management at colleges 

and universities, and is a 

rural business consultant with 

his own company, RuralAdvice, based in 

Norfolk. He has obtained grant funding 

for businesses of more than £35m, after 

which he stopped counting. With others, 

he has set up Anglia Rural Consultants 

(www.angliaruralconsultants.co.uk) 

as a multi-skilled professional service 

provided by a number of experienced 

independent advisers. 

richard.rampton@ruraladvice.co 

GETTY IMAGES 

Outdoor Toilets 

and Showers 

• Portable 

• Customisable 

• Quick delivery 

• Instant solution 

www.sheepshed.co.uk • 01865 600400 


ISSUE 51 | 2022 | www.openairbusiness.com 


BUSINESS 

ISSUE 46 | October/November 2021 | www.openairbusiness.com 

BUSINESS 

BESPOKE GLAMPING 

ISSUE 49 | March/April 2022 | www.openairbusiness.com 

EVENT STRUCTURES 


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GLAMPSITES 

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› Booking Systems 

EVENTS 

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BUSINESS 



› Sharing Snaps 

› Kitchen Efficiencies 

GLAMPSITES 

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› Natural Pools 

EVENTS 

› Green Hydrogen 

› Tent Waste 

GLAMPING 

SHOW 

PREVIEW 



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GLAMPSITES 

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EVENTS 

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BUSINESS 

FUNCTION 

VENUES 

› Pricing 

› Websites 

GLAMPSITES 

› Business Rates 

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EVENTS 

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STRUCTURES 


Tim Bowles -Campwell 

BUSINESS 


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GLAMPSITES 

EVENTS 

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› Going Hybrid 

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CASE STUDIES: 

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Derry Green - The Secret Garden Glamping 

› Derry Green - The Secret Garden Glamping 

CASE STUDIES: 

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CASE STUDIES: 

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GLAMPSITES 


Tented Structures 

Wild Luxury, Norfolk 

Product: 18 safari tents of varying sizes 

Supplier: BOND Fabrications, 01453 767171, 

enquiries@bondfabrications.co.uk, www.bondfabrications.co.uk 

Details: Glampsite Wild Luxury on the Norfolk coast has been a client of 

BOND for over 12 years as it has grown and expanded. Having started with 

just five of BOND’s safari tents, the site now has 18 of varying sizes including 

large safari tents and Master Safari Lodges that can sleep larger groups or 

a couple of families. All structures were developed with the client’s specific 

needs in mind and the results are stunning! 

BOND says it is always a pleasure to see its clients’ business develop and 

that it is a joy to foster those relationships. The team makes it a priority 

to support clients long after an initial sale and, being a British-based 

manufacturer, it is always on hand and specialises in helping create bespoke 

structures. 

Customer feedback: Jonathan Barber, owner, said: “We initially chose 

BOND simply because they offered the highest quality product at the most 

affordable price. Over the years we have found that it is the level of personal 

service combined with an ability to customise their product that truly sets 

them apart.” 

New Range of Nomadic Tents 

Spirits Intent 

07895 019028 

spiritsintent@yahoo.co.uk 

www.spiritsintent.com 

We are making a new range of nomadic tents 

known as ‘alachighs’. These structures originate 

from the Shahsevan tribe of Iran and they are 

like a yurt without the trellis walls – a dome 

with elegantly continuous curved rafters, like a 

cathedral. 

We are currently making a large 30ft alachigh 

with a modern twist, using metal connectors 

for the rafters and horizontal struts and a metal 

wheel. This will be for sale as a large, beautiful 

space perfect as an affordable glamping tent or for 

guests wanting something nomadic and traditional 

but novel. Also perfect for magical events, theatre 

or novel tourism experiences or even as a grand 

themed restaurant. 

We are one of the UK leaders in canvas covers 

and for over 10 years we have been focusing on 

bringing back a different nomadic tent at a time. 

This your chance to own something no one else 

has. 

We call these µ-tents (using the Greek letter Mu) 

because they represent mutant tent forms of the 

nomadic tradition that are now extinct. We aim to 

follow with a Nogay cart tent (wedding yurt on a 

cart), a Scottish traveller tent and others. We aim 

to weave handmade elements that exalt British 

artisan manufacture, using stainless steel, steamed 

ash, one hundred per cent wool felt and British 

proofed army grade canvas. 

As tent making in the UK is becoming rarer, with 

many structures now drop-shipped from abroad, 

we hope you join us in this adventure. Contact 

us to order your bespoke yurt cover or unique 

nomadic tent like no other. 


GLAMPSITES 

Polaris TYL Dome Tents 

Dyester 

+1 3054 905 911 

bsendach@dyester.com 

www.dyester.com 

Mason’s Campsite, Yorkshire 

Product: 6m yurts, 5m yurts, traditional fire shelters, 5m safari 

tent, 6m safari tent and Nomadic bell tent, tent wash and repair 

Supplier: BCT Outdoors, 01274 728469, info@bctoutdoors.com, 


Details: Mason’s Campsite 

at Bolton Abbey is a 

picturesque camping 

destination nestled 

in the heart 

of the scenic 

Bolton Abbey 

Estate in the 

North Yorkshire 

National Park. 

For those 

seeking a more 

luxurious camping 

experience it offers 

the option of glamping 

in safari tents, bell tents 

and yurts. 

Mason’s Campsite has 

collaborated with BCT Outdoors for its canvas glamping 

accommodation. BCT tents are designed and built to withstand 

various weather conditions, ensuring their durability and 

longevity. Their portability allows for flexibility in location, 

enabling owners to set up their accommodations in different 

areas as desired. 

Customer feedback: Campsite owner Georgie Hinchliffe 

said: “We chose BCT Outdoors’ tents to create luxurious and 

comfortable glamping experiences for several reasons. Firstly, 

the range of sizes and styles are great for accommodating 

families and big parties, providing ample space for relaxation and 

recreation. 

“Building upon the success of using the 5m version of the 

yurt for eight years, we identified an opportunity to elevate 

our offering and capacity by introducing the larger 6m variant. 

The feedback we have received from our visitors has been very 

positive, with many expressing satisfactions with the yurt’s 

suitability for small families and its provision of a spacious and 

luxurious outdoor experience for couples. 

“The design features and aesthetics of BCT Outdoors’ tents 

are excellent. They provide rustic charm and elegance, creating a 

cozy and inviting ambiance for our visitors. The practical, easy-toerect 

steel frames, combined with insulation, are made luxurious 

by cotton inners. The outer canvas blends with the surrounding 

nature, enhancing the overall glamping experience.” 

Introducing the Polaris TYL Dome Tents, the ultimate 

choice for nature lovers seeking an eco-friendly and panoramic 

camping experience. These tents are designed with an all-wood 

structure, providing a sustainable and closer-to-nature living 

environment. 

Constructed using sustainable and ecological materials, the 

Polaris tent embraces a deep connection with the natural world. 

The special eucalyptus plywood floor base, paired with a PVC 

waterproof floor cloth, offers a luxurious and practical interior. The 

tent’s PVC-coated synthetic fibre cloth cover is stretched tightly 

over the robust wooden frame, ensuring durability and strength. 

What sets the Polaris TYL Dome Tents apart are the panoramic 

windows on the sides, offering high light transmittance and 

breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. Immerse yourself in 

the beauty of your surroundings while enjoying the comforts of a 

well-crafted shelter. 

Available in various sizes and shapes, the Polaris TYL Dome 

Tents cater to your individual glamping needs. Experience the 

perfect blend of sustainability, luxury, and a closer connection to 

nature with Polaris TYL Dome Tents. 

Craftsmanship in Canvas 

BCT Outdoors 

01274 728469 



BCT Outdoors takes immense pride in manufacturing its yurts, 

geodesic domes, glamping pods and bell tents with traditional 

methods using only the finest materials. As a reputable UK 

manufacturer, all products are scalable and BCT upholds a 

commitment to quality and craftsmanship in each tent they create. 

BCT’s yurts are meticulously crafted, offering a harmonious 

blend of luxury and practicality. Its geodesic domes provide a 

unique and modern accommodation option, designed to provide 

a striking visual appeal. The glamping pods offer a cozy and 

contemporary escape, and bell tents exude a classic charm that 

resonates with outdoor enthusiasts. 

BCT proudly contributes to the rich heritage of British Scout 

tent making while providing outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality 

and reliable accommodations. From the selection of materials to 

the final touches, every detail is carefully considered to deliver 

products that customers can rely on for their outdoor adventures. 

YHA – WINDEMERE 


NEW 

OUR TOP 

SELLER 

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more information. 

affordable 

sustaina ble 

materials 

eco 

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Paynetts Farm, Cranbrook Road, 

Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 1DY 

bespoke 

design 

Mobile homes, holiday chalets, log homes. 

All built to your requirements, delivered and 

erected anywhere, we offer builds in round, 

square, cavity and random log up to 360mm 

thick. Houses supplied to meet building 

control regulations. 

Bespoke Design Service 

And Technical Data 

• Mobile Homes 

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Finance Options 

To spread the cost of your investment, 

we have partnered with iDeal 4 Finance 

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range of finance options to suit your needs, 

including mortgages and short term loans. 

• Sectional Timber Buildings 

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For more information on all the buildings please visit our website. 

Web: www.timberspecs.co.uk Email: info@timberspecs.com 

Tel: 01580 212141 Mob: 07710 480259 

PLANNING 

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AVAILABLE 


GLAMPSITES 



Dance Farm Glamping 

Retreat, South Yorkshire 

Product: 500 gallon Flat Waste Tank with 

an inbuilt Sanipump sewage lifting pump 

Supplier: Glampsan, 01922 687545, sales@ 

glampsan.com, www.glampsan.com 

Details: A stay at Dance Farm Glamping 

Retreat will allow you to reconnect 

with nature, improve your wellbeing 

and enjoy beautiful countryside 

views. Guests can relax in a VIP 

shepherds hut and hot tub while 

taking in the views. 

When owner Graham Turner 

researched waste solutions for his 

hut he came across Glampsan. 

He was impressed by the 

website, the range of products 

on offer and the knowledge and 

expertise of the Glampsan team, 

who were able to recommend a 

turnkey solution. 

Graham settled for a combination of 

the 500 gallon Flat Tank and a Saniflo 

Sanipump, which were simple to set up 

and operate. Whereas a complete sewage 

lifting station might have been an option, 

Graham preferred a simpler solution to 

handle the waste. The 500 gallon Flat 

Tank sits unobtrusively 

screened underneath his 

shepherds hut to collect 

toilet, sink and shower 

waste and Graham uses 

the submersible Sanipump as and when 

required to pump the waste away through 

above ground pipework to an existing foul 

sewer. 

The chosen vortex Sanipump pumps at 

up to 27m3 per hour so the tank is emptied 

within about five minutes, a job which 

Graham undertakes every two to three 

weeks on a visitor changeover day. Once 

the pumping work is finished the pipework 

is rolled up and stored away underneath 

the shepherds hut. 

Customer feedback: Graham Turner, 

owner, said: “The Glampsan team were 

friendly, knowledgeable and extremely 

helpful. Their waste tank and Saniflo 

Sanipump is the perfect solution for our 

site. I’m now looking to purchase more 

huts, and Glampsan are assisting me with 

waste solutions.” 

Welltrough Hall Farm , Cheshire 

Product: Sanifos 610 underground lifting station for black 

and grey water waste 

Supplier: Saniflo, 020 8842 0033, sales@saniflo.co.uk, 

www.saniflo.co.uk 

Details: Farmer, Nick Welltrough, of Welltrough Hall Farm in 

Cheshire, has a caravan and motor home park on his large 

arable farm, as well as a small glamping site. The staycation 

trend of the last few years has led to an increase in visitors 

to the site and Nick decided to expand the 

caravan pitches into an adjacent hillside 

field at the farm. To search for ideas 

for a discreet drainage solution, 

Nick attended the Glamping Show 

where he found a Saniflo solution 

on the Glampsan stand. 

The site offers 17 hard standing 

pitches with five additional 

plots currently in construction. 

To provide a discreet, reliable 

drainage solution for the caravans 

and Elsan points, the owner selected 

a Sanifos 610 underground lifting station which has been 

installed in an adjacent field to handle grey and black water 

waste. The unit pumps up a bank approximately 10m and along 

a distance of almost 200m horizontally to connect to the main 

sewer on the site. 

To ensure continuity of service the Sanifos has two pumps 

and is fully alarmed. Once the final landscaping has been 

completed, the only visible part of the unit will be the lid. 

Customer feedback: Nick Welltrough, owner, said: “The 

Sanifos won’t be visible to customers which was a key priority. 

We have alpacas and rare breed goats, woodland walks, 

breathtaking views of the countryside and now we have a 

drainage solution that offers total peace of mind. I am 

very pleased with the solution.” 


GLAMPSITES 

Hollow Ash, Herefordshire 

Product: Full Access Composter compost toilet 

Supplier: NatSol, 01686 412653, info@natsol.co.uk, 


The Secret Garden Glamping Site, 

Lancashire 

Product: Double Public Sauna 

Supplier: Woodpecker Productions, 07435 866929, 

info@woodpeckertubs.co.uk, www.woodpeckertubs.co.uk 

Details: The Secret Garden is a luxury glamping site based 

in Skelmersdale, Lancashire. The luxury glamping site is a 

four acre woodland site with idyllic views of Lancashire all 

around. Each of the handcrafted units at The Secret Garden 

are unique and cater for couples, families or groups of friends. 

The product that was provided on this occasion to the 

Secret Garden was a double sized public sauna, where guests 

are able to relax while taking in the views. 

The sauna is both a unique and bespoke handcrafted 

product as is the case with everything Woodpecker supplies 

to the Secret Garden. 

Customer feedback: Owner Derry Green said: “Woodpecker 

is an amazing company and we use them for all the hot tubs 

and saunas we have here on site. They provide a fast service 

and have units no other company in the UK supplies. When 

you need something unique to stand out from the crowd this 

is a place to go! The quality is second to none and the aftercare 

service is amazing. I can send a message any time day or 

night and get a response straight away. I always feel welcome 

when using Woodpecker and look forward to doing more 

with them in the future!” 

NICK GRANT 

Details: Hollow Ash is an 

eight-acre smallholding 

overlooking the valley 

of the River Monnow 

in the Welsh Marches. 

The owners have 

recreated wildflower 

meadows, planted 

native woodland, 

and three acres are 

set out as traditional 

orchards. The fruit is 

harvested to make juice, 

cider and perry, and the 

woodland is coppiced for fuel 

and to benefit wildlife. The owners 

share their little bit of paradise by letting out two shepherd huts 

for holidays. 

NatSol supplied a wheelchair accessible composting toilet 

to the site – the Full Access Composter. It has two composting 

chambers used alternately on an annual cycle. The owners built 

their own toilet building standing on the vault which acts as a 

foundation. 

This particular toilet could handle around six people using 

it as their only toilet on a day in, day out continuous basis. It is 

suitable for much higher seasonal or intermittent use. 

Customer feedback: Clare Adamson, owner, said: “All our 

holiday guests are very pleasantly surprised by our NatSol toilet. 

They generally have low expectations of compost toilets and 

some have previously experienced much more basic facilities. 

To quote one guest: ‘Perfect location, perfect hut, perfect 

composting loo!’ 

“Our NatSol compost toilet has been the ideal solution for our 

site which has no mains drainage. The toilet has been installed 

for eight years and has been entirely problem free; there is 

no unpleasant odour and maintenance is minimal. We can’t 

comment on the after sales service as we have never needed 

it, but Andy and the other staff at NatSol are very friendly and 

helpful.” 

NICK GRANT 


GLAMPSITES 

Willowsfield, Kent 

Product: Outdoor hot water shower 

Supplier: Sheepshed Creations, 01865 600400, 

hello@sheepshed.co.uk, www.willowsfield.co.uk 

Details: Willowsfield is a peaceful 

country retreat in Kent that creates 

wholesome two day wilderness 

camping experiences for larger 

groups of families and friends. Each 

group rents the entire site and can 

enjoy privacy and space around 

open fires in idyllic countryside. 

Facilities on the site include 

shelters, toilets, hot showers, 

water, open fires and chimineas 

plus access to adjacent hectares of 

forest. The whole experience has 

been designed to create the ideal 

bonding experience so a full group 

can get back together. It’s been so 

well received that previous guests 

are already rebooking. 

When looking for a hot shower 

solution, owner Peter Langdown 

turned to Sheep Shed Creations for 

its gothic arch inspired unit. “The 

overall sweeping shape and design 

looked unique,” he said, “plus the 

use of materials and matching colours was 

really elegant”. However, for the shower to 

work on this site, it needed a few adaptations 

so it could be moved it in and out of place for 

bookings. 

Customer feedback: Peter Langdown, owner, 

said: “As well as fantastic service, product and 

price, Julian from Sheep Shed Creations was 

even able to make custom alterations to our 

exact requirements” 

Wooda Farm Holiday 

Park, Cornwall 

Product: CampPlus Solo XL ensuite 

bathroom pods 

Supplier: Glampsan, 01922 

687545, sales@glampsan.com, 

www.glampsan.com 

Details: Set in the countryside, 

just a stone’s throw from the coast 

near Bude in Cornwall, Wooda Farm 

has been welcoming guests since 1975 

and offers touring and camping pitches, 

luxury lodges, cottages and a range of on-site 

facilities – it’s been a 5 star experience every year since 

1981. 

In July 2023, Wooda Farm installed six private bathroom pods on grass 

electric pitches in Upper Meadow. The high-spec CampPlus SOLO XL units 

allow guests to add an extra bit of space and luxury to their stay. 

Just as it can be awkward at home when the toilet and bathroom are 

in one room and there are lots of people trying to use the ‘facilities’ at 

the same time, the SOLO XL units have been designed with two separate 

compartments with individual doors. Compartment one contains the WC 

while compartment two gives separate access to the shower room, which 

includes a deep sink for washing and an under-counter fridge. Never the 

twain shall meet. 

Customer feedback: Graeme Colwill, owner, said: “We are looking forward 

to offering our guests in campervans, motorhomes, tents, touring caravans 

and trailer tents an added bit of luxury to their stay with their own private 

WC, shower, sink and washing up area. For people with extended families, 

the SOLO XL will give them extra space to spread out.” 


Convenient, travel size, store 

cupboard essentials to get your 

guests holiday up and running. 

Contact us re trade discounts, 

partnership / affiliation. 

hello@thetravellerspantry.co.uk 


Have you got yours? 

2023 

The must have for the 

serious glamptrepreneur 

Order yours at 

www.openairbusiness.com/product/little-black-book-of-glamping 

Cornwall Business School 

Sustainable Festival Management BA(Hons) 

Sustainable Tourism Management BA(Hons) 

Music Business BA(Hons) 

Business & Marketing BSc(Hons) (Online) 

Business & Entrepreneurship BSc(Hons) 

Business Management BSc(Hons) 

Business & Digital Marketing BSc(Hons) 

Creative Events Management BA(Hons) 

falmouth.ac.uk 

E: futurestudies@falmouth.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1326 254350 


EVENTS 

CASE STUDY 

Festival of Sport 

A weekend of sport for ages 5-17, where no one is ‘left on the bench’ 

The brainchild of rugby 

champs Will Greenwood and 

Austin Healey, the Festival of 

Sport offers youngsters three 

days of action packed sport 

with professionals at the top 

of their field in the beautiful 

parkland of Holkham Hall, 

Norfolk. We talk to Kate 

Russell, operations director 

for the event. 

Describe your event and how many people 

it attracts? 

Festival of Sport is the only UK family weekend 

festival focused on multi-sport. We bring 

together dozens of different sports, each in 

their own dedicated zone, headed by sports 

professionals that are or have been top in their 

field – Team GB athletes, international caps, 

Olympians, Paralympians and national team 

coaches. 

Sports sessions are primarily aimed at 

children aged 5–17. To expand the offering 

to pre-schoolers, we also have age-specific 

activities for them based around sports as well 

as other activities and general play. Grown-ups 

also get to take part in pre-arranged fitness 

sessions as well as various challenges against 

the sporting legends over the course of the 

weekend. 

Around 1,500 people attend in total, from all 

over the country. The event takes place from 

Friday afternoon to Monday morning, so on 

Friday and Saturday evenings we also have 

live entertainment, with a more relaxed openair 

cinema on Sunday night (by which time 

everyone’s exhausted!). 

We work with a number of charities and 

corporate sponsors who fund places for 

families that wouldn’t otherwise be able to 

come. Our mantra is that ‘no one gets left on 

the bench’ so it’s really important to us that 

we create the most inclusive event possible, 

with no barriers from age, ability or social 

demographic. 

Explain a bit about your venue and your 

history with it 

2023 is the third year that the event is being 

held at Holkham Park, Norfolk. It’s a beautiful 

backdrop, as one of the treasure houses of 

England, and the space works really well for 

us. 

The established cricket square in front 

of the hall is set within an expanse of flat, 

grassed parkland so that provides the focal 

point for most activities. There is also a private 

lake adjacent to that area, which is ideal for 

rowing and kayaking, and a ready-made 5k 

trail on paths around the estate for the Sunday 

morning fun run. 

Even better, there is plenty of space for 

camping, glamping and parking, all still very 

close to the activity zones. 

What is the event’s history and what made 

you decide to run it? 

Festival of Sport was co-founded by 2003 

Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood and 

Austin Healey, capped 51 times for England. 

The duo also co-own Legend Holidays 


EVENTS 

and Events, a travel company 

that offers trips abroad that give 

families the opportunity to train 

in their favourite sports in a fun 

atmosphere, accompanied by 

sporting greats. 

They, and many of their sporting 

pals, are passionate about 

encouraging more children into 

sport for the social, mental and 

physical benefits. But holidays 

abroad aren’t necessarily accessible 

to all, so they started to look at ways 

to create a version that more people 

could enjoy. Back in 2013, SportFest 

was born. Based at Wormsley in 

Buckinghamshire, it ran for four 

years before outgrowing the venue, 

so we took a break at that point to 

rethink the overall event. 

Fast-forward a couple of years, 

and the timing seemed right to 

revive it, with a few tweaks to the 

format and a new name, Festival 

“WE ALSO 

ENGAGE 

WITH LOCAL 

SCHOOLS AND 

ORGANISA- 

TIONS TO 

GET THEM 

INVOLVED IN 

VARIOUS 

ASPECTS” 

of Sport. Will has a longstanding 

love for Norfolk and championed 

Holkham as a likely venue. So in 

2020, while the world was closed 

down and no-one was travelling 

anywhere, we took the time and 

opportunity to work up plans for 

Festival of Sport which then made 

its debut at Holkham in 2021. 

How is your relationship with the 

local authority and community? 

We work with local authorities on 

the Event Safety Management Plan 

and have built a good relationship 

with them over the past three 

years. Many of the introductions to 

local suppliers have come via the 

Holkham team, which has been 

really useful. 

We also engage with local 

schools and organisations to get 

them involved in various aspects. 

A number of teenage volunteers 

from Alderman Peel High School in 

Wells-next-the-Sea join us as part 

of their Sports Leaders programme 

to help marshal various groups of 

children, and we have volunteers 

from the Sea Cadets in Wells who 

also provide the safety boat for 

water-based activities. All of those 

volunteers also get to enjoy the 

rest of the event free of charge as a 

thanks for their time. 

Importantly, many of the sports 

zones are run by local clubs and 

organisations, including archery, 

dodgeball, medieval sword-fighting, 

cricket, rowing, kayaking, athletics, 

trampolining, sports massage and 

judo. 

Where possible, we try to work 

with local suppliers for all kinds of 

services from street food stalls to 

waste management and marquees. 

To boost awareness ahead of 


EVENTS 

the event, we also collaborate with 

regional clubs and attractions – this 

year we’ve run joint giveaways 

with Holkham itself and ROARR! 

dinosaur-themed adventure park 

near Norwich as well as events with 

local sports clubs. 

How have you planned the layout 

of the event? 

The first step is to mark out which 

structures and zones naturally 

sit in specific locations within 

our designated area, and which 

ones need access to services. We 

check that those suppliers that 

need power, water and access for 

deliveries are in suitable locations. 

The cricket pavilion becomes our 

operational HQ for the duration, 

with the street food village sited next 

door on the natural perimeter of 

the main area backed by woodland, 

adjacent to one of the main roads 

across the park. The main stage is 

set up in front of the hall, facing the 

cricket square. Kayaking and rowing 

zones are obviously down by the 

lake. 

We hire in a number of marquees, 

plus equipment for particular sports 

such as an inflatable rugby pitch, 

and pontoons for the water sports. 

A number of our activity-provider 

partners bring their own kit so we 

liaise with them to understand their 

spatial requirements. Effectively it’s 

a bit like a giant jigsaw puzzle! 

How did you research and source 

your marquees, flooring, bars etc? 

For the first festival at Holkham we 

took on board various referrals from 

the estate team, many of whom 

are coming back for the third year 

in 2023. We also have our own 

trusted suppliers from previous 

events that we use, or work with 

recommendations from them for 

“OUR AIM IS 

TO BUILD 

SOLID RELA- 

TIONSHIPS 

WITH THOSE 

WHO SHARE 

OUR VALUES 

FOR GREAT 

PRODUCTS, 

TAKE PRIDE 

IN THEIR 

SERVICES 

AND OFFER 

EXCELLENCE 

IN CUSTOMER 

SATISFACTION 

AS WELL AS A 

FAIR PRICE” 

more local providers. Our aim is 

to build solid relationships with 

those who share our values for great 

products, take pride in their services 

and offer excellence in customer 

satisfaction as well as a fair price. 

What entertainment do you offer 

and how did you choose and 

source it? 

On two of the three nights we have 

live music – we’ve got a great DJ this 

year, and Saturday night’s headliner 

is Rick Parfitt Jnr and the RPJ Band. 

We’ve worked with him previously, 

so we know what an amazing set 

he puts on, with huge energy and 

a range of tunes spanning the 60s 

through to current hits so that’s 

ideal for our multi-generational 

audience. Suzanne Shaw, former 

Hear’Say popstar, is also with us to 

run dance classes, host from the 

main stage and perform some of 

her hits. 

The third night is an open-air 

cinema showing. Last year we 

did that on Friday night, but this 

year we’ve swapped it for Sunday 

because by the end of the weekend 

we realised that most people were 

too tired to party hard, whereas the 

shared experience of an outdoor 

film viewing is the perfect relaxed 

way to round off the festival. 

How do you manage admissions 

and visitor safety? 

All attendees must be pre-registered 

so that we can organise timetables 

for each age group. We open 

registration mid-afternoon on the 

Friday and on check-in everyone 

is issued with a wristband. We 

have security on site 24/7 across 

the event, to ensure the safety of 

attendees as well as to ensure that 

we don’t have any unregistered 

guests. 

The wider estate is open to the 

public at the same time, so we have 

a single point of entry to the secured 

perimeter of the Festival of Sport 

area, and security staff checking 

wristbands at all exit points. 

How did you cope during the 

pandemic? 

The first Festival of Sport was held 

at Holkham in 2021. It felt like 

quite a risk at the time, as when 

we first started planning it we had 

no idea of the extent of the impact 

that the Covid pandemic would 

have. Thankfully, that risk paid off 

because after suffering a summer 

of no events, by 2021 people were 

really keen to get back out there and 

our offering really resonated with a 

lot of families. 

How do you publicise the event? 

We promote the event across a 

broad mix of channels including 

advertising in target publications 

aimed at families, schools and 

sports interest as well as roadside 

boards. We work to secure editorial 

coverage through PR in broadcast, 

national, regional and lifestyle 

media as well as running active 


EVENTS 

social media accounts with some 

collaborations with relevant 

influencers. We maintain a mailing 

list of past attendees so that we can 

let them know directly when ticket 

sales open for the following year 

and keep them updated with new 

legends and sports on offer. 

This year we ran a rugby 

masterclass at Holt RFC led by 

Ben Youngs (who began his rugby 

career at the club) and Austin 

Healey, which resulted in regional 

broadcast, print and online 

coverage in May so that was helpful 

for local promotion. We offered a 

family ticket as a competition prize 

to the rugby club in exchange for 

promotion to their full membership. 

Other competitions have also run 

with selected partners who share 

our ethos and target audience, 

online and on social media. We 

also lean on our event partners, 

including individual legends and 

activity providers to help spread the 

word amongst their networks. 

What additional challenges have 

you faced? 

During the planning phase, our 

biggest challenge is essentially 

balancing the books to offer a 

high-quality customer experience 

without making a loss. Given the 

high costs of transport due to 

Holkham’s location, increases in 

energy costs, most services and 

the general impact of the cost-ofliving 

crisis, it’s been tricky to work 

it all out without increasing ticket 

prices as we don’t want to impact 

affordability either. 

On a more practical note, 

encouraging people to register 

promptly so that we can get one 

step ahead with scheduling is 

always a bit of an issue. We’ve also 

had some curveballs from suppliers 

going out of business, or doublebooking 

our event with another, but 

fortunately we have always been 

able to find replacements. 

There have been occasions where 

we’ve had to add extra elements 

at the last minute, like last year 

when the event took place during a 

heatwave. We drafted in extra water 

fountains and a giant open-sided 

event shelter as well as providing 

sunscreen to anyone that needed 

it. In addition, we introduced water 

“THERE 

HAVE BEEN 

OCCASIONS 

WHERE 

WE’VE HAD 

TO ADD 

EXTRA 

ELEMENTS 

AT THE LAST 

MINUTE, 

LIKE LAST 

YEAR WHEN 

THE EVENT 

TOOK PLACE 

DURING A 

HEATWAVE” 

breaks into all sports sessions 

to ensure everyone was actively 

staying hydrated. 

How do you finance the event? 

We’re lucky to have a solid bank 

of corporate sponsors, many of 

whom have stayed with us for the 

duration, but every year we re-pitch 

for their support and work hard to 

make sure that they are happy with 

outcomes. 

We’re also very grateful to the 

benefactors who generously 

fund places for disadvantaged 

families. We work with a number 

of charities who attend the event 

to raise awareness of how they can 

support families with particular 

needs and issues including the 

Youth SportTrust, Matt Hampson 

Foundation, Timpson Foundation, 

Saracens Foundation and Brave 

Mind. This year, we’re pleased to 

have a new partnership in place 

with Break, a regional charity 

based in East Anglia that supports 

vulnerable children and young 

people and their families. 

What are your plans for next year? 

We’re certainly hoping to be 

bringing Festival of Sport back in 

2024 though we have yet to confirm 

a venue and dates. Watch this space! 

What advice could you give to 

someone coming into the outdoor 

event industry? 

It will always cost more than you 

think so a good contingency budget 

is essential. Be prepared for the 

unexpected and know how to return 

a curve ball! 

ADDRESS BOOK 

MARQUEES 

Events Under Canvas 

www.eventsundercanvas.co.uk 

Morton Events 

www.mortonevents.co.uk 

STAGES/SCREENS 

ADI www.adi.tv 

POWER & AV 

Audio Resolution 

www.audioresolution.co.uk 

GLAMPING 

Hotel Bell Tent 

www.perfectlypitchedproductions.com 

GROUND PROTECTION 

GAP www.gap-group.co.uk 

TOILETS 

Lincs Loos www.lincsloos.co.uk 

SECURITY 

SRM www.srmsecurity.com 

INSURANCE 

Tysers www.tysers.com 

FIRST AID 

First Aid Matters www.firstaidmatters.org 

PONTOONS 

The Pontoon and Dock Company 

www.pontoonanddock.com 

DRINKING WATER 

FM Events 

www.fmeventservices.co.uk 

DETAILS 

Festival of Sport 

11-14 August 2023 

Holkham Park 

Wells-next-the-Sea 

Norfolk NR23 1AB 

www.festivalofsportuk.com 


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WE LOVE STRETCH TENTS! 

Years of experience, passion and enthusiasm 

to get what you want from your event. 

Sales, full installation and custom 

design services. 

JUSTEVENTSERVICES.CO.UK 

01276 590325 

V JUSTEVENTSERVICES 

t: 01920 830256 e: info@alternative-stretch.co.uk 

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

@alternative_stretch_tents 


EVENTS 

SUPPLIER PROFILE 

Kayospruce 

An industry leader in textiles, hardware 

and accessories for the outdoor 

hospitality market 


Kayospruce supplies high-quality materials and 

services for the leisure, outdoor and marine industries. 

We offer sailcloth, textiles, hardware and accessories, 

along with cutting services, catering to various needs in 

these industries. 

Ian Dawson, owner 

CANVASMAN / BEVAN COCKERILL 

How do you do it so well? 

Our expertise and extensive industry knowledge 

enables us to curate top-notch materials that meet the 

highest standards. We prioritise customer satisfaction, 

offering personalised support and recommendations 

throughout their journey. Our commitment to 

innovation keeps us ahead of the curve, providing 

innovative solutions to customers. 

Please give us a potted company history 

Established in 1983, Kayospruce has grown from a small 

operation to a trusted name in the leisure and marine 

industries. Our range expanded to include diverse materials 

and accessories, catering to a broader customer base. We 

forged strong partnerships with leading manufacturers 

worldwide to offer a high-quality product portfolio. 

Describe your brand proposition 

Kayospruce stands on quality, expertise and customercentricity. 

We deliver exceptional products and services, 

carefully selected for durability and functionality. Our 

knowledgeable team offers expert advice and unmatched 

customer support. Building lasting relationships and ensuring 

customer success are at the core of our brand. 

What is your ‘hero’ product/ 

service? 

Our hero service is the 

revolutionary 3m wide cutting 

table. It brings unmatched 

precision and efficiency 

to our cutting operations, 

accommodating materials of 

up to 3m in width. With this 

innovative addition, we deliver 

exceptional results, optimise 

fabric utilisation and enable 

larger, more ambitious projects. 

Any extra special people? 

Our exceptional team is crucial to our success. From customer 

support to skilled operatives, everyone contributes to 

delivering outstanding products and services. Their dedication, 

expertise, and passion set us apart and provide customers with 

an exceptional experience. 

What are you most 

proud of? 

We are incredibly 

proud of our strong 

relationships with our 

suppliers. For example, 

our collaboration 

with Sauleda Textiles enables us to offer our customers an 

exceptional range of high quality fabrics. Together, we provide 

durable, versatile solutions that meet and exceed industry 

standards. Our partnership with Sauleda is a source of pride for 

us, as it allows us to deliver top notch canvas and PVC solutions 

to our valued customers. 


Customers should reach out to Kayospruce for access to 

high-quality materials and services tailored to their needs. 

We prioritise customer satisfaction, providing personalised 

recommendations and reliable support. By choosing 

Kayospruce, customers can 

have confidence in accessing 

exceptional materials and 

services from a trusted 

industry leader. 

DETAILS 

Kayospruce 

01489 581696 

info@kayospruce.co.uk 

www.kayospruce.co.uk 


EVENTS 

GETTY IMAGES 

Matt Kirby on the importance of continuing professional development in the events sector 

IN THE dynamic and ever-evolving field of 

event management, continuing professional 

development (CPD) is crucial for event 

organisers to stay competitive and succeed in 

their roles. CPD refers to the ongoing process 

of acquiring and honing the knowledge, 

skills and abilities necessary to excel in a 

profession. In this article, we will explore the 

importance of CPD for event organisers and 

discuss various strategies to facilitate growth 

and advancement in the industry. 

Events management is a professional and 

academic discipline that has really emerged 

over the last 45 years from related fields 

such as tourism, hospitality, marketing and 

leisure. This rise and development has been 

largely positive for academia and industry 

alike, but the pace of the events sector’s 

evolution is constantly causing gaps in the 

knowledge and comprehension of how 

events have and continue to evolve. Think 

about how digital technology has taken a 

leap forward and is reshaping the events 

industry during and since the pandemic. 

The current event ‘literature’ is principally 

focused on the strategic development, 

management, operational delivery of events 

and ‘consumer experience’, with much less 

consideration how knowledge, ideas and 

practices are shared and developed – this is 

“NETWORKING FACILITATES 

KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE, 

COLLABORATION AND 

POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS, 

WHICH CAN LEAD TO NEW 

OPPORTUNITIES AND 

CAREER GROWTH” 

where CPD can help the event professional. 

KEEPING UP WITH INDUSTRY TRENDS 

The event industry is known for its rapid 

changes and evolving trends. Engaging 

in CPD activities allows event organisers 

to stay updated with the latest industry 

developments, emerging technologies 

and changing client expectations. This 

knowledge ensures that event organisers can 

deliver innovative and relevant experiences 

to their clients. 

ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE 

CPD helps event organisers enhance their 

professional competence by acquiring new 

skills and knowledge. It enables them to 

understand best practices, adopt industry 

standards and implement effective strategies 

in event planning, project management, 

budgeting, risk assessment, marketing and 

communication. Improved competence leads 

to increased confidence, efficiency and the 

ability to deliver successful events. 

BUILDING A NETWORK 

CPD provides valuable networking 

opportunities for event organisers. 

Participating in industry conferences, 

workshops and seminars allows them to 

connect with fellow professionals, share 

experiences and build relationships. 

Networking facilitates knowledge exchange, 

collaboration and potential partnerships, 

which can lead to new opportunities and 

career growth. 

DEMONSTRATING COMMITMENT TO 

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH 

Engaging in CPD showcases a commitment 

to continuous learning and professional 

growth. It demonstrates to clients, employers 

and peers that event organisers are 

dedicated to providing high-quality services 

and staying ahead of industry developments. 

This commitment enhances credibility and 

opens doors to new opportunities and career 

advancement. 


EVENTS 

The Showman's 

Show held in 

October at 

the Newbury 

Showground 

STRATEGIES FOR CPD 

Attend industry conferences and seminars 

Attending conferences and seminars specific 

to event management provides a platform 

for learning from industry experts, gaining 

insights into emerging trends and networking 

with peers. These events often offer 

workshops, panel discussions and keynote 

speeches that cover a wide range of topics 

relevant to event organisers. 

Pursue certifications and qualifications 

Acquiring certifications and qualifications 

in event management can demonstrate 

expertise and enhance professional 

credibility. Check out: 

› The Event Industry Council (EIC) offer 

certifications including the Certified 

Meeting Professional (CMP) 

› A Greener Future (AGF) offers consultancy, 

training, certification and membership to 

a growing community for organisations in 

events, entertainment and sports sectors, 

with an emphasis on sustainability 

› The Association of British Professional 

Conference Organisers (ABPCO), promote 

and encourage excellence, sharing, 

learning and collaboration 

› Attitude is Everything (AIE) connect 

disabled people with music and live event 

industries to improve access together 

› The BA (Hons) Event Management Course 

at Falmouth University is the only events 

course in the UK to be validated by both 

AGF and AIE. 

Engage in online learning 

Online platforms provide a convenient 

and flexible way to engage in CPD. Event 

organisers can take advantage of webinars, 

e-learning courses and virtual conferences to 

expand their knowledge and skills. Platforms 

like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning 

offer a wide range of courses related to event 

management, marketing, leadership and 

other relevant disciplines. 

Join professional associations 

Becoming a member of professional 

associations such as the International 

Live Events Association (ILEA), Meeting 

Professionals International (MPI), Association 

of Festival Organisers (AFO), the Association 

of Independent Festivals (AIF) or local event 

management associations provides access 

to industry resources, educational materials, 

networking events and professional 

development opportunities. 

Mentorship and coaching 

Engaging in mentorship programs or seeking 

guidance from experienced event organisers 

can provide invaluable insights and 

support. Mentorship relationships can offer 

personalised advice, help with the sharing 

of practical experiences and guide event 

organisers in their professional journey. At 

Falmouth University we actively encourage 

our under-graduate students to regularly 

participate in the events industry through 

‘micro-placements’ organised by the course 

team and our careers service. 

Industry publications and blogs 

Regularly reading industry publications, 

blogs and newsletters helps event organisers 

stay informed about industry trends, best 

practices and case studies. These sources 

offer valuable insights and practical tips that 

can be applied to future events. 

COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE 

There is a concept we can borrow and apply 

to our sector to help with our industry CPD; 

we can consider ourselves as a ‘Communities 

of Practice’ (CoP) – essentially a social group, 

organisation or network that learns and 

develops knowledge and understanding – 

then shares this knowledge to increase its 

own performance and practice and that of 

others. 

There is much research to show that 

groups of people who share a concern or 

a passion for something they do learn to 

do it better as they interact regularly. CoPs 

are not new and there are many examples 

throughout history that demonstrate how 

social interaction and shared best practice 

have helped communities develop, such 

as developments in medicine and nursing, 

artists adopting new techniques and military 

tactics. 

As event professionals we constantly 

evaluate and review our work during the 

planning, delivery and post-event phases. 

Perhaps now we should adopt a similar 

approach for ourselves, by spending some 

time on reflection, some soul-searching and 

some self-analysis to guide us in the next 

steps of our professional development. What 

type of learning should we undertake to 

increase our knowledge, understanding and 

experiences of event management and our 

own roles and responsibilities? 

CPD in event management appears to be a 

vital process in order to raise event industry 

standards, performance, expertise and 

hopefully salaries. 


Matt Kirby is a senior 

lecturer and course leader 

for the BA(Hons) Creative 

Events Management course 

at Falmouth University and 

has worked as an academic for 

15 years. Prior to this Matt worked in 

corporate events for 10 years. matt.kirby@ 

falmouth.ac.uk / www.falmouth.ac.uk/ 

study/undergraduate/creative-eventsmanagement 


EVENTS 



Adidas Manchester Marathon 

Product: Black out 10.5m x 20m black out 

stretch tent for Adidas 

Supplier: Alternative Stretch Tents, 01920 

455461, 

info@alternative-stretch.co.uk, 

www.alternative-stretch-tents.co.uk 

Details: The Adidas Manchester Marathon 

is one of the UK’s premier running events, 

famous for its fast, flat and friendly route. 

The event prides itself on welcoming all 

to take on the 26.2 mile challenge, from 

some of the world’s greatest elite runners 

to those who thought completing a 

marathon would never be possible. 

Able to be rigged on hard standing, over 

20 tonnes of ballast was used to erect 

the stretch tent that Adidas used at the 

finish line. Sited at the Old Trafford Cricket 

Ground the stretch tent created 200sqm 

of room for Adidas to portray its new 

merchandise for all runners post-race. 

Along with Adidas’ brand new wrapped 

van sitting snug under the tent, the team 

created branded walls and shoe stands 

for the public to interact with. The black 

out tent also supplied a great contrast of 

shade for those who had been running in 

the sun all day and wet coverage for those 

setting up the day before! All in all it was 

the perfect canopy for such a prestigious 

brand and event. 

Customer feedback: The event 

coordinator at Adidas Events said: “What a 

fantastic stretch tent design by Alternative 

Stretch Tents – the most perfect tent 

for our brand. Practical, perfect and 

stylish. See you next year for Manchester 

Marathon 2024!” 

Solar Powered Stage Box 

The Stage Bus 

0121 585 9264 

info@thestagebus.com 

www.thestagebus.com 

The Stage Box is the newest concept of solar-powered 

mobile stage from The Stage Bus. This clever stage unit is 

built into a shipping container and boasts all of the usual 

Stage Bus features such as integrated sound and lighting 

systems, plus a few bells and whistles features too. 

The Stage Box is able to de-mount from its 

transportation vehicle, leaving just the slick-looking Box insitu. 

It also has height-adjustable hydraulic legs to ensure 

great visibility for your audience. The Stage Box also has 

a 90" video screen in the rear wall which can be used to 

display branding/footage/sponsorship logos etc. The unit 

can be fully brand-wrapped, making it a great option for 

experiential marketing. 

This stage has been designed with longer-term hires 

in mind – it can be left securely in-situ for several weeks/ 

months and with its clever remote access technology, our 

crew can troubleshoot from our Birmingham HQ. 


EVENTS 

Primavera Sound, Spain 

Product: Lapee, the female urinal 

Supplier: Plastic Solutions (Aldridge), 

0800 334 5742 / 01922 716725, 

sales@plasticsol.com, www.plasticsol.com 

Details: Primavera Sound is one of the highest attended music festivals in Europe 

with audiences of up to 220,000. The main event takes place annually in Barcelona 

with additional versions being staged in Madrid, Porto, LA and South America. 

Lapee, the female urinal, has become an integral part of Primavera Sound, a 

large music event that values gender equality both on stage and for the audience. 

Recognising that the toilet queues were always longer for ladies than for men, and 

that 90% of toilet queues were women needing only to urinate, Primavera Sound 

turned to Lapee, a product that perfectly aligns with their values and vision. 

Lapee’s creators understood that women often faced longer queues and ended 

up going to the bushes to pee, challenging their dignity and safety. The result of 

their design was Lapee, a single piece, female urinal toilet consisting of three squaturinal 

positions, moulded from bright pink, recyclable plastic. The tall, curved walls 

envelop and screen users from view, while encouraging quick use. 

Lapee takes only 30 seconds to use compared with up to three minutes for a 

regular toilet cubicle. An inbuilt 1,100 litre tank stores waste liquid underneath, 

allowing for 3,500+ visits. Lapee creates a more streamlined and accessible toilet 

experience for female attendees, offering privacy, safety, speed, hygiene and 

gender equality – all of which resonated deeply with Primavera Sound. 

Lapee’s impact goes beyond the festival grounds. It inspires others to challenge 

the status quo and strive for equal access to toilet facilities. As Primavera 

Sound continues to champion Lapee, it sets an example for other events and 

organisations, promoting a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to 

portable toilet facilities. 

With Lapee, Primavera Sound ensures that their festival-goers have access to an 

efficient, safe and inclusive experience. By choosing Lapee, they make a statement 

about their dedication to providing equal opportunities and supporting innovative 

solutions that enhance the overall festival experience. 

British Bespoke Structures 

BOND Fabrications 

01453 767171 



Associated with bespoke quality for over 30 

years, BOND is a leader in British design and 

manufacturing with a full design and supply service 

available from its Gloucestershire factory. 

In recent years BOND has focused on the 

technical side of its design and production 

capabilities adding further technology to both its 

design and manufacturing processes, supporting its 

ability to work closely with clients to create unique 

structures offering their locations or events that 

all important exclusive image and brand identity 

required to stand out from the crowd. 

All BOND’s structures are made in the UK of 

the highest quality using structural engineers 

where necessary. It only makes to order, offering a 

personalised, client-led design service and using 

only high performance outdoor technical fabrics 

and a variety of frame types. 

The team is proud of its reputation in the 

industry, thriving on long-lasting relationships with 

clients – they also enjoy a challenge! 

Customer Feedback: Pablo Soler, director of Primavera Sound, said: “Thank you 

for the work you did with us. Lapee helped us properly manage an essential service 

for our audience during a record-breaking year in terms of attendance.” 

Zero Waste Flexible Event Structures 

CORE Bar and Event Hire 

0845 299 6499 

sales@core-barandeventhire.com 

www.core-barandeventhire.com 

The MESR-Technic structure from CORE Bar and Event Hire takes 

advantage of the extensive benefits of carbon fibre and carbon fibre 

composite materials. Create structures for almost any outdoor or 

even indoor event, with multiple levels and numerous shapes and 

configurations. 

Infinite flexibility means endless possibilities. These structures are 

modular and adaptable, light enough to be transported and assembled 

by a small team, yet strong enough to provide a festival stand or 

community space for those events that need it most. Fully assembled 

within a few hours, MESR-Technic provides quick and safe solutions with 

a zero waste philosophy. 


EVENTS 


Professional Services 

Santa Pod Raceway, Bedfordshire 

Service: Camping and parking management 

Supplier: Just Event Services, 01276 590325, contactus@justeventservices.co.uk, 

www.justeventservices.co.uk 

Details: Just Event Services has provided car parking for several events at Santa Pod 

Raceway in Bedfordshire since May, with large events also needing camp and pitch 

marshals. 

The last large event was Bug Jam, a VW festival. Just Event Services provided a large 

team that was split into five smaller teams to manage each field for camping during 

the build-up on a Thursday and Friday followed by day parking over the following 

weekend. With wet weather conditions, it was challenging ensuring no one got stuck! 

Customer feedback: Santa Pod Raceway said: “Great teamwork and direction. 

Despite being new to the site, all went well.” 

Manufacturing, Washing and Repairing Structures in Britain 

BCT Outdoors 

01274 728469 



BCT Outdoors, a proud manufacturer of British tents, takes immense pride 

in its renowned service department, which complements the products and 

showcases its commitment to maintaining and enhancing the lifespan of 

outdoor shelters. Specialising in providing comprehensive support for 

large-scale events, campsites and glamping experiences, BCT Outdoors 

is an expert in the field with washing and servicing facilities that can 

handle a wide range of outdoor shelters on a grand scale. 

From accommodating large events with numerous canvas tents 

and marquees to servicing expansive glamping setups, BCT Outdoors 

ensures that every shelter receives meticulous care. Its skilled 

technicians offer repair and tent washing services, catering to various 

outdoor shelters, including canvas tents, both cotton and PVC, as well as 

marquees and tipis. 

The inspection process plays a crucial role in the service, guaranteeing 

that each tent receives the utmost care and attention. This complements 

the company’s manufacture of high-quality British tents, setting standards 

throughout its entire range of products and services. 


STEPHANIE STEVENS 

EVENTS 

Developing Event 

Businesses 

Charlotte Winship Consulting 

07493 350303 

charlotte@charlotte 

winship.com 

www.charlottewinship.com 

Charlotte Winship works with venues 

and landowners throughout the UK looking to expand 

into the wedding and events market. Her long career 

in venue management has given her broad experience 

in sales and marketing, event management, customer 

service, business development, change management, 

risk analysis, supplier management and HR. 

Charlotte has successfully launched new businesses 

and transformed venues into profitable and highly 

regarded organisations. 

Her services are tailored to meet the unique needs of 

each of her clients. If you need straightforward guidance 

on where to begin or more hands-on support to help you 

develop your business, Charlotte can help. 

There are no quick ways to success but Charlotte can 

be relied upon to give honest and professional advice 

to help you move forward confidently, and a calm and 

reassuring presence throughout your business journey. 

Book a free 30 minute discovery call by emailing 

charlotte@charlottewinship.com. 

New Cutting Machine 

Kayospruce 

01489 581696 

info@kayospruce.co.uk 

www.kayospruce.com 

Kayospruce is a trusted supplier in the tent and marquee industry, 

offering a wide range of high-quality fabrics and innovative solutions. 

With its state-of-the-art cutting machine service, its brings precision and 

efficiency to the fabric cutting process, ensuring flawless results for tent 

and marquee manufacturers. 

The brand new cutting machine at Kayospruce is a game-changer for 

the industry. With its advanced technology and capabilities, it enables 

accurate and fast cutting of fabrics, allowing for seamless production of 

tent panels, covers and other components. This cutting-edge equipment 

ensures consistent sizing, clean edges and reduced material waste, 

optimising both time and resources. 

Kayospruce understands the unique demands of the tent and 

marquee industry. Its cutting machine service is tailored to meet the 

specific requirements of manufacturers, delivering outstanding quality 

and efficiency. Whether it’s large-scale orders or custom designs, the 

team has the expertise and equipment to handle diverse projects with 

precision and speed. 

Partnering with Kayospruce for your fabric cutting needs means 

access to industry-leading materials, technical expertise and exceptional 

customer support. Kayospruce is dedicated to helping clients 

succeed by providing reliable and cost-effective solutions. 

C RE® 

EVENT-STRUCTURES 

UNIQUE OUTDOOR 

MULTI-LEVEL STRUCTURES 

Dyester corp is a leading brand specialist in 

innovative outdoor lifestyle products. Check our 

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Yurts, luxury glamping tents and custom made 

shipping container homes. Our products are used 

by individuals, glamping operators, corporations 

and much more. 

CALL NOW FOR A FREE QUOTE 

T: 0845 299 6499 - E: sales@core-eventstructures.com 

www.core-eventstructures.com 

DYESTER.COM 

USA: +1 561 807 1969 UK +44 330 0272104 

info@dyester.com 

WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 59 

ADVERT-EVENT-STRUCTURES.indd 1 27/01/2022 12:07:22

Spot light 

A roundup of products for the outdoor hospitality industry 

BRITISH MADE SAFARI TENTS 

AND MORE 

BOND Fabrications 

01453 767171 



Well known for its beautiful canvas 

safari tents, BOND has produced 

stunning tents and marquees of all 

shapes and sizes for over 35 years! 

With its skill and expertise, BOND 

can design and produce tents to 

order for all locations – wedding 

venues, farm shops, glamping, 

festival style and exclusive event 

venues. 

Whether for a permanent 

installation or moveable, BOND 

has years of experience and uses 

a range of frame types to suit each 

specific location and use. With its 

in-house CAD design service and 

a focus on British made quality, 

BOND has an excellent reputation 

throughout the industry and works 

closely with each client from its 

Gloucestershire factory. 

LAPEE – THE FEMALE URINAL 

Plastic Solutions (Aldridge) 

01922 716725 

sales@plasticsol.com 

www.plasticsol.com 

Lapee is a game-changer for 

ladies at events, addressing the 

fact that ladies typically form a 

large proportion of toilet queues. 

Lapee is a single piece, female 

urinal consisting of three squaturinal 

positions moulded in bright 

pink plastic. The tall, curved walls 

envelop and screen users from 

view: users can oversee the nearby 

area while still being private. Lapee 

takes only 30 seconds to use, 

compared with up to three minutes 

for a regular toilet cubicle. Lapee 

creates a more streamlined and 

accessible toilet experience for 

women attendees, offering privacy, 

safety, speed, hygiene and gender 

equality. 

BESPOKE, PREMIUM 

SHEPHERD HUTS 

Regency Shepherd Huts 

07807 072080 

info@regencyshepherdhuts.co.uk 


We offer a totally bespoke service, 

building premium shepherd huts. 

Each hut is custom made and 

totally different. We pride ourselves 

on high-end finishing and like to 

co-design with our customers, 

listening to their creative ideas, 

whilst lending our experience to 

advise what is achievable. 

The most popular cladding we 

cater for is green oak or coloured, 

corrugated tin. We love to create a 

sumptuous feel to our huts so we 

include quartz worktops, chunky 

oak steps, an over-bed roof light 

and a pop up TV as standard. All 

internal decor is tailored to suit the 

taste of the customer. 

PERFO GROUND REINFORCEMENT 

SYSTEM 

S2T Group 

01992 522797 

www.perfo.co.uk 

S2T Group’s PERFO range of 

ground protection products 

comprises a system of interlocking, 

self-anchoring permeable plastic 

tiles which are embedded into an 

existing surface, eg. a mature grass 

area or prepared base consisting of 

a layer of crushed stone chippings, 

depending on the application. 

A number of light to heavy duty 

solutions are available to suit 

varied ground conditions, traffic 

profiles and loading requirements. 

Unlike other geogrid systems, 

PERFO tiles are usually installed 

without the need for excavation, 

being compacted directly into the 

existing surface using rollers or 

compactor plates. Installation is 

therefore rapid and planning issues 

less problematic. 


TOTAL WASTE SOLUTIONS 

Glampsan 

0800 999 6010 

sales@glampsan.com 

www.glampsan.com 

Glampsan supplies an 

“evolution” of toilet and waste 

handling solutions. At one end 

of the spectrum, choose from 

composting, separating and low 

volume flush toilets, or even the 

new CampPlus ensuite washroom 

pod, which includes a toilet, 

shower, heating and wash basin. 

Once you have a toilet solution 

in place, you may need waste 

collection tanks – above or below 

ground. Glampsan can supply 

these and also sewage lifting 

stations and pumps (to move 

waste across your site) as well as 

sewage treatment plants. 

THE NEW ALL IN ONE SOLAR 

BATTERY 

Lifos 

01952 200198 

hello@lifos.co.uk 

www.lifos.co.uk 

The Lifos Fort PV is a unique, all in 

one solar battery system designed 

to significantly reduce diesel usage 

and carbon emissions. It’s probably 

one of the greenest choices you 

can make. 

It comes with 18 solar panels, 

providing 3.4kW of power, plus a 

market leading five year guarantee. 

The Fort also offers intelligent 

performance monitoring, carbon 

reporting and a wide range of 

storage (11kWh to 70kWh) and 

output options (11kVa to 66kVa). 

In addition, an innovative battery 

cell replacement scheme delivers 

significant financial upsides and 

lifetime cost savings, which means 

less cost to you and the planet. 

LOG CABINS IN EVERY STYLE 

Scandinavian Homes 

0845 299 6337 

homes@scandinavianhomes.com 

www.scandinavianhomes.com 

From cabins for couples to family 

sized holiday homes, a beautiful 

log cabin will last a lifetime. 

Contact us today to discuss your 

ideas. 

Log cabins to suit all situations, 

self-contained and ideal for year 

round use. With traditional, 

contemporary, and even mobile 

home options available, take a 

look at our portfolio of ideas and 

work with us to develop your 

perfect guest accommodation. 

SPECIALIST MARKETING AGENCY 

Unique hideaways 

01736 230 140 

hello@uniquehideaways.com 

www.uniquehideaways.com 

Unique hideaways is a collection 

of one-of-a-kind places to stay in 

hidden corners across the UK. From 

dreamy cliff top cabins, to bespoke 

quirky structures, if it takes those 

on a journey to a place unknown to 

most, they’ve got their name on it. 

With over 15 years’ experience, 

Unique hideaways is a specialist 

marketing agency for luxury 

glamping accommodation. The 

team provides free consultancy, 

helping from field to finish and 

beyond; it’s all part of their 

unbeatable service. Their portfolio 

of hidden havens is ever growing, 

reflecting their work to ensure 

each hideaway is marketed to the 

highest standard. 


Classified Directory 

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From 

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• Structure Support and Levelling 

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• Cassette Floors 

• Bespoke Engineering 

+44 121 526 6060 

info@regenteng.com 


UNIQUE • QUALITY • CUSTOMISABLE 

01389 887205 www.logspan.com 

CREATED BY YOU, MADE BY US! 

Electrical Installations & Repairs 

Solar PV & Battery Storage 

Call for a 

FREE 

Quotation 

07860 508091 

martin@mmelectrical.co.uk 

electrical & shopfitting 

contractors ltd 





Glamping, Leisure Park & Outdoor Hospitality Specialists 

©2009 

® 

www.BCTshop.co.uk 

01453 767171 



A NEW CYCLING 

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DRY HIRE OR FULL SERVICE 

T: 0845 299 6499 - E: sales@core-barandeventhire.com 

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Advert - small.indd 1 16/04/2021 16:04:43 

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PEOPLE 

Behind the Scenes 

Samaritans’ 

Festival branch 

A day in the life helping people “not having a great time” at festivals 

AS MUSIC fans head to festivals this 

summer, Samaritans have set up camp 

in their usual spots, in the middle of the 

revelling masses. 

Samaritans’ Festival Branch volunteers 

have been going to outdoor events since 

the 1970s, offering emotional support 

to thousands. Here volunteers Janet 

and Marion describe a typical day at 

Samaritans’ Festival branch. 

Janet: Between 6am and 9am, we talk 

to a lot of people who haven’t gone to bed 

or who are waking up and coming over 

if they’ve had a bad night. We get some 

sleepy ones, but some who can be really 

animated or agitated too. As with any 

Samaritans branch, we will always give 

a warm welcome to people who want to 

come and talk to us. We complement the 

welfare offer at festivals, and very often 

“I REMEMBER ONE GROUP 

OF LADS WHO ALL SEEMED 

HAPPY BECAUSE THEY’D 

GOT THEIR EXAM RESULTS 

BUT ONE PERSON HADN’T 

ACHIEVED WHAT HIS 

PARENTS HAD HOPED AND 

HE WAS REALLY DOWN 

ABOUT IT” 

staff from the festival’s welfare team will 

direct people to us who need emotional 

rather than physical first aid. 

Marion: “By 10am people who haven’t 

had too heavy a night are up and about, 

and the site really begins to come alive. 

Then the shift changes, fresh volunteers 

arrive while others head back to our camp 

to rest. 

From 11am to midday, people start to 

head towards the bands, we get a big ebb 

and flow of people. Our tent is very visible 

and it’s a great opportunity to promote 

what we do – not everyone is looking for 

support, many at that time of the day are 

just curious about who we are and what 

we do. 

Janet: Throughout the day, we get 

busier and busier. The image of a festival 

is that you’re going to have a great time, 

non-stop, but that’s not always the reality, 

especially if you’ve had a lot going on at 

home. You hope things will be better, that 

this will be the panacea. But for many, 

they don’t leave it at home, they can’t 

leave it at home, so they take it with them. 

And sometimes the people they’re with 

GETTY IMAGES 


PEOPLE 

will understand and encourage them to 

talk, but we see a lot of need. People have 

so much going on in their lives. 

We get a lot of people at festivals with 

younger crowds like Reading and Leeds. 

I remember one group of lads who all 

seemed happy because they’d got their 

exam results but one person hadn’t 

achieved what his parents had hoped and 

he was really down about it. 

He stayed and talked to us for a long 

time without his friends and they came 

back for him and were really sympathetic, 

encouraging him to talk about it and deal 

with it. If we hadn’t been at that festival, 

that may not have happened – he wouldn’t 

have had the support from us and he may 

not have had the support from them. And 

you can see them learning from each other 

and encouraging each other to talk about 

their feelings. That can only be a good 

thing. 

Marion: And it’s not just the fans that we 

speak to, it’s also traders and others like 

the people doing security. 

Janet: There are so many people whose 

livelihoods depend on the success of 

festivals. If it’s a bad weather event, the 

takings can be really down, and because 

they’ve invested so much to come here, 

that can have an enormous impact, that 

threat, that stress. 

Marion: Into the evening, as the music 

gets louder and the bands and the crowds 

get bigger, everything becomes much 

more vibrant and there’s much more of a 

buzz about. We’re really busy again. Some 

people just find us in the throng – they 

didn’t know we were here but they end up 

stopping and staying and wanting to talk. 

“VERY OFTEN YOU’LL GET A GROUP THAT COME IN TOGETHER 

TO TALK AND WE’LL LOOK TO SEE THE MAKE-UP OF THE 

GROUP AND PERHAPS NOTICE SOMEONE ON THE EDGE, WHO 

MAYBE ISN’T TALKING. WE’LL GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY 

TO TALK AND THEY’LL OPEN UP...” 

The atmosphere at festivals, the 

friendliness, allows people to open up 

that little bit more, and can help us with 

what we do. That can be true of men in 

particular. They may not meet in the street 

and kiss and hug, unless their football team 

has won or something, but here they feel 

they can. Often they’ll come up and say, 

“All I really want is a hug”, and not just the 

young lads, men and women of all ages. 

Janet: From sun down to sun up, it’s 

party time, that’s the really crazy time, and 

that’s when we start to get people affected 

by drugs and alcohol. The melancholy sets 

in and in the early hours, as people are 

coming down, a lot of things can become 

an issue and people want to open up. We 

have a lot more volunteers on from 10pm 

to 2am as that’s our busiest time. 

Very often you’ll get a group that come 

in together to talk and we’ll look to see the 

make-up of the group and perhaps notice 

someone on the edge, who maybe isn’t 

talking. We’ll give them an opportunity to 

talk and they’ll open up – something they 

wouldn’t have felt able to do in earshot of 

the whole group. Our training makes us 

really alert to who it is that really needs the 

emotional support. 

Marion: By 6am, you’ll have people 

coming off shift and then of course, we 

have people starting. There is no day or 

night with Festival branch! 

Janet: Often, we get people coming back 

more than once at a festival. Sometimes 

it’s simply to say thank you – “If you hadn’t 

been here last night, I don’t know what I’d 

have done.” 

MORE INFO 

Festival Samaritans attend a range of 

festivals and events throughout the UK, 

from Bloodstock to biker rallies to Leeds. 

Samaritans is present at between 18-20 

festivals a year. 

The service provides a 24 hour, nonjudgemental, 

confidential face-to-face listening 

service throughout each event where people 

can discuss anything that’s getting them down. 

Whether people feel suicidal or not they are 

given the opportunity to talk through whatever 

is on their mind with a non-judgemental 

volunteer who is trained to listen. 

www.samaritans.org/branches/festival-branch 


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18th & 19th October - Newbury Showground

Issue 59

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