Issue 62

ISSUE 62 | 2024 | www.openairbusiness.com
BUSINESS
VENUES
› Styled Shoots
› Interiors
GLAMPSITES
› Fire Risk
› Infrastructure
2024 TRENDS
EVENTS
› Stage Design
› Festival Ready
CASE STUDIES: ALL MANOR OF EVENTS • BOUNDARY FARM • BLACK DEER FESTIVAL

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ISSUE 62 | 2024 | www.openairbusiness.com
WELCOME
HELLO, AND welcome to the Trends issue of Open Air
Business. What better way to gear you up for the year
than with some expert insight into how the market
is evolving. Hopefully nothing will be too much of a
surprise and it is early enough in the year to make
any tweaks necessary to operations. Or take this
as a chance to assess your offering and how some
investment could radically change your business
going forward with these market forces in mind.
In a nutshell, it’s wellness, sustainability and authenticity – across all
sectors. Lean into nature connectivity while not being afraid to ‘let the robots
do the work’ (thank you Charlotte Winship – page 22) for the boring office
jobs. Make the most of tech for automated tasks while you concentrate on
your real life customers. These trends are delightful and demonstrate to me
how our big wide world does contain people who value and thus demand
planet friendly and natural experiences. Mainstream news outlets may not
cover it much but there is good in humanity and we have the fun of coming
up with creative ways to deliver venues, glampsites and events that cater to
this.
You may have noticed we soft launched a podcast towards the end of last
year. Well, we’ve been busy behind the scenes and will be properly up and
running with regular episodes soon, starting with the interviews behind our
‘Entrepreneur’s Chat’ feature. If you have any ideas or feedback please do get
in touch.
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
RECEIVE 7 ISSUES FOR £20
To start a paid subscription, please visit
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Contents ISSUE 62 – 2023
UPFRONT
4 News
6 Product News
27 Styled Shoots –
collaboration best
practice and getting
published
50 Infrastructure –
products in action
EVENTS
Find more expert advice online:
www.openairbusiness.com
10 Event Production
Show
12 Farm Business
Innovation Show
Review
31 Heat, Power &
Lighting – products in
action
33 Interiors – products in
action
55 Black Deer Festival
– only the best in
authentic Americana
60 Trends – navigating
2024
BUSINESS
14 Entrepreneur’s
Chat – Adrian Derx,
Knightor
FUNCTION VENEUS
18 All Manor of Events
– a farm barn venue
with hand built pods
22 Trends – data driven
insights from Canopy
& Stars
GLAMPSITES
35 Boundary Farm –
safari tents and a
Scandi cabin in Suffolk
40 Trends – insights from
Charlotte Winship
46 Fire Risk – are you up
to date with the law?
49 Professional Services
– products in action
62 Stage Design – the
thought behind
Junction 2’s incredible
stages
67 Festival Ready –
products in action
70 Spotlight
72 Classifieds
74 Behind the Scenes –
Tom Cheshire, South
West Backline
SUBSCRIBE
ONLINE
VENUES
› Styled Shoots
› Interiors
GLAMPSITES
› Fire Risk
› Infrastructure
EVENTS
› Stage Design
2024 TRENDS › Festival Ready
CASE STUDIES: ALL MANOR OF EVENTS • BOUNDARY FARM • BLACK DEER FESTIVAL
COVER PHOTO
Steeldeck Rentals for The Royal Horticultural Society
at Chatsworth House for Chatsworth Flower Show.
(more from Steeldeck on page 68)
020 7833 2031, rentals@steeldeck.co.uk,
www.steeldeck.co.uk. Photography by
Tez Sheals-Barrett, In The Bag Pro
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 3

Accessibility
Toolkit for Tourism
Businesses
VISITENGLAND HAS launched its new
‘Accessible and Inclusive Toolkit’ for tourism
businesses which includes guidance on
providing an inclusive welcome, designing
accessible buildings, employing disabled
people and creating quality accessibility
information.
Tourism minister Sir John Whittingdale
said: “It is the government’s ambition for
the UK to become the most accessible
tourism destination in Europe by 2025, as
set out in our Tourism Recovery Plan. I very
much support the new toolkit and hope for
it to become the go-to resource for visitor
economy businesses across England.”
The free toolkit includes case studies,
top 20 tips and downloadable business
specific checklists to plan and prioritise
improvements. Visit www.visitbritain.org/
business-advice
Canopy & Stars
Acquires Crown
& Canopy
THE SAWDAY’S group of travel brands,
which includes Canopy & Stars, has
acquired a leading glamping consultancy,
Crown & Canopy known for the planning
and delivery of bespoke glamping spaces
across the UK. Crown & Canopy has
been a long-standing partner of Canopy
& Stars and its purchase will allow
the expansion of the holiday agency’s
consultancy offering, including advising
owners on funding routes, and extending
RIBA architect design services to develop
innovative and sustainable build projects.
Mike Bevens, managing director at
the Sawday’s Group, says: “We have a
long-standing partnership with Ed and his
team at Crown & Canopy, and we’re really
excited to see how by joining forces we
can strengthen our consultancy offering
and build a bright and sustainable future
for glamping in the UK and beyond.”
Purple Guide Environmental Sustainability Chapter
THE PURPLE Guide’s new Environmental Sustainability chapter is a concise
overview, signposting areas of best practice for outdoor events. It will help guide the
industry to its aim of reaching Net Zero by 2030.
The best practices championed in The Purple Guide have become accepted as
industry standard for organisers, local authorities and suppliers, to comply with
legislation and create safe events.
It is hoped the guidance across the Environmental Sustainability chapter will
similarly become a standardised part of everyone’s event plans and drive a shift to
create a more environmentally sustainable events sector.
The content was created by Vision: 2025, a network of over 500 events taking
climate action. www.thepurpleguide.co.uk
Dragon’s Den Investment
GLAMPING ENTREPRENEUR Derry Green impressed on the BBC’s
Dragon’s Den reality show to secure £100,000 investment for 5% of
his business, Secret Garden Glamping, from Deborah Meaden.
Derry says: “The Secret Garden Glamping is a project I started
with my children in lockdown of 2020 as a place in the garden for
us to spend our time. We are now the most viewed, most followed,
and most booked glamping site in the UK, with nearly half a
billion views online and being fully booked for around two years
in advance. I went on the show to see if I could take my ‘dad build’
with the kids to a national audience and it was one of the greatest
experiences of my life.
Derry will use the investment to develop further sites across
the UK.
4 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

59 Pods for NEC Birmingham
THE NEC Group has secured
planning consent for a major
glamping resort at its campus
in Solihull. The site will be
situated by the lake opposite
the National Exhibition
Centre (NEC) and Resorts
World Arena.
It will be made up of
59 pods and be able to
accommodate a total of
236 guests at a time. Andy
Cole, director of property,
partnerships and media at
the NEC, said: “We're always
trying to push the boundaries
in diversifying the use of
Green Events
& Innovations
Conference
the NEC Campus to support
our core exhibition and
arenas business. Our latest
addition, in partnership
with AvantGlamp, perfectly
complements our ambitions
to create a competitive 24/7
destination to work, rest, live
and play, and adds to the
existing destination offer.”
Materials and Waste Management Toolkit
VISION: 2025 and Julie’s Bicycle launched a Sustainable Materials and Waste
Management Toolkit for festivals at the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF)
Congress this month.
The toolkit, developed by leading experts in waste and sustainability and supported
by the industry Waste Task Force, provides practical step-by-step guidance and
resources for those managing procurement and waste at greenfield festivals, including
checklists, policy templates and guidance tips. www.vision2025.org.uk
THE GREEN Events & Innovations
Conference (GEI) welcomed 400
delegates to the Royal Lancaster
London for its 16th edition in
February.
Sessions covered extreme
weather events, with a presentation from climate scientist Professor Richard Betts,
greenwashing with Luke Howell (sustainability advisor to Coldplay and Glastonbury Festival),
and The World’s First Carbon-Removed Gig – The 1975 at The O2 Arena.
The Quick-Fire Innovation Round saw unique and innovative sustainability ideas presented,
including ChefChain (blockchain for food traceability), ReClaim Audio (recycled speakers), and
FibreStrap (biodegradable cable ties). The agenda also tackled the structures on which the live
sector depends, including artist contract clauses, with a session hosted by head of sustainability
for EMEA at Live Nation, Patricia Yagüe.
It’s not possible to consider green events without considering the stage. ‘Greening The Stage’,
hosted by John Robb (Louder Than War) discussed what we have in our toolbox today to design
stages that mitigate the use of virgin materials, reduce emissions, and start working towards the
circular economy.
The day rounded up with the International AGF Awards 2024 sponsored by Skydiamond,
with 27 events, venues and innovators from 12 countries as finalists. The top accolade – the
International Greener Festival Award 2024 – went to Belgium’s Paradise City, which also
scooped the Greener Catering Award.
British award winners included Green Gathering (the Greener Power Award) and 6 Degrees by
Team Love & re:right design (the Greener Innovations Award).
SHOTAWAY
AFO Hands
over to AIF
STEVE HEAP will retire from his
position as general secretary of the
Association of Festival Organisers (AFO)
in April, handing over the operation to
John Rostron and the Association of
Independent Festivals (AIF).
Steve Heap has been AFO’s general
secretary since its formation in 1987.
Since then it has grown to represent
102 event organisers. The AIF is the UK’s
leading national not for profit festival
trade association. Together, the AIF
and AFO will have a collective voice
representing 202 festival promoters and
event organisers across the UK.
Steve Heap said: “Since founding AFO,
I have devoted a considerable amount
of time, effort and love to the grassroots
festival industry. Members and I have
worked together to build a stronger,
well-recognised and sustainable future.
Retiring from this desk now, after 38
years, is a big tug and I will leave all the
‘thank yous’ to my personal letters later.
For now and the future, I am delighted
to be giving the reins to John Rostron
and the team at AIF, where I know AFO
members will find support, knowledge,
campaigning and unity in this world of
festivals. AFO members are creative,
conscientious, and resilient, and I believe
will embrace this change of management
with enthusiasm, leading on to a real
recovery and strong, successful season
in 2024.”
AIF CEO John Rostron said: “Steve
is a legend in the festival world and
he’ll be greatly missed as he begins his
retirement from AFO. We’ll continue to
support AFO members in the way they’ve
become accustomed, but also bring new
opportunities and strength by having so
many independent festivals together in
one place. I’m pleased that I’ll still get
time with Steve as he offers his wisdom
and support as he steps back to enjoy
more time in the fields, and less time at
a desk.”
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 5

PRODUCT
Staying Ahead of the
Curve with Armadilla’s
Latest
LUXURY POD firm Armadilla has started the year by
adding to its portfolio. The Kurv, Armadilla’s most
recent product, is a fully accessible group/family unit
that can accommodate up to six people, making it
ideal for venues that require group accommodation.
Aligned with Armadilla’s trademark, the Kurv is clad
in Accoya wood and features an organic curved
façade that perfectly blends in both traditional and
contemporary settings.
The Kurv boasts all the same features that
Armadilla is known for. Its interior is as luxurious
as that of Armadilla Pod and Wave series, offering
a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
(MVHR) system, underfloor heating and an inaccommodation
pod control system that enables
customisation of several aspects of the unit,
including lighting, heating, sound system and
electric blinds among others.
The growing demand for larger accommodation
cabins across the UK and Europe has made
Armadilla expand its offering, providing this fully
accessible self-contained lodge that caters for
the needs of families and big groups. In line with
Armadilla’s philosophy, the Kurv puts efficiency and
sustainability alongside its aesthetic at the forefront
of its design. Delivered fully assembled and with a
rapid plug-and-play installation, the Kurv requires
minimal ground interruption, making it possible to
have it up and running in less than 24 hours.
0131 440 4000, sales@armadilla.co.uk,
www.armadilla.co.uk
Remote Drive Trucks
DAVIS TRACKHIRE, a leading provider
of temporary roadway (trackway) in the
UK, has announced the addition of two
new remote drive hydrostatic trucks
to their fleet. The 26t Volvo 480HP
Globetrotter and a Scania R460 offer a
safer and more efficient method of onsite
manoeuvring, using eight cameras
and sonar technology to drastically
increase safety, efficiency and job
precision when laying ground mats.
This cutting-edge technology is
set to massively benefit the trackway
industry and Davis Trackhire is proud to
be a pioneer of it. This new technology
allows Davis crew to drive to sites as
normal, setup ready to lay or retrieve
the trackway at the rear of the truck
using the lorry mounted Palfinger
Epsilon Q150Z and SMC Trackway
Clamp, and then engage a hydrostatic
system via a remote drive control unit.
The system allows the controller to
stand at the rear of the truck with the
aid of a banksman and a monitor with
views from all angles, before making
moves via the Scanreco remote control
that is also used to control the lorry
loader.
“So far we are delighted with the
on-site performance of our first two
‘remote-controlled’ installation
trucks,” says owner Blake Davis. “We
will monitor both our customers and
site teams feedback in terms of safety
and productivity for a period of time
before rolling this system out across
the fleet. We believe that this remote
control system coupled with our
unique onboard crew welfare POD’s
(containing shower, WC and wash
hand basin) stands us apart from the
competition in terms of site safety and
crew welfare.”
01698 352751, info@davistrackhire.
com, www. davistrackhire.com
Flat-packed Sauna Pod
LUXURY PODS has created a hexagon shaped pod using its LOCX System for
use as a sauna, steam room or shower room. The flat packed connectors and
extrusion fits onto a single pallet and can be erected (and dismantled) in a
few hours using just one tool.
The super strong, light weight hexagon structural frame uses British
recycled aluminium. The pod has been reverse engineered so that each
side is 4 x 8ft (1,220 x 2,440mm), reducing cutting and preparation time for
cladding and thus material waste. The unique aluminium profile incorporates
channels to screw into, eliminating the need to drill and increasing the speed
and ease of construction. The complex internal webbing of the aluminium
profile makes it strong like steel, corrosion and maintenance free and offers
an expected lifespan of 75+ years.
07767 666999, info@luxurypods.com, www.luxurypods.com
6 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

The All-New
Versatile Fire
Extinguisher
Affordable Recycled Plastic Furniture
LEISUREBENCH, ONE of UK’s leading providers and installers of outdoor products now has
an exclusive recycled plastics outdoor furniture collection. Manufactured by sister company,
SGM Recycled Plastics, LeisureBench has launched a range of sustainable and quality benches,
tables, planters, parking posts, child play and picnic sets to meet commercial, ESG and
environmental agendas.
Experts in value engineering stylish outdoor furniture that stands the test of time, it has
invested in a new manufacturing plant and designs that fulfil the durability and affordability
gap in the outdoor venues market. Rot free, splinter free, maintenance free and featuring a 25
year guarantee.
British made, bespoke and partially assembled range of 100% recycled plastic furniture,
Leisure Bench can manage one-off designs through to multi-site roll-outs.
01949 862920, support@leisurebench.co.uk, www.leisurebench.co.uk
PHOENIX FIRETech is now an
authorised distributor of The Fire
Safety Stick, a new, innovative
fire extinguisher which takes the
guesswork out of using one. It
requires less knowledge or training
for the everyday person and works
on five classes of fire, meaning less
margin for error - there is always
a risk of accidentally choosing an
incorrect traditional extinguisher,
making a fire worse in a high-stress
situation.
The Fire Safety Stick is unlike any
other extinguisher on the market.
It is compact, unpressurised and
is activated much like striking
a match. 15% off with code
OPENAIR24.
01582 353 602, sales@
phoenixfiretech.co.uk,
www.phoenixfiretech.co.uk
Sustainable Water
Harvesting System
THE UNVEILING of the revolutionary Eternal Spring, a thermal deposition
water harvesting system, provides a sustainable solution to water
generation. The game changing, eco friendly technology from Dyester
Corp, led by CEO Barry Sendach, and HGTV’s Modern Homestead allows
users to generate water in any location across the globe, mimicking the
natural water cycle using solar energy, irrespective of prevailing humidity
levels.
“Water vapour comprises 1-2% of Earth’s atmosphere,” says Barry. “High
power requirements for current AWG systems make them impractical
choices for most regions. Most current equipment needs at least 35%
relative humidity to function, prohibitive to places that need it most. Most
technologies have had high up-front costs and are cost-prohibitive in
emerging economies. DWH is the solution!”
The system has had notable endorsement from Chris Miller, former US
Secretary of Defense.
0330 027 2104, info@dyester.com, www.dyester.com
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 7

PRODUCT
Kinedo Launches Kinewall Panels
NO ORDINARY panel, Kinewall by
Kinedo, is a new range of decorative
bathroom wall panels that can
transform not just a shower space,
but a whole bathroom, cloakroom or
utility room.
Comprising a polyethylene core
with an aluminium layer on either
side, panels are available in six sizes
and installation is a simple process.
There is an abundance of choice
with 70 unique patterns, styles and
colours categorised into minerals
and metals, nature, patterns and
geometric, and wood.
If a customer is looking for a
specific design for their space, there
are several options available to
bring their vision to life. Whether
they prefer industrial chic, classy
panelling, a natural look or an
eclectic design, single pattern panels
can be used to offer consistency in
style, or panels can be mixed and
matched to suit their preference.
Half and half style works particularly
well.
Kinewall is manufactured in
France by Kinedo. The panels have
exceptional thermal properties, can
be cut on site and are lightweight
at just 11kg, making them easy to
handle and ideal for installers. They
are also easy to clean and maintain
and can be specified with or without
profiles depending on preference.
Kinedo has partnered with Ideal
Bathrooms to ensure that popular
sizes and colour options are readily
available.
020 8842 0033, info@kinedo.co.uk,
www.kinedo.co.uk
New Tank
Monitoring System
LEESAN, THE Warwickshire based marine sanitation
specialist, has introduced the Gobius C, a completely
new tank contents monitoring system. This clever,
externally top mounted product has been designed
to provide users with exact and continuous level and
volume data of contents, regardless of the geometry
of the tank.
Eliminating guesswork, the simple-to-install,
mess-free system is able to precisely and accurately
measure black water, grey water, fresh water, and
even fuels such as diesel and petrol tank contents.
Taking around 15 minutes to fit and set up, it
features stepless calibration from 0-100% and
provides wireless monitoring directly to any
smartphone. It can also be easily connected to and
integrated with other control systems and external
devices and features minimal power consumption.
The sensor size is just 65mm high x 90mm wide
and works with tanks from a maximum depth of two
meters to a minimum of 0.2m.
01295 770000, info@leesan.com, www.leesan.com
Sustainability Award
Win for Mudcontrol
THE SMALL team at Mudcontrol was delighted to win the Land,
Leisure and Tourism Sustainability Award at the rebranded Farm
Business Innovation Show in November. Mudcontrol works hard to
keep its products sustainable and uses 100% recycled material that
is Playground Certified and designed to last for decades.
The company operates from a small home office and vehicle
movements are minimised by sending direct to clients with no
middle men. Deliveries are made using a national pallet network and
shared delivery options help further reduce delivery miles and costs.
01536 669630, sales@mudcontrol.co.uk,
www.mudcontrol.co.uk
LEFT: Mudcontrol’s Kerry, René and James accepting the award
8 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

Our journey starts and ends with you!
www.woodpeckertubs.co.uk
E: info@woodpeckertubs.co.uk
M: 07435866929

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Event Production
Show 2024
The market for live event promoters,
producers and agencies
DEDICATED TO the live
event industry, the Event
Production Show (EPS) is
the longest-running event
designed for all event
professionals involved in
running outdoor and live
events including festivals,
sport, corporate and brand
experiences, local authority
events and stadium/arena
tours.
The show helps solve the
issues that affect all types
of events across the globe
including sustainability,
crowd management and
safety, creativity and
attendee experience, the
supply chain, diversity and
technology and every other
challenge that promoters
and organisers face every
day.
EPS2024 hosts 150+
innovative exhibitors, 80+
expert speakers and 1,000s of
attendees from every sector
of the live events world. You
discover, learn and meet
more people here in two
days than you can in months
of research and calls from
your place of work!
EPS took place on 28-29
February at ExCel London.
From Exhibitors
“We had an amazing
time exhibiting at
The Event Production
Show at London Excel
this year! It was such
a great opportunity to
connect with so many
talented individuals in
the event production
industry and showcase
what we have to offer.”
Oli Williams,
founder and CEO,
OLLYWOOD
“We had a great time at
the EPS show. Was a great
event to showcase and
soft launch our product
to the market. Lots of
invaluable feedback and
connections made over
the course of the event.”
Theo Meredith, founder
& CEO, Maison Roshi
“It was great to meet
so many people at the
Event Production Show.
We’ve opened up several
new relationships – some
of which resulted in us
visiting clients just days
after leaving the show. We
look forward to next year.”
Mat Lawrence,
director, MLE
Pyrotechnics
“This was our first show
as exhibitors so were unsure
what to expect. We were really
pleased with the amount of
people we spoke to and the
amount of quality enquiries
and connections we made over
the two days. It is definitely
the place to be if you are in the
Events Industry a great place to
network, socialise and pick up
some great ideas.”
Jenny Smith, sales and
business development
manager, Shield Marquee
Manufacturing
10 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
OAB Top Picks
A Star All Solutions STAND D81E
www.astarallsolutions.co.uk
Reliable event toilets, A Star All Solutions has 15 years’
experience in the toilet hire industry, working nationally
on major events and covering a large part of the Midlands
region for construction welfare. There’s no event too big
or small – A Star All Solutions can cater for single day
private parties and weddings to large events with 1,000s
of attendees.
The team also offers waste tanker services and towing
and trailer hire UK-wide
Cupapeel by Just Peel STAND B41E
www.cupapeel.co.uk
The UK’s very first UKCA-marked, plasticfree
paper cup. Cupapeel aims to stand
out in the sustainability market with a
straightforward message – dedicated to
eco-friendly innovation.
The company is proud to be part of a
sustainable solution at events, whether
indoors or outdoors. Its paper cup is a
100% paper alternative to traditional
single-use plastics such as PET and
PLA. It is recyclable, compostable,
biodegradable, PET/PLA free, fully
brandable and made in the UK.
Sandpit Creations STAND E70E
www.sandpitcreations.com
The one stop workshop
providing creative
development, design,
fabrication, and maintenance
services for the arts and
creative industries. Sandpit
Creations’ team can help from
narrative development right
down to the technical build plans
with experienced set builders expert
in a range of modern and traditional
fabrication techniques including fibreglass and textural effects.
The team is passionate about the latest developments in
microelectronics, microprocessors and robotics, and can create
a range of special effects, tricks, escape room reveals and
interactive exhibits.
The Stage Bus STAND G90E
www.thestagebus.com
The Stage Bus is the UK’s foremost supplier of solarpowered
mobile stages. Covering events nationwide
from its Birmingham HQ, The Stage Bus designs and
manufactures its own stages in-house and has created
some of the most efficient stages in the business, owing
to their fully-integrated AV systems.
With a fleet of eight stages, The Stage Bus is able
to cover an array of outdoor events from the most
intimate gatherings to larger, well-attended live events.
Singpods STAND J51E
www.singpods.com
For venues and events, SingPod offers the ultimate entertainment
solution. These soundproof karaoke booths deliver unmatched fun and
revenue potential. Consider the SingPod a permanent addition or as a
captivating addition
to an event’s lineup.
Install SingPod as a
permanent attraction
to generate extra
income with pay-toplay.
Attract festivalgoers
with a unique
karaoke experience,
enhancing the overall
festival atmosphere
or enhance your
venue by offering
SingPod as a
memorable, familyfriendly
activity.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 11

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Land, Leisure
& Tourism
Show
Looking back at exhibitors from last year’s
Farm Business Innovation Show and a look
to the future as it rebrands as LLTS
IN AN exciting development that mirrors the everevolving
landscape of the industries it serves, the Farm
Business Innovation Show, along with the concurrent
Holiday Park and Resort Innovation, Family Attraction
Expo and Leisure Food and Beverage Expo, have been
rebranded as Land, Leisure and Tourism Show (LLTS).
Introducing the new title marks a significant shift in
how organiser Agriconnect approaches these sectors
collectively. It is dedicated to breaking down barriers
between industries, fostering collaboration and the
cross-pollination of ideas, and creating a vibrant space
where land, leisure and tourism come together to shape
an exhilarating future.
The show team wants
to assure exhibitors,
attendees and partners
that this rebranding
journey does not signal
the end of Farm Business
Innovation Show and
others. They will continue
to thrive and evolve
within LLTS, which will
offer dedicated spaces for
farmers and landowners,
holiday park owners,
family attraction creators
and culinary enthusiasts.
This consolidation ensures
that each sector retains
its unique identity and
focuses on the specialised
“THE SHOW
TEAM WANTS
TO ASSURE
EXHIBITORS,
ATTENDEES
AND PARTNERS
THAT THIS
REBRANDING
JOURNEY DOES
NOT SIGNAL
THE END OF
FARM BUSINESS
INNOVATION
SHOW AND
OTHERS”
knowledge and networking opportunities the industry
has come to expect.
LLTS represents more than just a rebrand, it signifies a
forward-thinking approach to the ever-changing world
of land, leisure and tourism. It grants organisers the
flexibility to explore additional zones in the future, such
as outdoor pursuits and outdoor events.
This transformation isn’t about leaving behind what
we know and love, it’s about expanding horizons and
embracing the limitless potential of these thriving
industries.
OAB Top Picks from LLTS 2023
Bespoke Hideouts
www.bespokehideouts.co.uk
Aligned to its ethos of creating incredible spaces with a
bespoke touch, Bespoke Hideouts’ standard glamping
cabins come in three sizes with plenty of customisable
features to allow you to put your own stamp on the design.
A modern take on a shepherds hut, corrugated steel
provides a nod to traditional style while an asymmetrical
roof with straight pitches adds a modern twist.
The custom option allows you to prescribe the size and
spec of a build with support from idea to detailed design
and construction.
12 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
LeisureBench
www.leisurebench.co.uk
An industry-leading trade supplier of quality indoor
and outdoor furniture, offering unrivalled care
and service for our customers.LeisureBench was
established in 2001 and has grown into one of the
country’s leading suppliers of outdoor products.
Furniture is selected for strength, longevity,
quality and value and sourced direct from
manufacturers worldwide. LeisureBench works
closely with suppliers to ensure ethical standards
of production and high environmental demands for
sustainability are met.
Portman Finance Group
www.portmanfinancegroup.co.uk
Portman is a specialist business-to-business lender and
broker, having sourced over £1bn in funding for small
businesses since 2007. It helps SMEs get the funding they need
to cover cashflow, spread the cost of new facilities, equipment
or vehicles, and kick-off projects. A dedicated account
manager will guide you through the process and do the admin
for you.
Wigwam Cabins
www.wigwamcabins.com
Outerspace Group
www.outerspacelife.co.uk
Outerspace has recently launched a dedicated
inspiration website (www.outerspacelife.co.uk) for
modern luxury buildings including garden rooms,
home offices, bespoke glamping pods, bespoke
holiday lodges, A-Frame lodges, SIP house
extensions, annexes, modular classrooms, home
gyms, bars and outdoor dining.
Outerspace Life’s mission is to inspire, promote
planet-friendly ideas, talk about nature, health
and wellbeing, and connect people with reputable
installers.
With three decades of experience, Wigwam Cabins
builds wooden glamping pods and has more
recently introduced a series of lodges clad in natural
larch. Landowners can choose to buy or become a
partner with Wigwam Holidays – one of the fastest
growing alternative holiday brands in the UK. The
franchise has the reputation as a market leader in
the provision of high-quality, affordable holiday
experiences. Landowners who join will benefit from
an established online audience, online bookings, free
online advertising, marketing and brand expertise
plus expert operational guidance.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 13

PEOPLE
ENTREPRENEUR’S CHAT
Adrian
Derx
ALBION ROW
A former recruitment MD turned winery owner who
unexpectedly crafted an award-winning venue alongside
his passion for wine
DAN WARD PHOTOGRAPHY
14 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

PEOPLE
he Knightor Winery and wedding venue, just a few
minutes drive from the Eden Project, is situated between
its two vineyards in a picturesque location overlooking St
Austell Bay.
Despite being a busy working winery, Knightor has
become a popular venue for various events, including
weddings, although this was never part of founder Adrian
Derx's original plan. "My passion for winemaking runs
in my family. My Italian mother grew up in Lazio, where
her family made wine from their vines. Although my professional
background is in IT recruitment, I always dreamed of moving to Italy
and starting a vineyard there. However, circumstances dictated that
I look closer to home, and I found the perfect spot to live the Italian
dream right here in Cornwall.”
It all began with the planting of two vineyards in 2007. "Vineyards
take three to four years to mature, at which point you must sell the
grapes or make wine with them. I aimed to make wine, so finding a
suitable property was a priority. We settled on Knightor Manor Farm,
which was in the perfect location but completely derelict. It was an
extensive refurbishment project that included the restoration of a
courtyard of granite barns complete with scantle slate roofs and open
granite walls – all set in four acres of beautiful countryside and one
mile from the Eden Project."
In terms of aesthetics, many of the elements of the winery are very
appealing to wedding clients, reducing the need to invest in extensive
outdoor features, as Adrian explains. "The rustic look of the venue is
a big hit with our couples. We have a herb garden, an orchard, and
show vines planted specifically for the winery, but they have proven
very popular with clients and their guests. For weddings in the warmer
months, our couples can say 'I do' surrounded by wildflowers under
our beautiful oak arbour, which is next to a pond.
"It's amazing that we were named Cornwall's best wedding venue
last year because I never intended to hold weddings. The wedding
offering only came about because a local farmer and his bride-to-be
desperately wanted to get married here. It took a lot of persuasion as
it wasn't in our plans, but eventually, we agreed and went through the
process of obtaining a licence. Luckily, the registrars thought it was a
lovely spot (which it is!), and they granted permission. Happily, that
first wedding was a success and set us on our way."
The transition into holding weddings took careful planning
and intensive marketing, as the winery already had a restaurant.
"We didn't immediately switch to weddings only, but we found
that you can't run a functioning restaurant and a wedding venue
simultaneously because the most popular restaurant days were
always booked out for weddings. So we had disappointed restaurant
customers and a wedding venue business that needed to reach a
financial critical mass to be viable. We had to work very hard on
marketing to bring in enough business to pay our existing full-time
catering staff. It was quite the balancing act!
"We did get there, and at our peak volume we topped out at about
120 weddings in one year – this was, however, just after Covid and was
primarily due to the backlog of postponements creating an artificial
boom. Last year, the figure was 77, but our costs have increased due to
the inflation on hospitality – again due to Covid. Higher costs meeting
slightly lower turnover is not a good recipe, but we're working hard to
overcome the challenge."
So, having run a business in the B2B space for 15 years before
founding Knightor, how has the transition to being customer-facing
been? "I knew I didn't want to start another IT recruitment business. I
wanted to do something completely different, and foolishly, I did!
"No, but seriously, I have no regrets, and I have an amazing team
here who make this all possible, including a general manager and
managers for both sides of the business. We have 24 people on the
wedding business payroll, and our planners handle the entire journey
from start to finish. This means our couples can work with that one
LEE ALLEN
LEE ALLEN
"IT'S AMAZING
THAT WE WERE
NAMED CORNWALL'S
BEST WEDDING
VENUE LAST YEAR
BECAUSE I NEVER
INTENDED TO HOLD
WEDDINGS. THE
WEDDING OFFERING
ONLY CAME ABOUT
BECAUSE A LOCAL
FARMER AND HIS
BRIDE-TO-BE
DESPERATELY
WANTED TO GET
MARRIED HERE”
KATIE GOFF PHOTOGRAPHY
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 15

PEOPLE
KATIE GOFF PHOTOGRAPHY
ARIANA FENTON
DAN WARD PHOTOGRAPHY
point of contact to achieve the perfect day they envisioned. The
personal touch is a vital part of what we do."
As well as rooms in the manor house, Knightor Winery offers
additional guest accommodation in the form of a contemporary
barn-style lodge and luxury shepherd huts. "There are two or three
manufacturers locally, and we chose one in Par to build the huts.
We then used a carpentry team in Trethurgy to build the barn lodge,
which is designed as a bridal suite for our couples. Having extra
accommodation on site makes so much sense as we can attract guests
from further afield. Being such a popular destination, Cornwall can be
challenging when finding places nearby for wedding guests who want
to stay over. Having more space on-site means our couples can relax
and enjoy their wedding celebration over a couple of days with their
nearest and dearest. To cater to the increasing demand for this style
of wedding, we also offer extras such as a banquet the day before and
breakfast the morning after."
Of course, there's more to a wedding than just the catering. Guests
staying for a couple of nights need entertaining. "As a winery, we're
already in an excellent position to provide activities such as tours and
wine tastings. But on top of this, we have four acres of land that lends
itself to all sorts of things. We've had archery and laser clay pigeon
shooting, for example. We've even had a mini Olympics here, although
that wasn't actually during a wedding; it was a separate event but it
shows what you can host if you have the space."
At the other end of the scale, Adrian has seen increased demand for
smaller weddings. "Elopements have been a growth area for us. They
come in all sizes, and even when they call themselves an elopement,
some have 30 people on the guest list, so it's not exactly a traditional
Gretna Green affair. Despite its overall size, the venue has plenty of
intimate spaces so smaller groups won't feel lost.”
Rather than try to keep on top of wedding trends himself, Adrian
has his three wedding planners on hand to take care of that, which he
believes is best for everyone. "Jess and the team keep up to date with
the world of weddings. They go to wedding fairs and closely watch all
the wedding-related social media, etc. I'm the last person they want
getting involved in such things, and quite right, too. So I let them keep
up to speed with all things wedding industry, and in return, they make
my life difficult by asking me to spend more money!"
Regarding competition, Adrian and his team monitor what other
venues are doing, although there aren't too many winery venues
nearby. "We do, of course, keep an eye on our competitors, but it's
interesting because people choose a venue based on rather specific
requirements. For instance, somebody who wants to get married in
the Dorchester Hotel isn't going to get married in a rural event venue.
And some people might want to get married on the beach, and we're
not a beach venue. However, there are quite a few rustic, barn-type
venues around, so we want to keep an eye on those. As it turns out, we
appear to be at the more affordable end of that market."
As with any business, it hasn't all been plain sailing. Adrian and his
team have had challenges to overcome over the years, as he recalls.
"The biggest emotional challenge was when the lockdowns were
brought in. I remember so clearly when they announced it on the
TV while we had a wedding going on. This was a Thursday, and we
had a wedding booked for Saturday. Poor Anna, one of our wedding
planners, had to call the bride-to-be, and as soon as she realised who
was on the phone, she burst into tears because she knew her wedding
wouldn't happen. That kicked off two pretty awful years.
"We've also had the challenge I previously mentioned of getting to a
certain income level for the venue to sustain itself and the payroll."
Planning is often a struggle for venues, but it was a relatively
straightforward process for Knightor as the hard work had already
been done for the winery. "It took about two and a half years for the
winery, and adding the venue wasn't too difficult", says Adrian. "We
have, however, had a challenging time with a pop-up restaurant we
run seasonally at our Portscatho vineyard on the Roseland peninsula.
16 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

PEOPLE
ALEXA POPPE
ALBION ROW
CINDY KITCHER
“I DO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE
NEED TO BE RESTRICTIONS ON
RAMPANT DEVELOPMENT, AND
I FULLY SUPPORT CONSIDERED
PLANNING. I OFTEN VISIT ITALY,
AND YOU CAN SEE CERTAIN AREAS
WHERE LACK OF PLANNING IS A
TERRIBLE THING”
That took two years just for three years' permission. Our
three years are up this year, so we've got to try to get it made
permanent. We're in planning for that at the moment. The
reason it's proving difficult is because it's in an AONB. I do
understand that there need to be restrictions on rampant
development, and I fully support considered planning. I often
visit Italy, and you can see certain areas where lack of planning
is a terrible thing."
So, is there ever time to relax? "I've always been a bit of
a workaholic, so relaxing doesn't come naturally to me.
Probably my biggest non-work thing is cycling. I like putting
in reasonable distances; I'm not a Tour de France type of rider
or anything like that, but I can do 70 to 80 kilometres with no
problem. Cornwall is a bit of a challenge, though, because it's
very, very hilly!"
ALEXA POPPE
Outdoor Toilets
and Showers
• Portable
• Customisable
• Quick delivery
• Instant solution
www.sheepshed.co.uk • 01865 600400
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 17

FUNCTION VENUES
CASE STUDY
All Manor of Events
A flexible barn space on a family farm in Suffolk
One big ‘unconventional
family’ is how Katie Haywood-
Farmer describes the team at
All Manor of Events. Growing
from her own wedding on the
family farm 20 years ago, the
venue is now a hive of activity
with in-house bar, catering and
resident DJ. We speak to Katie.
When did you start your venue
business and what is its history?
We started the business back in
2004, when we decided to host
our own wedding on our family
farm. We wanted something
personal and family orientated
for our wedding day, and felt that
the farm would be the best place
for this. We put our ideas into the
barn and All Manor of Events was
born. It has come a long way since
our wedding back in 2004, but we
are so proud of what we have built
over the last 20 years!
Tell us about your location
and site
We are a family run farm, which
has a wedding venue in the
middle. We are surrounded by
fields and beautiful walks, with
a few animals on the farm for
us and guests to enjoy. They
“WE ARE A
MARQUEE
LINED BARN,
WHICH
OFFERS
ITSELF TO A
RANGE OF
DIFFERENT
PEOPLE
AND THEIR
WEDDING
AND EVENT
PLANS’
are a massive hit with guests,
especially children as well as
for us as a family, and they
live within our garden and the
neighbouring fields. Guests can
feed them during events if they
want to or have the occasional
photo with them, but ultimately
they are the best family pets we
could ask for.
We are a marquee lined barn,
which offers itself to a range
of different people and their
wedding and event plans. It
caters for a barn and rustic feel
wedding for some as well as the
cleaner marquee style wedding
for others.
What facilities for outdoor
functions do you offer?
We have outside ceremony
spaces in both the garden area
of the venue as well as a wooden
18 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

JOSHUA AINSTEY
SHARON CUDWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY
JOSHUA AINSTEY
JOSHUA AINSTEY
ceremony space, which is located
down into our woodland area.
Both are beautiful and unique,
and we love what they offer
to guests. We also have onsite
accommodation in the style of
glamping pods. We have eight
in total, and they are located
a stone’s throw away from the
venue. They were all made by
our team and while they were a
massive project for us, we feel as a
team we smashed it and they have
become extremely popular for
guests to stay in before and after
events, as well as people looking
for an Airbnb break.
What services do you offer?
We offer civil ceremony weddings,
events, and everything in between.
We have our own in-house catering
team as well as a bar team who
will look after guests, ensuring
they always have their required
beverage. The office team looks
after the event planning stages
and offer their expert advice and
assistance to all our customers.
They are on hand to guide
throughout the planning process
and on the day of the event.
How do you work with your
customers to make their event
unique?
We work with each of our clients
individually to ensure they can
create their dream wedding or
event with us. Offering guidance
where needed, advice on what
works and what might need
adapting, to provide them with
their perfectly planned day, exactly
how they would like it.
How do you publicise yourself?
We publicise ourselves through
social media mostly. We like
to ensure we have a close and
personal connection with our
audience, and they get to see what
we are up to and what we have
coming up along our journey. We
also use a couple of wedding sites
to advertise our services so people
RACHEL REEVES
can gather information on what
we offer and the pricing structure
before they decide to commit to
us.
How would you describe your
style or unique selling point?
We are a wedding venue with a
difference – which is our strap line.
We believe that we can offer an
exclusive use space for customers
to create their ideal event in. We
can adapt the space and the way
we do things in line with what they
would like. We can offer a variety
of different style weddings and
events and like to believe that we
can put our minds to most things
and produce different events and
themed nights that cater to all our
clientele.
How large is your team ?
Our core team is made up of seven
people. We have myself Katie and
my husband Andy, who are the
company directors and help with
the day-to-day running of the
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 19

FUNCTION VENUES
venue. Whether that be within the
office, running events or helping
behind the scenes to ensure the
grounds and maintenance are
tip top. We have Jess our events
manager who looks after the office
and events and is the first point
of contact for our clients. She
makes sure the venue is running
smoothly.
Lewis, our bar manager handles
beverages and stock control,
overseeing the bar team and
training them to engage with
clients and ensure they have the
best time with us. Our head chef
is Liam and he really does know
how to put together a meal. He
designs all our menus and ideas
around the culinary aspect of
the business. Alongside Liam, we
have Lola our trainee sous chef.
Last but by no means least, we
have Mark who looks after the
grounds and maintenance.
He is always there to help ensure
everything is in perfect working
order and to help when we need
something fixing or when we
have new ideas. He really loves a
project!
Have you worked with any
industry bodies or consultants?
We have worked alongside many
suppliers along the way, who have
helped us build our wonderful
venue and capture some
amazing memories for us.
There would be too many to name,
which is such a shame as we would
love to shout them all out because
they really have been with us for a
long time. To mention a couple, we
have The Wedding DJs who are our
resident DJ and lighting company.
They have been resident for over
10 years now, and we couldn’t sing
their praises enough for what they
provide to couples. A personal
service goes a long way, which is
why we made the decision to have
a resident DJ, as they provide just
that!

FUNCTION VENUES
EPS PHOTOGRAPHY
SHARON CUDWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY
Extravorganza has also
supported us for just as long,
helping couples create their
decorative dreams. The team help
us on open events to dress the
room to help make it look amazing,
but most importantly, have been
alongside us, helping us grow into
the venue we are today.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIONA
What are your plans for next
season?
Going forward, we strive to
continue to provide an excellent
service and venue for our clients,
helping them create exactly what
they wish with our venue and
being the support that they need,
when they need. We are always
improving and wanting to better
ourselves, and we are lucky that
we can do this every year, with the
trust from our clients.
Describe your average day midseason
An average day in the office
would be getting back to clients,
answering emails and phone
calls, putting together wedding
information and files, and ensuring
couples feel supported and ready
for their event, whether that be
at the upcoming week or in a
year’s time. We also offer viewing
appointments and couple meeting
appointments throughout the
week and a lot of preparation goes
into each event behind the scenes.
An average weekend however
tends to be at an event, which
typically would be a wedding,
watching two people enjoy the
happiest day of their lives with
their closest family and friends.
What are you most proud of?
We are most proud of the team
we have built over the years. We
understand people come and
go, but without any of them, we
wouldn’t be where we are today.
We have so many memories with
past and current employees, and
we are so lucky and grateful to
have that. We are almost like one
big unconventional family.
ADDRESS BOOK
All Manor of Events
Manor Farm
School Road
Henley
Suffolk IP6 0RG
01473 831263
www.allmanorofevents.co.uk
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 21

FUNCTION VENUES
How to Navigate 2024
Charlotte Winship offers her advice on guiding your wedding
business through a rapidly evolving landscape
LIKE EACH new year, 2024 brings
uncertainty. What we can be certain about
is that whatever is happening in the world,
people want to celebrate important life
events in some way or another (legally!).
The wedding industry has always been
exciting; filled with ideas, innovations and
creativity sparked by new generations of
couples and their changing behaviours,
trends and expectations. Sometimes it can
feel a bit overwhelming for venues to keep
up with this constant evolution and it can
be a challenge to continuously stay on our
toes ready to pivot, adjust and adapt.
LET YOUR VISION AND VALUES LEAD YOU
It’s important to stay authentic so start the
year reminding yourselves of your vision
and values and plan your year strategically
to ensure that your goals and actions align
with this. Spend time reviewing what
brought you into this industry and what
keeps you here. What do you love and
enjoy most about weddings? What are
your strengths? What type of weddings
do you want to see more of? Who are the
people that you want to work with? How
do you, your venue and the services you
offer meet these?
The UK wedding market is not generic.
Your values and your venue are unlikely
to appeal to everyone. Acknowledge this
and be very specific in your marketing and
communication strategy about who you
are and who it is that you want to book
your venue. Consider the language and
imagery you are using in your marketing
campaigns. How are you expressing your
values and the unique qualities of your
venue? Is your venue inviting to everyone?
MAKE EACH COUPLE FEEL VALUED AND
SPECIAL
You’ve shared information about yourself
and your venue that has drawn the
couple’s interest but now it’s time to
listen to their requirements and show
that you understand and can meet their
expectations. No couple wants to feel that
they are a commodity in a wedding factory
so how are you going to help them have a
unique wedding day that is very personal
to them?
The world is filled with extraordinarily
diverse people and each couple and
their guests will have a unique set of
expectations influenced by their social
22 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

FUNCTION VENUES
“AI IS ALSO NOW BEING USED MORE
WIDELY TO HELP US CREATE CONTENT
AS WELL AS REACH AUDIENCES WITH
APPS SUCH AS CHATGPT WRITING FOR
US AND DEEPAI GENERATING IMAGES
(I ASSURE YOU THIS ARTICLE WAS NOT
WRITTEN BY A BOT!)”
and ethnic backgrounds, their gender
and sexual orientation, abilities and
disabilities. How inclusive are you? How
do you communicate this so that everyone
feels welcomed at your venue?
LET THE ROBOTS DO THE WORK
In our desire to remain authentic, we are
increasingly reliant on synthetic devices.
AI (artificial intelligence) is being spoken
about everywhere and has already quietly
infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives.
This might fill you with fear (particularly
those of you who remember the
Terminator!) but AI does have the power to
do good and help our businesses.
If you have anything to do with
marketing then you will already have
experienced AI working across social
media platforms and search engines
helping audiences find content and
capturing data to help us be strategic in
our marketing activity. Staying ahead of
the ever-changing algorithms can be a
full-time job but when you get it right it’s a
powerful marketing tool.
GETTY IMAGES
AI is also now being used more
widely to help us create content as
well as reach audiences with apps
such as ChatGPT writing for us and
DeepAI generating images (I assure
you this article was not written by a
bot!). This is particularly useful if you
have the occasional writers block or
are missing an image for Instagram.
The most exciting development in
AI is in helping us with our workflow.
As your bookings increase so too does
your workload. Hiring extra staff to
keep on top of administrative tasks
may not be viable. An alternative
solution could be to integrate
software that can help automate
bookings, billing and information
gathering; improving efficiency and
communication between your team
and your clients.
EVERYONE IS A CONTENT CREATOR
The ongoing development of social
media continues to astound me,
particularly our desire to be part of
the content and not just bystanders.
This has created a new phenomenon
of Wedding Content Creators.
Professionals who can be hired to
capture the whole day from behindthe-scenes
action to those special
wedding moments so that couples
can share them with their wider
audience within 24 hours of their
wedding day. They don’t replace the
expertise of wedding photographers
and videographers but they can
produce short-form videos and stills
specifically designed for social media
content.
This trend could have benefits
for wedding venues by helping to
raise their profile and reach a wider
audience without having to take any
direct action themselves. There may
be risks however in not being able to
control the content and how your venue
is presented to the wider world. Good
communication and relationships with
your couples is important so you are kept
aware of all their wedding plans and plans
to document it!
SUPPORTING AND SUSTAINING ONE
ANOTHER
This year I am also focusing on
sustainability not only in terms of the
environment but also in how we continue
to sustain our human resources and
financial viability of weddings and events.
Money is a significant driver for all of
us. The cost of living is high and other
economic factors are impacting our
businesses and our customers’ budgets so
it is important that we remain vigilant of
costs.
Recruitment has been a major challenge
for the wedding and events industry and
historically we have been neglectful of
the wellbeing of our staff. I have (mostly
happy) memories from my twenties
and thirties of working endlessly long
days with a few hours’ sleep in between.
Somehow I survived but I recognise that
this lifestyle is not sustainable and worklife
balance is important not only for our
physical health but our mental health too.
We need to look after each other and leave
robotic working to AI!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Charlotte Winship has
over 20 years’ experience
transforming good wedding
and events venues into
great ones. She is an expert in
helping venues reach their ideal
customers, maximise sales opportunities,
increase profitability, establish effective
teams and streamline venue operations.
07493 350303
charlotte@charlottewinship.com
www.charlottewinship.com
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 23

CREATING EXPERIENCES THAT YOUR
GUESTS WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER.
armadilla.co.uk
sales@armadilla.co.uk +44 (0)131 440 4000 Photo credit: Marshall Meadows
Glamping Pods | Tiny Houses | Mobile Cabins
We craft beautiful spaces, providing a tailored service
from initial design ideas to project completion.
www.bespokehideouts.com
hello@bespokehideouts.com
instagram: bespokehideouts
07703387322
24 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

FUNCTION VENUES
SUPPLIER PROFILE
NatSol
We learn more about Natsol. With
over 750 waterless toilet installations
it is considered the remote
toilet specialist
What does Natsol do?
NatSol was incorporated in October 2005
after Nick Grant and Andy Warren decided
to pool their knowledge and experience of
composting and waterless toilets. By that
time they already had 25 years combined
experience and knew a lot about what
doesn’t work! Both had been employed in
different ways at the Centre for Alternative
Technology, Mid Wales. The name NatSol
came from Andy’s sole trader name Natural
Solutions which had provided him with an
umbrella for a range of ecological design
initiatives.
What makes Natsol so good at what it
does?
It was decided at the outset to set high
standards both in terms of function and
quality of manufacture. We were keen
to break down the assumption that
composting toilets must necessarily be very
homespun, unpleasant to manage, difficult
to clean, and almost certainly smelly.
Creating toilets which you would be happy
to ask your mother-in-law to use was the
goal.
Describe your brand proposition
Andy had already devised and tested
a new way to separate urine in toilet
pedestals and this approach, based on
the Coandã effect, has become central to
the functioning of our composting toilets.
Nick had valuable experience in designing
robust products utilising appropriate
materials for mass production, and of
sustainable water management.
The company has always found ways to
further improve and refine its products. The
original GRP toilet pedestal was replaced
in 2013 with a sleek stainless steel one
and there is now a removeable urine plate
which facilitates cleaning.
What is your ‘hero’ product?
In 2013 we were approached by consultants
in London to design a system suitable for
use in the Isabella Plantation, Richmond
Park. This system, called the Zero Discharge
toilet, is a non-urine separating, noncomposting
pump out toilet with excellent
odour control and is now a standard line in
the product range. It comes in two models;
the ZD1 for use in large facilities such
national parks, and the ZD2, a stand alone
toilet for use where composting toilets are
not considered suitable.
The National Trust now has two large
installations of ZD1 toilets, one in the Lake
District and one in Bannau Brycheiniog
(the Brecon Beacons). There is also an
installation on the Falkland Islands, the
company’s furthest flung toilets!
Much more recently NatSol took over
the sale of AirFlush urinals from the Green
Building Store. These urinals are waterless
but do not use chemical blocks to disguise
odour. This product was originally designed
by Nick Grant and Mark Moodie when
they worked together in the consultancy
Elemental Solutions.
What are you most proud of?
It has to be the Full Access Composter
(FAC). This is a wheelchair accessible
composting toilet which can be managed
without the need for any vehicle visits
after installation unless the compost is
to be removed off site. It has become the
favourite of allotment associations around
the country, many other organic food
growing projects, rural churches, glamping
sites, wildlife reserves, and some water
companies which have chosen it for sites
for fishermen. There are around 1,000 FACs
in the UK.
Reliable dry toilets which can take many
uses before they need to be emptied of
compost (or pumped out) can help to
address water shortages in some parts of
the country. They also have no freezing risk.
Any extra special people?
NatSol’s customer service Is second to
none. We always support any customer
who has issues with their toilet even years
after it was supplied. Every working toilet is
a good advert for us and for the technology.
There is also a feel-good factor in providing
high quality support.
Nick is no longer a director as he has a
busy PassivHaus design consultancy but he
remains on the team for technical advice.
Andy is also a qualified psychotherapist
with a part time private practice.
Ellen Hughes, a director and the general
manager, holds everything together. Most
manufacturing is done by other companies:
BCM GRC for the glass reinforced concrete
products, and two local companies for the
timber and metal cabins which are supplied
with many of the FAC and ZD2 toilets.
Why should a customer get in touch?
We are happy to talk at length to enquirers
without obligation and never recommend a
product of ours unless we believe it to be a
good solution for the site in question.
DETAILS
Natsol
01686 412653
info@natsol.co.uk
www.natsol.co.uk
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 25

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26 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

FUNCTION VENUES
Styled Shoots
GETTY IMAGES
Why you should say ‘I do’ to styled shoots, and how to get your
shoot published. Advice from The Wedding Owl, Sam Lloyd
STYLED SHOOTS are the perfect opportunity
for you to work with your favourite suppliers
to create promotional material for use on
marketing platforms in magazines and
on your own website. As a venue owner,
the big win is to create content that ends
up being published on an influential blog
or in a wedding magazine, but there are
other significant reasons for creating and
capturing a faux wedding. These include:
› capturing your style, brand or vision for a
new direction
› showcasing your venue in its best light
› demonstrating you are keeping up with
the latest wedding trends
› showcasing your team of suppliers’ work
› giving suppliers time to be creative, an
opportunity that isn’t always there during
a real wedding
› quality networking.
GETTING PUBLISHED
It is my understanding that wedding
blogs publish fewer styled shoots than
real weddings, as the editors can pick and
choose what to feature depending on their
audience and their marketing plan. So
securing a blog, especially on one of the top
sites (i.e. with massive reach), is never easy
or guaranteed. To give you the best chance,
there are a few things you should know and
some guidelines to follow.
The more realistic the styled shoot, the
better chance it has at performing long term.
Using real couples can help you to achieve
this, as photographing them can be easier
than using models who haven’t met before
and don’t feel comfortable getting intimate –
it is a wedding after all!
Without the dedication and hard work,
you will not deliver stunning blog-worthy,
content. So, everyone within the team needs
to help, support, guide and collaborate
to provide the best quality work, whilst
understanding that everyone is on a budget.
All of the suppliers involved need to
collaborate on ideas to deliver on the details.
The best way to achieve this is by creating a
minimum of three and up to five vignettes
that real couples can associate with and can
pull inspiration from. These might include
a bridal changing room scene, a groom
changing room scene, a ceremony space
inside, a ceremony outside, a top table, a
sweetheart table, tablescapes, a cake ‘table’,
and alternative focus points – perhaps
something playful that would entertain
guests like an alternative photobooth.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Stylist
Working with a stylist is advisable if not
essential. They will be responsible for
conceiving the concept and overall design
that should include a colour palette, a sense
of the season being evoked, and a style e.g.
classic, eclectic, festival, glam, modern,
romantic etc. to attract/speak to a certain
couple.
Work with a stylist to create a mood
board, a title and brief one-liner to give your
team of suppliers inspiration but that also
keeps your target couple in mind at all times.
Create a floor plan, showing where tables
are located and how many chairs are around
each as this has an impact on how many
table cloths, napkins, cutlery, escort cards,
favours etc will be needed. Also provide
information on restrictions e.g. no naked
flames.
Stylists will also be well versed in putting
together a call sheet for the photographer
and a drumroll of the cast that have agreed
to be involved. Stylists are very often the
best ones to submit pitches to blogs and
magazines.
Suppliers
Your suppliers should be instructed to
provide their contact and social media
details, let you know what they need from
you (eg. any step ladders, tools etc), and
specify/prioritise the shots they need
for their own purposes. It is also useful
if they can provide a brief description
of themselves, their business and their
contribution to the shoot. This might not
get used but will help if a blog, magazine or
couple ends up wanting more information.
Photographer
You need to choose a photographer who
will really capture the mood of the ‘faux
wedding’. Let them take the lead on the day
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 27

FUNCTION VENUES
GETTY IMAGES
when it comes to moving and adjusting
items, posing models and composition as
they need to react to the light etc. As with
a real wedding, the photographer should
be given a list of must-do images – the call
sheet. Like a real wedding, there is no wrong
or right list, but I find it is best to ensure you
include establishing shots of:
› the exterior of the venue, which should
include the entrance and gardens
› the ceremony areas
› the wedding breakfast area
› a group shot of the suppliers for the
drumroll
› saying ‘I do’
› interacting with the props such as the
bouquet etc.
Sometimes photographers will contact
blogs directly as some publishers have their
favourites. They will need to submit the
pitch even if you or the stylist has written it.
Everyone
It is important that everyone involved
has public liability insurance, and any
equipment must be PAT tested. Get an
agreement from all involved to promote the
shoot both before and post-event but in an
agreed and calculated manner. Once the
images have been published, share, share
and share, naming the blog or magazine that
they have appeared on if they get published.
IMAGE SHARING ETIQUETTE
In my opinion, this is the area of a styled
shoot that must be resolved and agreed
well in advance. My preference, and a tactic
I share with one of the best styled shoot
photographers that I’ve worked with, is
that only around 10 professional images
“THE PHOTOGRAPHER
SHOULD CHOOSE AN IMAGE
TO REPRESENT EACH OF THE
SUPPLIERS (THE MORE THE
SUPPLIERS THE LARGER THE
GALLERY OF SNEAK PEEKS)
TO ALLOW EVERYONE TO
CONTRIBUTE TO DRIP-
FEEDING THE STORY”
(supplied by the photographer) are to be
shared by the contributors. That is until the
shoot is featured on a blog or on a given
release date.
The photographer should choose an
image to represent each of the suppliers (the
more the suppliers the larger the gallery of
sneak peeks) to allow everyone to contribute
to drip-feeding the story. When the sneak
peeks photos are distributed, the drumroll
is also circulated and everyone must include
everyone’s correct details (supplied by the
contributors) in each post, however I tend
(with my shopping head-on) only to tag the
actual image with the suppliers who can
visibly be seen, but I always include the
photographer, stylist and, if separate, the
blogger.
Ideally, the supplier featured in the image
shares this photo first and then so on. I also
recommend that no more than three images
are placed on an Instagram carousel so that
no one person dumps the whole sneak peek
gallery in one go.
This is vitally important to me, but
also your vendor peers – as I believe that
everyone needs to help each other in such
a competitive wedding environment. By
other suppliers sharing your work, you can
increase brand awareness and traffic to
your social media. Having a solid Facebook
and Instagram following adds credibility to
your business while making your work more
memorable.
You might therefore consider putting
together:
› a collaborative styled shoot agreement –
with lots of collaborators, it is critical that
everyone understands your expectations
and their roles, but also what they can
and can’t do to achieve a successful fake
wedding.
› The photographer’s terms (the
photographer should supply this) – this
document should reinforce copyright
ownership with the photographer and
defines the use of the images (including
whether to allow alterations to images
etc.)
› An agreement for the models to sign – to
give the collaborative group the okay to
use the images.
As someone who regularly organises
styled shoots, I know there is a lot of hard
work that goes into ensuring they are
successful. If you would like to launch a
new venue, product or service or rebrand,
please contact The Wedding Owl. I’ve had
the opportunity to work with some super
talented wedding individuals to create
beautiful, styled shoots. By setting the
stage correctly my collaborative work has
appeared on Love My Dress, Coco, B.Loved,
Brides in France, Fab Mood, Whimsical
Wonderland Weddings and Girl Gets Wed.
28 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

GETTY IMAGES
FUNCTION VENUES
Submission to blogs and
magazines
Whilst the stylist or photographer might
have an idea of what the shoot will look
and feel like, once they receive the images,
someone will need to write or amend
the copy for each submission to a blog or
magazine. Once submitted, the process
can take anywhere from a couple of weeks
to months for approval. If unsuccessful
with the first submission, then it may well
be put in front of another blogger.
If the styled shoot is accepted then there
is often a delay before the publication
date and even then it can be shunted back
if something else comes into the editor’s
inbox that they feel is more relevant. And,
sadly sometimes none of the bloggers will
take the shoot as someone else has done
it better or got to the market before you.
Just remember styled shoots can be
well received, but they take a lot of hard
work and sometimes can be rejected. For
every styled shoot you see, there will be
many galleries that we will never get to
see published in this way.
Collaborative
agreement
Sadly there are wrong ways of
putting on a styled shoot and, with my
rookie hat on, been involved in. I would
want to ensure that:
› there is a mood board, and concept, etc as this
helps everyone to know what you are trying to achieve
› there is no marketing material displayed whilst the photographer is capturing
the faux wedding, to ensure every image is submittable to blogs and the press
› suppliers do not share any sneak peek pics they have taken themselves on
social media on the day. Images will be supplied by the photographer, and
some magazines and blogs have strict exclusivity policies
› suppliers share no more than one of the released images a day – i.e. they drip
feed the images to give everyone the best chance to realise the potential of the
shoot
› suppliers share (and credit) other members of the group’s images but ideally
each supplier shares ‘their’ image first.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sam Lloyd is a specialist wedding business consultant and stylist, and
the founder of The Wedding Owl. She offers a free two-hour business
consultation session where you can discuss your areas of concern which
might include marketing, lack of a business plan, improving conversion of
showrounds to bookings and training. Get in touch at info@theweddingowl.
com or call 07957 218340 for chat.
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30 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

FUNCTION VENUES
PRODUCT IN FOCUS
Heat, Power & Lighting
Private Venue, Cotswolds
Product: CORE battery powered uplighting
(three types), battery festoons, battery pin
spots and table lighting
Supplier: CORE Lighting, 01452 812597,
sales@corelighting.co.uk,
www.corelighting.co.uk
Details: With a small number of carefully
positioned lighting units and some creativity
any venue small or large can be transformed
quickly into a magical setting and CORE
Lighting has spent 15 years developing
battery powered outdoor lighting to do this
to perfection.
The star feature for Mike and Judie’s
Cotswold Golden Wedding celebration
was a trout lake transformed using battery
powered lighting in a warm but spectacular
style.
Trees on both sides of the lake were lit,
with beeches and oaks on the far bank using
CORE’s powerful uplighters lighting their
large trunks. Reflected light cast a colourful
glow onto the limestone paths and over
the lake for a stunning focus. For safety and
dramatic highlighting, CORE battery festoon
lights were positioned along walls reflecting
onto adjacent pathways, supplemented by
CORE
battery
TablePoints on
steps. A large willow
on a small island
had CORE battery
PinPoints pointed
from the bank
without needing
boat access.
The lighting
scheme was entirely battery powered,
enabling setup in just two hours before
guest arrival. Wireless connection between
CORE uplighters enabled the whole setting
down the lake to be controlled from just two
uplighters transmitting colour shades to all
others, meaning the total scheme was set up
with the couple from one position without
needing to cross the lake.
CORE products are rated to IP65, robust
and weatherproof for outdoors and are
designed and manufactured in UK for
longevity.
Customer feedback: Clients Mike and Judie
Hill said: “"We were absolutely blown away
with the special atmosphere after dusk,
entirely due to the lighting which became the
centrepiece of the whole celebration which
CORE delivered to perfection.”
Off-Grid Power Anywhere
Portable Power
Technology
01474 761051
sales@portablepowertech.com
www.portablepowertech.com
We at PPT pride ourselves on
innovation. Over the years we
have been developing our newest range of powerpacks and are thrilled
to introduce the Pro Series. This fast re-charging, all-in-one lithium
powerpack solution comes in a variety of storage sizes and is solar
ready straight out of the box with an MPPT charge controller included.
Compatible with up to 200W of solar at 12V or 400W using a 24V array.
All our powerpacks are portable and can be brought to mains for a
speedy recharge in as little as two to four hours, making them the perfect
option for suppling user-friendly power in hard to reach or temporary
locations.
Powerpacks in the Pro Series all include an inbuilt, industrial grade
lithium (LiFePO4) battery and highly stable pure sinewave output via a UK
socket and multiple DC outputs for 12V and USB devices.
Portable Power Technology is a solutions expert in all off-grid power.
No matter the power requirement, or wherever you are, you can trust that
we’ll be here to keep you powered.
Efficient Marquee Heating
Thermobile UK
02476 357960
andy@thermobile.co.uk
www.thermobile.co.uk
Thermobile heaters are manufactured
in Holland and built to a very high
quality. They have a minimum efficiency of 90 per
cent, which means that 90 per cent of the fuel burned
goes as useful heat into the heated space and only 10
per cent via the flue. This is a very high efficiency in
comparison to other heaters on the market.
The Thermobile ITA range is ideal for heating
marquees and other temporary structures. It
comprises small, mobile
units with a 5-10m range
for ducting and 15hr
integral fuel tanks. The
larger IMA units require a
separate fuel tank and can
be ducted up to 40m.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 31

S2T GRASS
REINFORCEMENT
PERFO
interlocking tiles - effective
protection for soft ground
Ideal for the reinforcement of
parking areas, access tracks,
pitches etc. at:
- camping & glamping sites
- open air event venues
- country & leisure parks
Tel. 01992 522797
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32 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

FUNCTION VENUES
PRODUCT IN FOCUS
Interiors
Kinewall for Boutique
Hotels and Venues
Kinedo
020 8842 0033
info@kinedo.co.uk
www.kinedo.co.uk
Renowned for its brand of leak-free integrated shower
cubicles, Kinedo’s latest product launch is a stunning
range of wall coverings that are perfect for bathrooms,
cloakrooms and en-suites in any accommodation setting.
Offering a fantastic alternative to tiles, the range consists
of 70 stunning designs, 21 of which are stocked in the most
popular size by bathroom products distributor, Ideal
Bathrooms.
The panels are not only lightweight and really easy to
install, but also exceptionally strong and durable and can
quickly transform a bathroom space into a stylish, yet
practical haven.
In the case of a bespoke space, the panels can be very
simply cut to size on site with standard plumbing tools.
Whether it’s an industrial, natural or geometric style,
there is a design that will make any bathroom ‘pop’.
Designs, brochures and installation instructions are
available at www.kinedo.co.uk/kinewall
Premium Quality Coir
Matting
Coir Store
07884 303082
andy@coirstore.co.uk
www.coirstore.co.uk
Event Furniture in a Box
Core Bar & Event Hire
0845 299 6499
sales@core-barandeventhire.com
www.core-barandeventhire.com
Core Bar & Event Hire now offers The QUBE range of event
furniture – a high quality, extremely durable and versatile
range of event furniture which is uniquely designed to pack
down into easy to transport pallet sized boxes.
The QUBE range has the cool urban feel of pallet furniture
but is actually made from the highest quality materials
and has the added feature of being significantly smaller to
transport and store than pallet furniture.
As importers and purveyors of premium quality coir matting for
the glamping, marquee hire and event sectors, we offer a range
of manually woven premium quality coir mattings suitable for the
majority of structures on the market, from 3m up to 12m lengths.
Mattings are currently available in two specifications – high
quality Anjengo/Vycome yarns in herringbone weave, and 100%
Vycome yarns in a Panama weave. These mats are currently
available in 3m, 6m, 9m, 10m and 12m lengths. Even if we don’t
offer your ideal length we can provide mats at bespoke lengths.
All our products have been flammability tested and certified by
UKAS to BS 5287:1998/BS 4790:1987.
We welcome early contact from customers so we can fully
understand your requirements, this way we can offer advice and a
variety of solutions to suit every situation.
Coir Store delivers throughout the British Isles and further afield
if required.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 33

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Whether you are adding a shower or renovating a whole bathroom,
Kinewall is a quick and versatile solution. With a lightweight and easy
to cut and drill composition, on-site installation is a breeze.
What’s more, the Kinedo team works with you; from site visits, installation
training, technical assistance and first-class aftercare.
kinedo.co.uk/kinewall

GLAMPSITES
CASE STUDY
Boundary Farm
Glamping
A group friendly glampsite on an arable
farm offers carefree breaks for families
Josie Easy and her husband
John set up their glampsite to
diversify the income from their
land. Despite the chaos of peak
season (when John spends
his days on a tractor) the site’s
success has allowed them to
expand to include a self-built
Scandi A-frame cabin. We talk
to Josie.
What’s your back story – your life
before glamping?
I was born in the Seychelles and moved
to the UK when I was around eight. I
grew up in Norwich, some would say
dragged up in Norwich! I used to work
in social services with vulnerable adults,
a job I loved.
John and I met through a dating
page in the local paper back in the day,
pre-internet and Apps. We fell in love,
got married in 2009 and started a family.
We have two children that are in their
early teens.
John comes from a farming family
and he is the third generation. He has
been driving tractors since he was a
youngster and, when his dad retired,
took over the 200-acre farm in 1999. He
is an arable farmer and works all the
land himself apart from the summer
months when we have help from Gary,
a long-standing family friend who has
worked the land since was nine.
How did you research the business
before entering it?
We looked into the type of
accommodation we would book as a
family if we were to go glamping, as
I used to enjoy going camping. The
sound of rain on canvas was blissful but
“THE SOUND
OF RAIN ON
CANVAS WAS
BLISSFUL
BUT THE
THOUGHT
OF SLEEPING
IN A REAL
BED AND
HAVING
A HOT
SHOWER
AND LOO
INSIDE
A TENT
THRILLED
ME”
the thought of sleeping in a real bed
and having a hot shower and loo inside
a tent thrilled me. John hates camping
full stop! He loves his homely comforts
like myself so we looked into sturdy
canvas structures to implement all that
in. We have been up and running since
2016 and it was one of the best things
we have done was to diversify, as we
knew that the face of agriculture would
change and we need to find a way
to continue farming, bringing up our
children and making a living.
Tell us about your location and site
We are based in Suffolk, on the
boundary of a beautiful village called
Kelsale, hence the name Boundary
Farm. We are on the Heritage coast and
lie between Aldeburgh and Southwold.
The glamping site itself is set up in
a two acre meadow away from the
main farmhouse (where we live) and is
surrounded by farmland, woodland and
plenty of nature. It is a lovely peaceful,
rural location and the sea is only five
miles away.
We are lucky to live in such a lovely
location with many attractions for
visitors all year round. It’s two hours
from London. It is known for its great
music festivals like Lattitude and for
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 35

GLAMPSITES
SIMPLY C PHOTOGRAPHY
SIMPLY C PHOTOGRAPHY
its many historical sites like Sutton
Hoo where “The Dig “ was filmed. The
beautiful seaside towns of Aldeburgh,
Walberswick and Southwold attract
those who want to escape the city for
that much-needed sea air, which brings
in a lot of money to the local economy.
The challenges small family
businesses like ours face is competition
from big holiday companies and OTAs
(as it is a race to the bottom on price like
in every industry), but we need to hold
fast, as little businesses are unique. We
do offer something that guests want,
a wholesome family holiday without
being overlooked or somewhere
overcrowded where you are herded
to do things in a closed environment.
Our guests love the freedom of being
outdoors and having comfort.
A factor that will have a huge impact
on tourism is the building of Sizewell C.
How did you tackle getting planning?
We thought that planning was going to
be a nightmare, as we had read about
a lot of businesses finding it hard to
get. We were prepared for a long wait,
but again we were very surprised and
lucky that we got planning fairly quickly.
I think back then the local authority
was very enthusiastic about farm
diversification, and there was a shortage
of holiday accommodation.
Even though planning was granted,
we had to jump through some hoops
with the Highways Agency as they
insisted that we had to lay a new
entrance into the farm, which did take
a large chunk of our humble budget. It
was very frustrating as we live down a
dead end road, and the highways were
worried about passing through traffic!
How did you finance the project?
We had some small savings and we
borrowed from our farm business to
get up and started. We bought one
safari tent to see if that one would be a
success and went from there.
What glamping accommodation do
you offer?
We now have two large family-size
safari tents which are open from
Easter to October half-term. They are
well equipped, with real beds, private
ensuite facilities, a kitchen, firepits and
wood burners for the cooler evenings.
Comfort is key for us as a business, as it
is important for our guests. When we get
the chance we do stay in our tents to see
what our guests experience, and look at
ways that we can improve if needs be.
36 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

GLAMPSITES
glamping units and some can bring their
own extra tents for the teens who want
to be independent and are more than
happy to camp with their friends away
from their parents. A multi-generational
family and friends glamping experience
so no one is left out.
John used to work with his best
friend as a part-time builder/chippie
in the winter months when the farm
is quiet. So during the lockdown, we
decided to design and build our own
Scandi A-frame glamping cabin using
some of our income. We had to go back
to planning to ask for an extension of
our season in regards to the A-frame.
We had to be clear in how we wanted
our season to run, as we were turned
down for all-year-round usage as there
had been an increase in people flouting
the rules, putting in something for
all-year-round use and then using it as a
permanent resident.
The A-frame is open for 11 months of
the year, so we shut it after the new year
and open in time for Valentine’s.
What occupancy levels and price per
night do you achieve?
We charge £160 per night for our fullyequipped
safari tent sleeping five and
£180 for the A-frame cabin sleeping
four guests. We are lucky to have a lot
“THEY CAN
ALSO
EXPERIENCE
NATURE
RIGHT ON
THEIR
DOORSTEP.
THERE ARE
MUNTJACS,
RABBITS,
HARES AND
DEER
ROAMING
ACROSS THE
FARMLAND
NEAR THE
MEADOW”
SIMPLY C PHOTOGRAPHY
of returning guests, however, greater
occupancy is something we are working
to grow out of peak times.
How did you work out your brand,
and how do you publicise yourself?
Our brand is pretty simple really,
it is a tractor and a tent! A taste of
comfortable outdoor and country living
under canvas. John and I worked on
our branding to reflect what we offered:
glamping and what we do as a living. We
kept it simple, so guests knew from the
outset what we represented.
We have our website and advertise
on local tourism platforms which help
drive direct bookings.
How would you describe your ethos
and unique selling point?
To begin with, as we only had one tent,
we wanted to offer parents somewhere
they could enjoy the outdoor lifestyle
with their children without the hassle
of setting up everything for camping.
So basically they turn up and can start
their outdoor holiday straightaway in an
environment where children can safely
play in the meadow. They can also
watch the combines and tractors bring
in the harvest, so they get a glimpse of
farming life during the summer months.
They can also experience nature right
on their doorstep. There are muntjacs,
rabbits, hares and deer roaming across
the farmland near the meadow. Where
we are it is known for its beautiful dark
skies due to the limited light pollution,
so there is a lot of star gazing going.
As our business progressed so did our
guests. So now we have a lot of repeat
bookings for families and friends who
first came to us, now bringing groups
to celebrate birthdays, reunions etc. as
many other sites have rules that limit
what they can do. The unique thing
our guests love is if they book all three
units, they have the whole meadow
to themselves. They have the three
SIMPLY C PHOTOGRAPHY
How did you choose your interior
decoration?
I have always loved interior design, and
putting things together using old and
new furnishings. Another unique selling
point is that each glamping unit has a
fully equipped kitchen, fridge, gas hob,
private en-suite facilities, and electricity
in the main areas. We have tried to keep
it rustic but with a modern twist so that
everyone is comfortable and has space,
especially on rainy days. Our safari tents
are large and spacious and some guests
are happy to just stay there and chill out
for the day.
What challenges have you faced?
From the busy summer months
onwards, John is not available to help
as he is on the tractor and combine
for long hours of the day well into
October. So for a while, we tend to live
in organised chaos! As long as the family
is fed, watered and happy then we are
all good.
Covid taught me that I cannot do
everything and be everywhere, so ask
for help. It’s that old cliché of the work
/ life balance. It is hard work but it is
worth it. I like being the master of my
own destiny. There are many products
and systems out there to make your
life easier as a glampsite owner, as I
do everything from the bookings to
the changeovers. I am the face that my
guests see when they arrive, and for
returning guests the face that loves to
have a quick catchup.
What are your plans for next season?
To keep adding to the site. We have
been looking into outside play, as our
indoor play shed has been a success.
We have a few future projects in mind – I
purchased a military communication
trailer during the lockdown which
needs some TLC but could add some
additional winter income.
Describe your average day
mid-season
Once I have said my goodbyes to the
guests, I normally start the changeovers
and prep the accommodation ready
for the next arrivals. In low-mid season
I do all the laundry myself, but in
peak season I send it off to the local
laundrette with whom I have a great
working relationship.
I normally pick up the breakfast and
BBQ hampers from our local butchers
for guests either the day before and pop
them in their fridges (if I know that a
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 37

GLAMPSITES
particular returning guest likes a certain
type of bacon or bread, I try and make
sure it is available for them).
What do you enjoy about the business
and why?
I like being my own boss and running
the glamping site how I want to so that
people enjoy coming back. I have found
It very rewarding in the friendships
I have formed and the networking
support from other glampsite,
hospitality and businesses in my local
area. John and I get to work together
on projects for the business. I get to
be around for my family and ageing
relatives.
SIMPLY C PHOTOGRAPHY
What are you most proud of?
That we decided to make the jump into
the glamping world all those years ago
despite me feeling very scared with a
“suck it and see” attitude. We did a lot
of the work ourselves, from digging to
building. That we have slowly built a
lovely little family business that we as
well as our guests love. I love the fact
that we are resilient too. I personally
never saw myself leaving social
services and doing this!!
“OUR
FONDNESS
FOR THE
BUSINESS IS
UNDENIABLE,
STEMMING
FROM ITS
MYRIAD
OPPORTU-
NITIES FOR
FUTURE
VENTURES
AND
GROWTH”
What other outdoor hospitality
sectors do you operate in?
We work with a few local companies
that offer outdoor adventures that
we don’t have the facilities for on-site
things like canoeing or kayaking. The
local cycle-hire shop provides pick
up and drop-offs for guests to the
destination they want, or to our site
which is great too.
What advice could you give to
someone coming into the industry?
I would say do your research on what
you want to offer. As much as we love
it, it’s not always all beer and Skittles!
You have to be resilient and go in with
an open mind as things don’t always go
according to plan and you have to be
adaptable (sometimes you have to rip
up the plan and start again). Make sure
you ask for help from those around you.
ADDRESS BOOK
SAFARI TENTS
Clear Sky
www.safaritentsandlodges.com
TOILETS/SHOWERS
Quirky Huts www.quirkyhuts.co.uk
BOOKING SYSTEM
Freetobook en.freetobook.com
GUEST BOOK
Touch Stay www.touchstay.com
PROMOTION
Go Glamping goglamping.net
Love Glamping love-glamping.co.uk
DETAILS
Boundary Farm
East Green
Kelsale
Suffolk IP17 2PH
www.boundaryfarm.co.uk
38 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

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WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 39

GLAMPSITES
Fuggle Treehouse
Glamping 2024
Canopy & Stars reveals what’s in store for glamping in 2024
CANOPY & Stars has dusted off its crystal ball, looked to the stars and gazed ahead into 2024
to make its annual predictions into what we’ll be seeing in the glamping and outdoor holiday
world in the coming year. To back it up with real data, it has also released a market report full
of insight, trends and data on the future of glamping. Here are the highlights.
TRAINS, NO PLANES AND
(ELECTRIC) AUTOMOBILES
Sustainability is a key focus, driven by
a rising environmental consciousness.
Travel and tourism accounted for 8.1%
of global greenhouse gas emissions
in 2022 and Mintel reports 75% of UK
travellers planned to minimise their
environmental impact in 2023. In 2024
education is key, demonstrating how
guests can make greener choices. The
journey is the main culprit for carbon
emissions, so Canopy & Stars will be
making train travel easier and helping
our guests make the switch to electric
vehicles.
This initiative kicks off with a
collection of spaces that are easily
reached by train from London – with
at most a 30-minute taxi ride on the
other side – shortly to be followed by
other major cities. One such space is
Coddiwomple Cabin, perched in its own
private woodland at Downash Wood
with views of Bewl Water. Get there by
direct train from London Charing Cross
to Stonegate, with a 10 minute taxi the
other side. Once there, it’s easy to settle
into car-free living, a 15-minute walk
to the local village with a bakery, fish
mongers, café and award-winning pub.
From £179 per night (sleeps 2).
Canopy & Stars now has over 55
places with EV chargers, and it’s even
a search filter on the website. As EVs
become more popular the agency
has been helping owners who want
to add this feature. The brand new
Fuggle Treehouse at One Acre Wood in
Herefordshire has its own EV charging
point for guests. This magical treehouse
is a medley of wonky wood for all the
family, with a luxurious outdoor copper
bath and 17 acres of woodland and
meadow to explore. From £313 per
night (sleeps 6).
THE TIKTOK GENERATION
Glamping has a fortunate position, appealing not only
to those seeking tranquillity and connection to nature
but also to a demographic searching for social shares.
As Gen Z gets into glamping, TikTok is where they turn
for inspiration.
The video of Tawny Hide in County Durham has had
over 700,000 views. It’s a cabin on 200 acres of gorgeous
working farm with a wraparound deck, hot tub and fire
pit, all from £85 per night (sleeps 2).
TikTok loves the unusual and unique and you don’t
get more unique than a human-sized beehive. Sip
champagne at Humble Bee as the steam from the
outdoor bath drifts up the rock walls or fold back the
various doorways and let the woodland flow in. From
£170 per night (sleeps 2).
Humble Bee
40 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

GLAMPSITES
Earth Treehouse
STAND OUT FOR THE WIN
The good news is that, even with
economic uncertainty, demand for
glamping holidays continues to rise and
our data shows places with character
and flair perform the best, with guests
willing to pay for quality and quirk. More
sophisticated builds like treehouses and
cabins now represent over half of the
collection and generate more than 70% of
revenue – the more unique the better.
One of the most popular places in 2023
has been Oaken Fort, a standout stay on
the Anglo-Welsh border, cradled in the
elbow of a valley and looking out on the
sloping edges of a vale where meadow
and field meets pine forest. It features
an electric hot tub on the deck, outdoor
shower, copper bathtub and immaculate
design throughout. From £245 per night
(sleeps 4).
New in 2023 was Earth Treehouse, part
of the Rewild Things Estate, a space where
artful design and a love of nature come
together to delight, relax and amaze in
equal measure. The massive bed and the
outdoor bath both have views over the
wetlands to distant hills and the outdoor
kitchen is an irresistible invitation to
wild, al fresco living. From £250 per night
(sleeps 4).
Hay Barn
NATURE IS THE NEW WELLNESS
Wellness has become a major driver in
travel, making a seamless connection
with glamping. In 2023, it is the top
travel motivator for 38% of British adults
(YouGov) and the wellness tourism sector
is expected to grow by nearly a quarter
by 2025. Glamping provides the ideal
solution, where wellbeing and a nature
connection combine. Meeting wellness
demands involves not just facilities, like
the increasingly popular saunas and hot
tubs, but also experiences, where nature
is central.
Discover Scandi Cabin at The Fold, a
tranquil haven blending seamlessly with
nature. Tucked into woodlands 50m away
from any neighbours, it offers a private
retreat. Unwind in the sauna, dip in the
outdoor tub, and immerse in Nordic luxury
with tree-framed views. Thoughtfully
designed with a fully equipped kitchen,
a spacious rainfall shower, and a cosy
lounge with a wood burner. USBonly
electricity invites a digital detox,
encouraging guests to embrace the wild.
From £265 per night (sleeps 2).
At Hay Barn on Dartmoor soothe weary
limbs from a day walking with a woodfired
tub overlooking the tors you’ve been
traipsing over. This site can also provide
the full wellness experience with a sauna,
natural swimming pond, gong baths,
meadow massages and forest bathing
workshops. From £123 per night (sleeps 2).
The Camping Meadow
GROUP GETAWAYS
Bigger group spaces have seen a boost in popularity, perhaps as
people catch up after a couple of years apart. This, combined with
the popularity of Canopy & Stars’ spaces for occasions, which
account for over 50% of all bookings, mean the agency is keeping
a keen eye on spaces sleeping over six people.
The Camping Meadow, Norfolk, has space for 32. Whether it’s
a birthday, anniversary, or even a wedding (there’s a licensed
ceremony room), you’ll have the fully licensed Warehouse Bar
serving cocktails and local draught beer as well as outdoor
seating, including a retro double decker bus. From £1,660 per
night (sleeps 32).
Hinterland House in Cornwall is almost equidistant from
Bodmin Moor, The Tamar Valley AONB, Dartmoor, and the coast.
With space for six, this is a phenomenal launching point for
adventures in this part of the country and the most incredible
place to retire back to. A hammock, hot tub and a kitchen/dining
area that’s straight out of an interior design mag. Drinks under the
fairy lights and al fresco dinners in the huge garden, this is a very
social space. From £185 per night (sleeps 6).
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 41

GLAMPSITES
GLAMPING, IT’S SPREADING
Whilst in the UK the south has been the
heartland for glamping, it’s time for other
regions, particularly Ireland and northern
England, to take their turn in the spotlight.
Both have seen increased interest with a
slew of places springing up and Canopy &
Stars is on the hunt for more.
200m from where the Celtic Sea laps
at the shore of southernmost Ireland,
Ballyshane in Co. Cork overlooks the entire
horizon. Spend a few days with only the
sea air and bird calls as you potter about
the beautifully crafted cabin and wake to
sunlight pouring in from the massive picture
window. From £141 per night (sleeps 3).
Just outside The Nidderdale AONB, Cran
Darach Treehouse is a haven surrounded
by greenery. While Yorkshire’s natural
wonders beckon nearby, the meticulous
craftsmanship by owners William and
Julie makes it challenging to leave. The
treehouse, wrapped around oak trees, has
its own a private garden, sauna and hot tub.
From £251 per night (sleeps 2).
Cran Darach Treehouse
Woodland Cabin at Mill Valley
PETS NEED HOLIDAYS TOO
Holidaying with your dog has been growing in
popularity in recent years and the pandemic
puppy boom means a third of all UK households
have a dog. Dog holidays now make up nearly
20% of Canopy & Stars’ bookings. What about
the cats though? Our bookings team have had
an influx of cat enquiries this year too, as cat
lovers want to take their beloved pets away.
Several Canopy & Stars places are rising to the
demand and welcoming cats on breaks too.
Lark at A Place in the Pines in Yorkshire is one
place that has welcomed feline guests in 2023.
This sleek Scandi-style cabin provides a cosy
escape for a couple (maybe the kids) and their
cat. The showstopper is the outdoor bathing
deck – two handsome brass tubs set undercover,
perfect for a long soak while gazing out at the
night sky. From £199 per night (sleeps 4).
With a whole collection dedicated to dogfriendly
glamping there are lots of options to
choose from, one that stands out is Woodland
Cabin at Mill Valley in Cornwall. Charming,
rustic, off grid and with dog friends thrown in.
Over an acre of secured land, for off-lead walks,
and the Cornish coast with magical woodland
walks, windy coastal paths and sweeping
beaches to explore. From £110 per night
(sleeps 2).
MORE INFORMATION
Canopy & Stars has over a decade of experience in helping owners to build, develop and make their spaces a success. Its collection of
inspiring places to stay in the great outdoors connects independent owners to guests in search of a life more wild.
The full report can be found at www.canopyandstars.co.uk/market-report
42 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

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WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 43

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
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44 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

GLAMPSITES
INDUSTRY
John Newberry &
Austin Newberry
Company: Logspan
Roles: Managing directors
Contact: info@logspan.com,
www.logspan.com
FUN FACTS
Favourite tipple: Cider or G&T
Last holiday destination: Cumbria
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Something surprising: Austin has run/
walked from Glasgow to Inverness!
Give us a brief history of Logspan
Logspan was started back in 1996 as a family
business selling sheds and summer houses.
As it became evident that people wanted
more substantial timber buildings, it slowly
grew into the markets required to satisfy
customer needs. From that point, it grew
into the largest independent seller of garden
buildings in Scotland and now supplies the
glamping and hospitality sector throughout
the UK.
What are your backgrounds?
John’s background is entrepreneurial. He
has always run his own businesses and all
those that know him acknowledge both his
great business sense and his ability chat to
anyone. Austin came into the business 10
years ago after working in education and
took over as managing director when John
retired due to his wife’s health.
What makes Logspan stand out in the
market?
We are always looking for niches where
a customer needs something but it is not
being supplied. Whether that is the unique
Finman glamping range, or modular tiny
houses; we want to supply quality products
at an affordable price that allows our
customers’ businesses to grow.
What are your predictions for the growth
and shape of the glamping industry?
The glamping industry is looking towards
unique and different structures as
holidaymakers are becoming increasingly
particular as to what they're renting. The
industry is saturated with similar types of
structures, and as the homeowners come
into the short let market through Airbnb and
Booking.com there is a requirement to make
sure that you can stand out from the crowd.
Whether that's with a unique building or an
additional offering, for example a hot tub,
BBQ hut, or sauna, there is a requirement to
offer something more, over and above just
accommodation.
What are you most proud of?
We are proud of being able to supply these
products, and to work with our customers.
We’ve built relationships over many years
and customers continue to come back and
purchase additional items as we support
their growth. We’re always looking for
something a little bit different that helps our
customers diversify their offering.
Are you working on exciting projects?
We’ve got a few things we’re working on just
now, importing high-quality saunas from
Europe, as well as unique shepherd huts,
which we’re really excited to launch this
summer.
What are your future plans?
Logspan will always be a family business,
and with the forecasted growth of the
glamping industry, there is potential for
us to continue growing in our niche and
expand our offering throughout the UK. We
look forward to supporting the local and
wider economies for many years to come,
providing a quality service that works within
our company values of integrity, teamwork,
service, and quality.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 45

GLAMPSITES
Fire Safety in Law
Know your fire safety requirements as new law comes into force.
Advice from the South East Cornwall Tourism Association
DO YOU own and rent out a holiday let,
annex, yurt, caravan, cabin, Airbnb etc? Do
you know that there are new Fire Safety
Requirements in effect from October 2023? If
you let out a property, even your own home,
for as little as one night to paying guests,
then this new guidance applies to you.
It contains some very important
changes to smoke alarms, written fire risk
assessments, turn locks on exit doors, fire
door requirements and checklist. And they
are not discretionary – if you charge guests
to stay then this will apply to you.
We ask Kim Spencer, vice chair of
South East Cornwall Tourism Association
(SECTA) for her take on the guidelines.
“The first thing to realise is the use of
the word ‘guidance’ is not in the way we
would normally use it as something that is
discretionary or that people can either do
or not do. In this context, guidance means
guiding you towards legal compliance. So in
other words if you follow the guidance you
comply with the law. There are no doubt
other ways of complying with the law that
don’t involve following the guidance but
only really applies if you are an expert in the
field, which very, very few people are. The
person who wrote the guidance from the
Home Office has said clearly that it has a
legal status and must be treated as the law.
“So with this in mind, the issue is looking
at the principles of the guidance and seeing
how they apply to the other non-standard
types of accommodation such as glamping
units, off-grid cabins etc. It’s all about
assessing the risk, which you can only do on
a case by case basis rather than a blanket
requirement from a yurt, for example. A
yurt with a fire pit, mini kitchen area, rooms
divided by canvas etc. is a greater fire risk
than a tent with just a sleeping bag in it. So
each would need different considerations.
“The most important thing that owners of
‘heads on beds’ accommodation can do is
to start by writing their fire risk assessment.
From this, it will become clear what works
are required to make the property safe
in case of fire, as this will depend on the
number of hazards identified, mitigation
etc.”
Sue Jewell, SECTA chair, adds: “The
fire risk assessment (FRA) is something
insurance companies would be asking for
when making a claim. On Bodmin Moor a
few years ago, a site had a yurt burn down.
Unfortunately the bed had the fire between
46 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

ARTICLE 50 GUI DANCE
GLAMPSITES
A guide to making your small
paying-guest-accommodation
safe from fire
A guide to compliance with fire safety law for those responsible
for safety in small paying-guest-accommodation
FSO
This guidance is issued by the Secretary of State in accordance with
Article 50 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (the FSO)
GETTY IMAGES
Help, advice and checklists
it and the exit, and the occupants had to
literally cut their way out! We know about
some of this as the NFU are members of
SECTA. A fire risk assessment would have
highlighted this issue and is a good starting
point for glamping operators. Pointers like
shepherd huts having thumb locks, no heat
source under escape windows etc. – there
is much that can be picked up on when you
do your own FRA.”
GETTY IMAGES
The new requirements are significantly different from both the Building Regulations for
residential properties and the old fire safety guidance, so please take a look at www.gov.
uk/government/publications/making-your-small-paying-guest-accommodation-safefrom-fire
The guidance is very helpful and provides in depth information on:
› Your responsibilities
› How to conduct a fire risk assessment
› How to identify fire hazards
› Fire protection measures
› Examples of common layouts and recommendations on fire protection measures
› A fire risk assessment checklist for premises with paying guests.
Extra advice is available here:
› Fireengland.uk You will find more questions and answers about fire safety law at:
www.fireengland.uk/ fire-safety/how-protect-your-business-fire
› For detailed information about your premises providing sleeping accommodation,
see the technical guide to fire safety risk assessments in sleeping accommodation.
Download a copy for free at www.fireengland.uk/fire-safety-law-workand-publicplaces/fire-risk-assessments
› A supplementary guide providing information on accessibility and means of escape
for people with mobility impairment is available at: www.gov.uk/government/
publications/ fire-safety-risk-assessment-means-of- escape-for-disabled-people
ABOUT SECTA
The South East Cornwall Tourism Association (SECTA) is the voice of all tourism
businesses across South East Cornwall. It lobbies for change, offers advice and
support, and responds to the ever changing business environment. www.secta.org
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01604 761276 , info@portmanfinancegroup.co.uk
www.portmanfinancegroup.co.uk/open-air
Portman Finance Group is both a lender and broker whose expertise
includes helping holiday parks and landowners secure the
funding they need to expand or boost their business. They
work with a wide variety of sites to secure funds that
spread the cost of everything from accommodation to
catering facilities, hot tubs to playgrounds.
As well as working as finance partner to many
industry manufacturers, Portman has recently sourced
funding for lodges, pods and domes across the UK
giving them a unique insight into recent investment
trends.
2024 investment themes centre around uniqueness
and luxury. Creating something different is crucial, whether
that’s the accommodation itself, maximising your natural
setting or building a memorable experience, not just a row of cabins.
In addition, an increasing number of customers are less keen to ‘roughit’,
pay attention to accommodation options, family facilities and luxury
upgrades.
Tailored Planning Insight for Success
Planning Mediation
07935 509132 , contact@planningmediation.co.uk
www.planningmediation.co.uk
Unlock the door to your dream
glampsite with Ben Carden of
Planning Mediation. With a
proven track record of assisting
over 200 glampsites since
2018, Ben understands the
key ingredients for success.
Before investing thousands
in a planning application, let
Ben guide you with a costeffective
feasibility study.
Ensure your concept stands
strong against the planning
system, contact Ben today for
expert insights tailored to your
glamping business aspirations.
GETTY IMAGES
To maximise the
return on your
glamping investment,
you need bookings
rolling in. Preferably
commission free
ones, direct from
your own website.
Outdore is a fantastic
new and affordable one-stop solution to market
your business. Our
platform provides a free website, with
an integrated booking engine, plus
automated payments and
guest messaging. And the best
bit? It’s free to use!
Transforming Ideas
Canopy & Stars
0117 204 7830
ideas@canopyandstars.co.uk
www.canopyandstars.co.uk
Canopy & Stars, in partnership with
Crown & Canopy, is the UK’s leading and
longest-running glamping marketing and
consultancy agent, transforming ideas into
thriving businesses. We guide you through
every stage from viability studies, planning,
design, and construction through to selling
your space. We have developed a deep
understanding of guest wants and needs
and offer expertise while ensuring your
vision takes centre stage.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 49

Unlock Your Glamping Dream
with Planning Mediation!
Planning
Mediation
We are exhibiting at the Glamping Show 2024
BUSINESS LOANS
HIRE PURCHASE
LEASE FINANCE
What can be financed?
Glamping equipment
Groundworks
Spas, Saunas, Amenities
Vehicles
Entertainments
And so much more
www.principalbusinessfinance.co.uk
info@principalbusinessfinance.co.uk
Securing finance for our pods was seamless
and incredibly helpful. Working with PBF was
a pleasure, and their expertise expedited our
growth in a way we couldn't have achieved on
our own. Not to mention, we were able to
secure unbeatable rates. Highly
recommended.
Jack Brundle
Choller Lake Lodges
01604 217 998
Principal Business Finance Ltd is an Appointed Representative of AFS Compliance Limited which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 625035
50 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

GLAMPSITES
PRODUCT IN FOCUS
Infrastructure
Barefoot & Bower,
Gloucestershire
Product: Eight Compact toilets and
installation guidance
Supplier: NatSol, 01686 412653
info@natsol.co.uk
www.natsol.co.uk
Details: An intimate retreat in the Forest of Dean, Barefoot & Bower
features eight glamping dwellings in natural woodland surrounding a lake.
Natsol supplied eight Compact toilets, the smallest of their composting
systems featuring urine separating and utilises the same unique urine plate
and pedestal fitted to the Full Access Composter. Urine goes to a simple
soakaway in the ground. Unlike most compact dry toilets the collection
chamber is below floor level, giving good separation between the toilet
contents and the user. The Compact has excellent passive ventilation.
Customer feedback: Client Mark Freeman said: “Everything was brilliant
and working really well. They have been a highlight of our development –
one barrister staying on the site wrote to me about how fantastic the toilets
were – he was referring to our toilet buildings as well as the Natsol Compact
toilet system.”
DAVID CHRISTIAN
Instant Heavy Duty Ground Protection
Mudcontrol
01536 669630
sales@mudcontrol.co.uk
www.mudcontrol.co.uk
Don’t bury your investment.
MUDCONTROL slabs are revolutionary
– a simple way to create instant,
hard-standing for people, animals
and vehicles, rated to 60 tonnes load
capacity per square metre.
Used to create instant heavy-duty
ground protection to create parking,
pathways, driveways, storage areas,
and much more, quickly and easily with
minimal disturbance, solve your access
issues in a matter of minutes, make high
traffic areas safer and more robust for your
business.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 51

GLAMPSITES
Budget Glamping Shower
Sheep Shed Creations
07961 240538
hello@sheepshed.co.uk
www.sheepshed.co.uk
Need a budget glamping shower? Now you can
quickly build your own with the new flat-packed
outdoor shower kit from Sheep Shed Creations.
Everything you need – apart from the hot water
source – is included. To make assembly even easier,
the base and side panels are pre-assembled. Just
follow the included instructions which also provide
advice on hot water options.
WOODA FARM
CampPlus DUO
Glampsan
0800 999 6010
sales@glampsan.com
www.glampsan.com/product/campplus-duo
The CampPlus DUO is a high quality ‘pod’ containing two
separate en-suite rooms in a back-to back, semi-detached
layout, suitable for two families. This really is camping
with style! No more trips to the communal toilet or shower
block with the proverbial toilet roll under the arm! Your
own private bathroom will be right next door.
Positioned between two pitches, the DUO will provide
each caravan, motorhome or tent pitch with its own
private bathroom facility. So, your guests share the
building but that’s all they share as each side has its own
hot water, electrical supply and sound-proofing!
Customers will be prepared to pay more for the upgrade,
and as a site owner you will be able to command higher
pitch fees, achieve higher occupancy levels and extend the
rental season: resulting in increased revenue, increasing
customer satisfaction levels and positive reviews.
Help with all Services Installations
The Septic Tank Store
01295 235101
sales@theseptictankstore.co.uk
www.theseptictankstore.co.uk
You’ve chosen a stunning location for your venue or glampsite,
and now you need to think of all the services it needs – this is
where The Septic Tank Store can help. With over 40 years in
the drainage and services industry, we can bring a wealth of
experience to your project, specifying and installing your ecofriendly
sewage treatment plant whilst collaborating with you
to cause the least impact on your landscaping.
Not only that, whilst the ground is being disturbed, we can
supply and install water pipes, sewer pipework, ducting for
electrics and we can even prepare the base for your glamping
unit. Our projects can vary from a single glamping unit to a
large campsite or event venue – where we can support you with
sewage solutions, drainage, chemical waste storage, storm
water and trenchwork – all the way to your venue. If you are offmains,
look no further.
52 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

Are you on the list?
BUSINESS
Little
Black
Book
2024
The must have supplier guide
Sent to Open Air Business Subscribers
www.openairbusiness.com/subscribe

EVENTS
CASE STUDY
Black Deer Festival
Authentic Americana straight from Nashville hosted at one of the
oldest deer parks in England
GEORGE HARRISON
Having produced many large
scale events for others, Gill Tee
created Black Deer seven years
ago after a chance conversation
with its first investor. Many
award wins later, the festival’s
success is down to the thought
behind every touchpoint,
enhancing attendees’ overall
experience. We talk to Gill.
Describe your event and how
many people it attracts?
At Black Deer we have done
everything we can to stay true to
the communities and cultures of
Americana. Whether that is with
the music we showcase, or the food
that is on offer. Every touchpoint
at the festival reflects the love
that has gone into creating an
inclusive world. It’s a world that
welcomes people of all ages and
offers families the chance to create
memories that will last forever –
kids can safely climb to the top of
ancient oak trees, work together
to help to build a wild west town
or listen to stories around the
campfire.
Comfort is king, and we have
gone to great lengths to provide
first class production values, and a
varity of on site accommodation,
including really beautiful glamping
options. The festival has grown
over the years and we are looking
to attract around 10,000 people per
day this year.
“ALTHOUGH
THAT EVENT
DID NOT END
UP TAKING
PLACE AT
ERIDGE, I
FORMED A
GREAT RE-
LATIONSHIP
WITH THE
OWNERS AND
THE ESTATE
MANAGER,
AND WAS
ASKED BY
THEM TO
HELP IN-
CREASE THE
LICENCE
CAPACITY”
Explain a bit about your venue
and your history with it
I discovered Eridge Estate over
15 years ago when I was asked
by a client to look at the site for
a potential event they wanted to
do there. I just fell in love with the
place; it’s so magical. It’s over 3,500
acres of amazing land with deers
roaming and wild vistas. It is one of
the oldest deer parks in England.
Although that event did not end
up taking place at Eridge, I formed a
great relationship with the owners
and the estate manager, and was
asked by them to help increase
the licence capacity. They had
several licences, but none that
would service a larger festival. It
was always their ambition to have
an event that would be part of the
estate’s legacy. I never dreamed at
the time that I would be bringing
my own festival there, but when
the decision was made to embark
on the road to making Black Deer a
reality, there was only one place it
could be!
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 55

EVENTS
What is the event’s history and
what made you decide to run it?
I have managed and produced many
events over the years, including
many large scale events. I was
festival director for the Hop Farm
Festival for five years, where we
produced iconic artists including
Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Prince in
his only ever UK festival appearance.
I had never thought I would one
day start a festival but a chance
conversation with our first investor
Colin Lloyd changed that. Colin had
a massive love for country music
having experienced Amerian culture
first hand through the successful
marketing company he co-founded
which was responsible for bringing
Budweiser and Marlboro Cigarettes
into the UK. He’d spent many trips
on horseback in ranches around the
US and that meeting set the wheels
in motion.
Within six weeks we were on
a plane to Nashville to look for
artists and launch the first Black
Deer Festival to the agents and artist
management there. It was a huge
calling card that through my work at
the Hop Farm I had already produced
many high calibre artists, so they
felt safe their artists would be well
presented.
How does the relationship work with
the venue you hold the event at?
We pay an annual fee for a set number
of people covering our build, show
LOUISE ROBERTS
days and derigging. Any numbers
over the set figure we pay a per head
fee. We also provide tickets for the
festival to the estate to distribute
amongst the neighbours and nearby
community.
How is your relationship with the
local authority and community?
The relationship I built with the local
authorities during the period I was
contracted to the estate to increase
the licence capacity served me
well. I continued with the estate as
a consultant and custodian of their
licences when any events or festival
took place there, and the authorites
understood that with my experience
in running events, and my fierce
protection of the estate’s licence
conditions, they were in safe hands.
How have you planned the layout
of the event?
The site has evolved over the years
and we have changed the layout
and added other activities for the
LINDSAY MELBOURNE
LINDSAY MELBOURNE
GEORGE HARRISON
56 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

EVENTS
LINDSAY MELBOURNE
GEORGE HARRISON
enjoyment of our audience. We
have worked really hard to ensure
that our customers are looked after
from the time they arrive to the time
they leave. The reality is we build
a temporary world, and nothing is
perfect, but as a team of likeminded
professionals who give their heart to
the festival, everything that we do is
with the customer in mind.
How do you work with creatives
to make these spaces work?
We are the creatives. Every part
of the festival has been carefully
curated. My co-founder Deborah
Shilling and I share a mutual love
of the genre and carefully set
about creating a world that was as
authentic as possible. I always have
a building perspective and look at
the festival as a whole. I try to design
areas that give maximum enjoyment
as a space and look asthetically
pleasing and unique. Debs always
drilled down the detail finding an
eclectic mix of props and furniture
that fitted with the whole Americana
theme.
The areas have evolved over the
years, and I believe 2023 was the
best the festival has ever looked.
Moving the main stage and other
structures around really worked. You
have to know your festival site, and
you have to adapt with growth. We
did win several awards in year one,
and also the years that followed, so
we feel that we had got a lot right.
How did you research and source
your infrastructure?
We employed production company
NW Live headed up by Joe Nichols.
He and his team do a great job of
getting the most loyal of suppliers at
the best price.
“INSIDE THE
ARENA, WE
HAVE MANY
STAGES ALL
WITH THE
BEST IN
TERMS OF
TALENT ON
SHOW”
What entertainment do you offer?
Every part of the festival has
been thought about to give as
much pleasure and variety to our
customers. As you enter the estate
you cannot fail to see the beauty
all around you with a 360 vista of
breathtaking scenery. Inside the
arena, we have many stages all with
the best in terms of talent on show.
We have motorbikes and old custom
trucks at the ‘Roadhouse’, we have
the best of low and slow cooking
at ‘Livefire’ offering a wide range
of entertainment, including the
now iconic Gospel Brunch, and the
infamous chilli eating competition.
Looking after the kids’ interests,
there is so much on offer at ‘Young
Folk’. We have a partnership with
‘Caffé Nero’ who bring us the best
in coffee, along with great music
entertainment in the unique space
they create especially for the
festival. The list goes on, but there
are also the most amazing artists to
discover, not only on the Main Stage,
but also on the other stages, ‘The
Ridge’, ‘Haleys’ and the ‘Supajam’.
We really have a lot on offer.
How do you manage admissions
and visitor safety?
We employ professional teams
who manage this process. We have
stringent licence conditions that
we strictly adhere to, to ensure the
safety of everyone on site – that of
our suppliers, teams and customers.
How did you cope during 2020 and
2021?
Unfortunately we were unable to
open our gates in both 2020 and
2021, although we did attempt to
be the first off the blocks in 2021
with a great line up and had started
the build. We had so much in place
to ensure we were Covid safe, and
the excitement on site was palpable
after no one had worked on a live
event for nearly two years. Our then
prime minister decided to extend
the lockdown for one further month,
so we had to pack up and were
unable to go ahead, costing the
festival a huge amount of money.
We had no government help
through the arts council grants and
that left a massive deficit in our
accounting. The worst thing was
that the next day, large sporting
events were allowed to take place.
You can imagine the conversations
that were being had with our
teams about how we felt about our
government.
What ground protection do you
use for cars and footfall?
We use a large amount of trakway. It
is, of course, one of those massively
expensive costs to the budget that
you always hate to see, and if the
weather is great and the trucks and
heavy lorries can drive around on
solid ground, that would be the
perfect secenario. Unfortunately
with the weather in the UK, you
cannot guarantee that, so as the
estate has very little roadways
and hardstanding, trakway is a
necessary cost.
How do you publicise the event?
Through all social media channels,
radio, large external posters and
all the usual channels. It is hard to
build a brand in a genre that is not
totally understood, but gradually
the whole Americana culture is
becoming very popular, especially
with the younger audience through
Tiktok, who follow the fashion and
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 57

EVENTS
GEORGE HARRISON
GEORGE HARRISON
lifestyle because it stands out from
the norm and feels very different.
LINDSAY MELBOURNE
the love that is inherent within the
event.
ADDRESS BOOK
GEORGE HARRISON
What additional challenges have
you faced?
Starting a festival, and still being
here seven years later, is not for the
faint hearted. It would have been a
massive rollercoaster ride without
Covid, then add to that the impact
of the cost of living crisis, supplier
costs rising and so many other curve
balls thrown putting a terrible strain
on everyone involved, including our
investors. It really is wonderful that
we are excited about opening our
gates in 2024.
New teams headed up by JOY
Concerts will bring a fresh approach
and new eyes to the event, from
booking and programming, through
marketing and production. We
continue to build on our original
mission of bringing something
unique to the calendar, building a
community where respect is the
byword and fun is in every part of
the festival. To come to a festival is
to escape your normal day-to-day
life and find your people. A great
number return year after year, and
bring more people who experience
“A GREAT
NUMBER
RETURN
YEAR AFTER
YEAR, AND
BRING MORE
PEOPLE WHO
EXPERIENCE
THE LOVE
THAT IS
INHERENT
WITHIN THE
EVENT”
What are your plans for this year?
To keep ensuring that we bring
people who buy a ticket value for
money. We know it’s not cheap to
bring a family to a festival, and we
totally understand that. However,
its very expensive to continue to
produce a festival at the standard
we achieve. Our plan for this year
is to keep doing what we are doing,
keep evolving, never stop learning
and ensure we all do our very best
while enjoying the process.
What advice could you give to
someone coming into industry?
Be brave, be determined, and be
prepared to work double what you
would in many other professions.
You will work long and unsociable
hours, but you will find that once
you have found your place it is very
difficult to consider doing anything
else. The rewards are not financial,
unless you are very lucky, but
the satisfaction and unbelievable
camaraderie and team work,
and happy smiling customers, is
additctive.
MARQUEES
Brooks Marquees
www.brooksmarquees.com
STAGES
Trust Events www.trustevents.co.uk
FENCING
Entertee Hire www.entertee.com
HEAT & POWER
Innovation Power
www.innovationpower.com
BARS
Peppermint
www.peppermintbars.co.uk
TRACKWAY
Davis Trackhire
www.davistrackhire.com
Sunbelt Rentals
www.sunbeltrentals.co.uk
TOILETS
Gigloo www.gigloo.co.uk
WI-FI
Red Box Events
www.redboxevents.com
SECURITY
Vespasia
www.vespasiansecurity.co.uk
INSURANCE
Tysers www.tysers.com
GLAMPING
Bumble Bell www.bumblebell.co.uk
DETAILS
Black Deer Festival
14-16 June
Eridge Park
Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN3 9JT
www.blackdeerfestival.com
58 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

TRUST EVENTS STAGES LTD
Stages & Platforms for Shows &
Festivals Including Film And TV
FESTIVAL STAGE HIRE | ORBIT STAGE | PROLYTE
PORTABLE STAGE HIRE | CAMERA PLATFORMS
Advert V2 (with bleed).pdf 1 10/01/2024 12:01
01749 841720 | 07909 636566
spike@trustevents.co.uk | peter@trustevents.co.uk
www.trustevents.co.uk
Royal Bath and West Showground, Somerset, BA4 6QN
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 59

EVENTS
GETTY IMAGES
Events in 2024
What should organisers expect this season?
IN 2024, the event industry is poised to
witness many transformative changes.
Attendees' expectations and preferences
will play a significant role in shaping the
industry's evolution, with a focus on
personalised experiences and innovative
offerings. Event planners will leverage new
technologies to create immersive, engaging
experiences that leave a lasting impression
on attendees. Payment plan initiatives
will also be a significant focus area in the
coming years, making it easier for people
to attend events they would otherwise be
unable to afford. Lastly, attendees' growing
interest in healthy eating will result in more
nutritious and wholesome food options at
events. Overall, the event industry is set to
see a wave of exciting developments that
promise to make 2024 a year of adventure
and innovation.
BEYOND THE COMFORT ZONE
The upcoming year promises excitement
and adventure as individuals seek to break
free from the monotony of everyday life.
People want to try new activities, sample
different cuisines, and immerse themselves
in fresh musical landscapes.
To meet the growing demand for novelty
and discovery, event organisers must think
creatively and push boundaries. Simply
replicating the same format every year is no
longer enough to attract attendees. Event
professionals must innovate and deliver
unique experiences that leave a lasting
impression. They must stay in tune with
attendees' wants and be ready to pivot
quickly to meet changing needs.
By gathering insights from past events
and analysing attendee feedback, organisers
can experiment with new formats, themes,
and activities. This will help them create
fresh and exciting experiences that keep
attendees coming back for more. In
conclusion, event organisers must rise to the
challenge of meeting this growing demand
for novelty and discovery.
PERSONALISATION
In today's world, personalisation has
become a significant factor in almost every
aspect of our lives, and outdoor events are
no exception. Attendees now more than ever
expect experiences tailored to their unique
preferences and interests. Personalisation
can range from customising event agendas
and offering personalised recommendations
to creating interactive experiences that keep
audiences engaged. Personalisation is a
great way to build an event that attendees
will remember long after it's over. With so
much competition in the events industry,
offering personalised experiences can help
organisers stand out from the crowd and
attract more attendees.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has played
a vital role in personalisation. Chatbots
have emerged as a powerful tool to help
organisers deliver personalised experiences
before, during, and after events. These
AI-powered chatbots can answer questions
from attendees, gather valuable feedback to
improve future events, and provide real-time
updates during the event. They can also
recommend sessions based on attendees'
interests, ensuring attendees get the most
out of their experience.
Personalisation is essential to meet the
growing demand for unique and memorable
experiences in outdoor events. AI-powered
chatbots can help event organisers deliver
personalised experiences that keep
attendees immersed.
TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCES
As lives become more fast-paced and
hectic, festivalgoers are increasingly
seeking out experiences that go beyond
mere entertainment and leave a lasting
impact on their lives. Recent research has
60 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

EVENTS
GETTY IMAGES
“FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS ARE A WIN-WIN SITUATION
FOR BOTH ORGANISERS AND ATTENDEES ALIKE. WITH
THESE OPTIONS IN PLACE, ATTENDEES CAN BOOK EARLIER,
AND ORGANISERS CAN PLAN FOR LARGER AND MORE
IMPRESSIVE EVENTS WITH HIGHER-CALIBRE LINEUPS”
revealed a strong desire for events that offer
transformative experiences, with attendees
expressing a yearning for opportunities
that empower them to take charge of their
mental and physical health.
Even more interesting is that many of
these individuals are willing to spend more
on events that provide such opportunities.
This trend indicates the growing demand for
events that offer more than just the ordinary.
Instead, festivalgoers crave events that
encourage personal growth, provide a fresh
perspective on the world, and inspire new
ways of thinking.
As the world changes and people's
priorities shift, it's clear that events must
evolve to meet the changing needs of
festivalgoers. Those that offer transformative
experiences and empower attendees to take
control of their lives will surely be the most
successful in the years to come.
EMBRACING NATURE
In recent years, there has been an increasing
trend among outdoor event attendees to
seek a connection with nature. With busy
urban lifestyles and technology taking over
our lives, many people are looking for ways
to escape from the hustle and bustle of city
life and find solace in the great outdoors. As
a result, event organisers are incorporating
nature-based experiences into their events
to cater to this growing demand.
From guided hikes to wilderness
workshops and outdoor yoga sessions,
event organisers are offering a range of
unique experiences that allow attendees to
connect with nature in a meaningful way.
These nature-based experiences offer a
refreshing change of pace and provide a
sense of calm and relaxation that is difficult
to achieve in urban settings.
Incorporating these experiences into an
event can set it apart and create a unique
selling point. Attendees will likely remember
an event that allowed them to connect with
nature and indulge in outdoor activities,
making it a memorable occasion.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability has been much-discussed
in the events industry for many years, but
the focus has recently shifted towards
prioritising biodiversity and sustainable
land use. While reusable cups and recycling
bins are still necessary, event organisers
must understand and nurture the land
they use year-round. One approach that
has gained traction is rewilding, which
involves restoring delicate ecosystems
between events. Rewilding helps to preserve
biodiversity and improve soil health,
ensuring that the land can continue to
support events for years to come.
Another trend in sustainable events is the
expectation that brands demonstrate their
commitment to sustainability beyond the
festival grounds. Consumers are becoming
increasingly aware of the impact their
choices have on the environment, and
they expect the brands they support to do
the same. By implementing eco-friendly
practices and transparent sustainability
initiatives, brands can enhance their
reputation and appeal to environmentally
conscious consumers. Sustainability is an
essential aspect of event planning that can
make a real difference to the planet and
people's lives.
FOOD AND DRINK
As people become more health-conscious in
their daily lives, the demand for plant-based
and healthy food options at events is on
the rise. Event attendees increasingly seek
nutritious alternatives that align with their
dietary preferences and health-conscious
attitudes. From vegan-friendly dishes to
gluten-free options and organic produce,
event organisers are now doing more to
cater to the diverse nutritional needs of their
audience.
In addition to food options, there has
been a noticeable increase in requests for
low- and no-alcohol beverages at events.
With buyers becoming more mindful of
their alcohol intake, both drinkers and nondrinkers
are showing significant interest in
alcohol substitutes and canned mocktails
that offer health benefits and a tantalising
drinking experience. What was once
considered an 'extra' is now an expectation,
reflecting evolving preferences towards
healthier alternatives in event beverage
offerings.
To stay ahead of the curve, event
organisers should consider incorporating
these dietary and beverage preferences into
their event planning. Offering a range of
nutritious food and beverage options can
help attract health-conscious attendees
and ensure everyone has a satisfying and
enjoyable experience.
COST OF LIVING CHALLENGES
As the cost of living continues to rise, more
events are turning to payment plans to
help attendees manage the expense of
attending events. One such payment plan,
Paypal's Pay in 3, is gaining popularity as it
allows organisers to increase conversions
and receive full payments earlier in the
year while attendees can still attend their
favourite events without facing immediate
financial strain.
Flexible payment options are a win-win
situation for both organisers and attendees
alike. With these options in place, attendees
can book earlier, and organisers can plan
for larger and more impressive events with
higher-calibre lineups. This approach not
only has the potential to appeal to returning
attendees from previous years but will also
attract new faces to the event.
By offering payment plans, organisers can
ensure that their events remain accessible
to all attendees, regardless of their financial
situation. This, in turn, can lead to increased
attendance and a more diverse audience,
which can only be a good thing for any
event.
IN CONCLUSION
The outdoor event industry is on the brink
of significant changes in 2024. Attendee
preferences and expectations are evolving,
with a focus on personalised experiences,
innovative offerings, and sustainable
practices. Event planners must embrace
these changes and think creatively to deliver
unique experiences that leave a lasting
impression on attendees. By incorporating
personalisation, transformative experiences,
nature-based activities, sustainable
practices, healthy food and beverage
choices, and payment plan options, event
organisers can keep up with evolving trends
and attract a diverse audience. The future
looks bright for the outdoor event industry,
and those who rise to the challenge and
continue to innovate will surely thrive in the
years to come.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 61

EVENTS
More than
Grid Stage
JAKE DAVIS KHROMA COLLECTIVE
for each stage. One of the event’s founders
Will Harold emphasises the significance
of ensuring attendees have a diverse and
immersive experience. He notes, “We’ve
always tried to create different shaped
structures, different sizes for different styles
of music, and the programming is always
very much based on what we create or vice
versa.” The festival’s founders believe in
a tight synergy between stage design and
music programming.
Production designer Loz Poulton
echoes this sentiment. He emphasises the
importance of not hiding structural elements
but instead incorporating them into the
stage’s aesthetic. This approach departs
from the norm, where many festivals invest
heavily in concealing infrastructure. He
explains, “I was trying to put elements in
that were already kind of inherently goodlooking...
using materials and structures in a
way that complements the stage.”
Will adds that Junction 2 has always been
quite literal about its designs, embracing
straightforward functionality. The stages
have names like “The Bridge,” “The Woods,”
and “The Blackout,” and the festival aims to
embrace the nature-industrial juxtaposition,
showcasing trusses and the inner workings
as integral parts of the design.
Loz says the inspiration behind their
designs comes from
the materials
available and how
they can be used
effectively.
a Stage
We talk to Junction 2 co-founder
Will Harold and production designer
Loz Poulton about last year's three new stage designs
JUNCTION 2 was conceived in the summer
of 2016, as 5,000 ravers descended onto
Boston Manor Park – a West London park
offering a unique mix of vast fields, intimate
woodlands and impressive industrial
settings under the M4 flyover, where its
inimitable Bridge stage is located.
With a strict musical policy of forward
thinking electronic music, a unique location
and sound levels that were previously
unheard of in London, Junction 2 swiftly
grew to a capacity of 30,000 attendees over
two days in just five years, becoming one of
the most revered festivals on the electronic
music circuit.
This year symbolised a year of rebirth
and regrowth for the event as it presented
its boldest project yet, delivering three
new stages as part of its unwavering
commitment to delivering the best in
electronic music.
THE IMPORTANCE OF
STAGE DESIGN
Junction 2’s success can be attributed to
its dedication to creating distinct spaces
DOUG JOHN MILLER
Grid Stage
Instead of striving to replicate existing
structures, Junction 2 focuses on creating
visually appealing designs. The festival aims
to make the most of the diverse elements
of its park location including a bridge and
woodland, rather than attempting to create
something entirely new. The event’s stages
designs are an extension of the park’s
existing beauty.
CREATING THE GRID, QUAD, AND
BLACKOUT STAGES
2023 saw the introduction of three new
stages – The Grid, Quad, and Blackout
stages each with a unique character and
62 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

EVENTS
Grid Stage
The Quad Stage
JAKE DAVIS KHROMA COLLECTIVE
DOUG JOHN MILLER
atmosphere.
The Grid Stage replaced the main stage,
offering a new challenge. Loz reveals that
they initially envisioned an overhead gantrystyle
system with more structural elements
to create a unique experience. This concept
aimed to accommodate varying audience
sizes, from 3,000 to over 10,000 attendees,
while creating a captivating atmosphere.
However, the design faced challenges,
including material availability, trussing
constraints, and budget limitations. They
ultimately had to compromise and transition
to a new design, featuring cube structures
surrounding the stage. These cubes housed
lighting and smoke effects to enhance the
dance floor experience.
This shift highlighted the importance
of flexibility and sustainability. Loz notes
that creating modular sets allows for
future iterations and reduces waste. He
also emphasised the desire to prioritise
the audience’s dance floor experience over
sheer scale. By creating a more enclosed
atmosphere, they aimed to enhance the
overall vibe of the Grid Stage.
Nestled in the Low Meadow, the Quad
Stage provided an open-air experience,
hosting Fuse and Chronicle on separate
days. Will and Loz reflect on this stage,
acknowledging it as a design challenge
they aimed to tackle. The festival founders
express that the Quad Stage didn't fully
meet their expectations, citing a redesign
of several stages within a year and
unpredictable weather as contributing
factors.
Loz mentions the intention behind the
Quad Stage was to create a more openair
environment where people could
relax and enjoy the sun. However, they
used a structure initially intended for
another stage, which proved less impactful
than anticipated. Loz also stressed the
importance of retaining specific platforms
that had contributed to the success of
previous designs.
Both Will and Loz acknowledge that
the Quad Stage presented room for
improvement, which they plan to address.
The beauty of its modular design is that it
DAISY DENHAM
allows for continuous enhancements and
refinements.
The Blackout Stage embodies the
essence of a nightclub experience,
designed to reflect the intense atmosphere
of a warehouse party. Loz mentions the
challenge of finding a suitable structure
that could be modified to meet their
specific blackout requirements. Silver
Stage provided a "saddle span" product
with custom blackout lining, enabling the
creation of a technically advanced and
visually striking stage.
The Blackout Stage exemplifies the fusion
of technical production and lighting to
"THE FESTIVAL FOUNDERS EXPRESS
THAT THE QUAD STAGE DIDN'T FULLY
MEET THEIR EXPECTATIONS, CITING A
REDESIGN OF SEVERAL STAGES WITHIN
A YEAR AND UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER
AS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS"
create a unique nighttime experience. The
visual elements within the tent, combined
with the intense music, set this stage apart
from the other open-air stages at Junction
2. Japanese artist Manami played a vital role
in creating the visually captivating elements
within the stage.
ACCESS, BUILD TIME, AND BUDGET
Loz emphasises the importance of working
within budget limitations. Although they
have always invested significantly in their
creative vision, it’s crucial to find materials
that are both visually appealing and costeffective.
JAKE DAVIS KHROMA COLLECTIVE
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 63

EVENTS
Access and build time also posed
challenges. Loz noted the massive
concrete ballast blocks used, adding
that they require meticulous planning
and coordination due to their significant
weight. Will said the impact of bad weather
on build time, highlighting the efforts of
the production and operation teams in
preserving the park’s grounds while dealing
with adverse conditions.
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Junction 2’s success is a testament to
its collaborative partnerships. Will and
Loz commended their long-standing
relationships with suppliers, some of which
have lasted over a decade.
The festival’s technical teams, including
Wolf Lighting and Video Illusions, are
pivotal in delivering the visual and lighting
experiences that make Junction 2 unique.
Video operators Bertie Sampson and
Johnny Godmark and lighting operators Pat
Murphy and Andy Emerson ensure that the
technical production aligns seamlessly with
the creative vision.
Additionally, the festival founders praised
their team’s friendly and supportive nature,
highlighting the importance of maintaining
The Blackout Stage
a positive atmosphere during the design
and build process. This harmonious working
environment translates into the festival’s
vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, which
extends to the security and bar staff and,
ultimately, the festival-goers themselves.
EVOLVING AND IMPROVING
As Junction 2 evolves, it will address
specific design aspects. The Lower Meadow,
home to the Quad Stage, will be a focal
point for improvements. With plans to
refine the stage experience and make it
more memorable for attendees. The festival
is also considering adding new stages,
further diversifying the musical offering and
expanding the event’s footprint within the
park.
Junction 2 is passionate about providing
a rich experience for festival-goers. They
emphasise the importance of refining
their stages and the overall event. The
festival thrives on a culture of constant
improvement, constantly pushing the
boundaries of what’s possible in the world
of stage design and music experiences.
DAISY DENHAM
DOUG JOHN MILLER
The Blackout Stage
THE FUTURE OF MUSIC FESTIVALS
The story of Junction 2 is not just about a
music festival but a testament to the power
of creativity, innovation, and passionate
collaboration. As the festival continues to
grow and evolve, it serves as an inspiration
for the future of music festivals and live
events.
One key takeaway from Junction
2’s journey is the importance of close
collaboration between festival organisers
and production designers. The festival’s
founders share a deep creative synergy that
has been the driving force behind its
unique stage designs.
The event’s approach to stage
design highlights the significance of
embracing the existing environment
and structural elements. Rather than
trying to reinvent the wheel, the festival
leverages what the park has to offer, using
it as a canvas to create immersive and
captivating experiences.
Sustainability is also a core value,
reflected in the commitment to modular
sets and a reduced environmental
footprint. The event’s conscious effort to
minimise waste and repurpose materials
sets a positive example for the live
events industry, which often faces waste
management and sustainability challenges.
Junction 2’s journey is a testament to
the transformative power of design and
creativity in the world of music festivals.
It underscores the notion that these
events are not just about the artists on
stage but also the stages themselves, the
immersive experiences they create, and the
communities they bring together. It’s about
pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,
constantly evolving, and delivering unique
and unforgettable moments to music
enthusiasts.
JAKE DAVIS KHROMA COLLECTIVE
64 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 65

66 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

EVENTS
PRODUCT IN FOCUS
Festival Ready
Slam Dunk Festival, Leeds
Product: Mobile cloakroom
Supplier: Gohangers, 07788 216884, info@
gohangers.com, www.gohangers.com
JA PHOTOGRAPHY
Details: The Slam Dunk Festival, an annual
celebration of pop-punk, rock, and alternative
music, boasts multiple stages featuring
prominent bands and emerging artists. With
its vibrant atmosphere and diverse line-up,
the festival attracts fans seeking not only great
music but also additional attractions like food
vendors and interactive experiences.
Gohangers’ mobile cloakroom service
transformed the VIP experience at the event
by offering a suite of convenient amenities
tailored to attendees' needs. Secure lockers,
spacious hanger racks, and various
additional offerings ensured a
seamless festival experience.
Attendees enjoyed
professional handling
of their coats, bags,
and personal items,
facilitated by a
swift check-in
and check-out
process overseen
by Gohangers'
attentive staff. This
ensured belongings
remained safe and
easily accessible
throughout the event,
allowing guests to fully
immerse themselves in the
festival without worry.
JA PHOTOGRAPHY
Customer feedback: Jasmine Hussain,
PA to the director Slamdunk, said: “Attending the
Slam Dunk Festival’s VIP section was greatly enhanced
by Gohangers’ mobile cloakroom service. From the
seamless locker system to convenient hanger racks and
phone charging stations, every aspect of the service
was meticulously designed for attendee comfort and
convenience. The availability of ponchos and wardrobe
malfunction accessories showcased Gohangers’ attention
to detail and commitment to providing a worry-free
experience, even in unpredictable weather. Friendly and
helpful staff were consistently available to assist with any
requests, ensuring attendees felt valued and well cared for
throughout the event.
“Overall, Gohangers exceeded expectations and
significantly contributed to enhancing the festival
experience. We enthusiastically recommend their services
to others and eagerly anticipate utilising them again in the
future.”
Quick Install Festival
Tent Frames
Luxury Pods
07767 666999
info@luxurypods.com
www.luxurypods.com
If you don’t like the idea of sleeping on the ground in muddy,
cold, wet weather at festivals then you will be relieved to hear
that a compact, comfortable, solution has arrived. The LOCX,
super strong, structural, lightweight, aluminium frame takes
minutes to erect (and dismantle) with a waterproof canvas
clip-on-system.
The ‘tent’ has two aluminium bed frames (750 x 2000mm
– 2ft 6” x 6ft 6”) with corrugated aluminium slats for strength
and airflow. Comfort comes from the recycled foam mattress
and memory foam topper with waterproof, wipeable covers.
Sleeping off the ground ensures a dry and comfortable night
regardless of the weather.
Bespoke tent designs can accommodate wider, multiple
beds or hammocks. If you have a design in mind, please get in
touch.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 67

EVENTS
DHB Group,
Brighton Pride
Product: A solution to level
structures to staging and
walkways
Supplier: 0207 833 2031,
rentals@steeldeck.co.uk,
www.steeldeck.co.uk
Details: DHB Group is a live
event production company and
bespoke manufacturer for brand
activations, regularly working
with blue chip companies.
DHB approached Steeldeck to
collaborate in creating a design
for a client at Brighton Pride.
The project centred around six
modified shipping containers
as the primary feature. The
Brighton site location presented
an obstacle due to its steep
incline. DHB needed a solution
to level the stage and walkways,
ensuring it could support the
weight of the containers and
accommodate a large audience,
whilst maintaining the visual
impact of the overall design.
Along with the platform for
the activation, bespoke steps
were designed and built to
accommodate the uneven terrain
and an accessible ramp was
added.
With considerable challenges
to safely support the heavy
container loads, whilst building
on varying and uneven surfaces,
Steeldeck needed to construct
a structure that ranged from
200mm high in one corner to
1,600mm high in the opposite
corner. It was essential that all
structural elements aligned
perfectly. Steeldeck’s own
engineers dedicated a significant
amount of time anticipating and
addressing any potential issues.
A sail shade had to pass
through the Steeldeck and be
supported all the way to the
ground. To ensure that the loads
from the containers did not
exceed the site’s ground bearing
capacity, specialised spreaders
were used, and ground scans
were conducted.
This was a particularly
unique build, and Steeldeck’s
collaboration with DHB led
to supporting further festival
activations over the summer
at Boardmasters and All Points
East.
Customer feedback: Tony
Waters, director of DHB Group,
said: “Katie was from start to
finish a complete professional,
a total pleasure to work with
on a complex project. It was so
reassuring to deal with someone
who not only knows her
equipment back to front but is
hands on and thinks on her feet
on site. The complete service, all
the crew and equipment felt like
part of the DHB team. I will have
no hesitation to use Steeldeck
again when the correct project
lands.”
ALAN HATHERILLO
ALAN HATHERILLO
Fantasy Forest at Sudeley Castle,
Gloucestershire
Service: Temporary power generation and distribution
Supplier: Event Production Services, 01844 278446, info@
epsoxford.com, www.epsoxford.com
Details: Fantasy Forest is the festival for sci-fi, fantasy
and reenactment cosplay held in July at Sudeley Castle in
Gloucestershire. The grounds of this stunning venue are
transformed with three outdoor stages of live music, as well
as other performance areas, the UK's largest fantasy market, a
mead tavern and a fire ceremony.
EPS provided full
temporary power
generation and
distribution
services,
supplying three
generators
to various
locations
around the
site and
utilising the
venue’s on-site
power supplies
– over 5km of
cabling and nearly
50 distribution boards
were supplied to provide
power to some of the more
remote areas on site! A full electrical
design compliant to BS7909 was completed
ahead of the event, with additional capacity allowed for those
last minute on-site additions and changes. All electrical circuits
were tested and certified. As part of the managed service, EPS
also undertook refuelling of generators and plant equipment
used for the event.
DANIEL SEARLE
Customer feedback: Gary Fieldhouse, construction manager at
Fantasy Forest, said: “Having EPS supply, install and manage the
electrical side of our festival really took the pressure off us. The
team were professional, approachable and great to work with.
“During our Festival we had a huge named storm and under
pressure they rose above and exceeded my expectations, and we
still managed to hold the festival once the storm had subsided
and there were no problems with the electrics. We have booked
their services again this year as we were so impressed.”
DANIEL SEARLE
68 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

EVENTS
Goodwood Members'
Meeting, West Sussex
Product: Ivory-white tipis
Supplier: Tipi Spaces, 01884 277306
hello@tipispaces.co.uk, www.tipispaces.co.uk
Details: Tipi Spaces was delighted to be asked by
Goodwood Road & Racing to supply three ivory-white tipis
to create an exclusive hospitality space for one of its corporate
sponsors for the 80th Members’ Meeting. This is an historic
annual event and one of the biggest events in the Goodwood Motor
Sports calendar. 30,000 members of the Goodwood Road Racing Club
travel from all over the world to attend the event over two days.
This was the company’s first time working at Goodwood so it worked closely
with the health and safety team and event planners to ensure it understood
the sensitivities of the site and that it met its rigorous requirements.
The tipis are engineered to withstand severe weather conditions. Their
conical shape helps wind to blow around the structures making them
incredibly stable. This was put to the test at Goodwood!
Over the Easter Weekend up to 70mph gusts of wind were predicted in some
parts of the UK. The team returned to the site to take extra measures to secure
the tipi canvas. In line with Tipi Spaces’ weather management plan, the canvas
was lowered and additional stakes used to ensure it was secured into the
ground. Large hay bales were also used to create windbreaks.
The storm came and passed without causing any damage to the tipis and
the canvas was re-opened in time for guests to enjoy all the motor sport action
from inside.
Customer feedback: Event planner Anna Southon said: “We have received
nothing but positive feedback from our guests about the tipis! They thoroughly
enjoyed the event. Thank you for your support.”
Impactful Signage
HFE Signs
01283 576017
sales@hfe-signs.co.uk
www.hfe-signs.co.uk
HFE Signs, a premier
five star Trustpilot rated
provider in the business
and event printing
industry, specialises in
crafting high-quality
printed banners designed
to elevate visibility and
captivate attention. With a strong emphasis on durability, aesthetic appeal,
and customisability, HFE Signs caters to a wide range of needs, from
corporate branding and promotional events to personal celebrations
and community gatherings. Its printed banners stand out for their vivid
colours, sharp graphics, and premium materials, ensuring that each piece
not only looks professional but also withstands the elements for outdoor
or indoor use.
Understanding the importance of impactful advertising, HFE Signs offers
a seamless design and ordering process, enabling customers to easily
customise their banners to match specific themes, messages, or branding
requirements. Whether it's for a grand opening, a sales promotion, or a
festival, HFE Signs’ commitment to quality and customer satisfaction make
them a go-to solution for businesses and individuals aiming to make a lasting
impression. Other products include printed signs, roller banners, feather flags
and more.
Solar Powered
Mobile Stages
The Stage Bus
0121 585 9264
info@thestagebus.com
www.thestagebus.com
The Stage Bus is an event production company
based in Birmingham, that provides innovative
solar powered mobile stages across the UK. Its
quirky, vehicle-based stages are powered by the
sun and onboard batteries mean they can power
events day and night.
With full sound and lighting facilities included,
their super-fast set-up times also make them some
of the most cost-effective and environmentallyconscious
solutions available.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 69

Spot light
A roundup of products for the outdoor hospitality industry
UK MADE BIO-PURE SEWAGE
TREATMENT PLANT
The Septic Tank Store
01295 236101
sales@theseptictankstore.co.uk
www.theseptictankstore.co.uk
The UK made Bio-Pure sewage
treatment plant is fully tested and
certificated to discharge to a water
course or drainage field, meeting the
new 2020 regulations. And as this
robust system treats both the solids
and liquids, it has an emptying
period of up to three to five years
dependent on usage. There are
various sizes available between one
and 50 persons, perfect for a single
glamping unit up to a medium sized
campsite or venue. They can be
adapted to your requirements with
pumped options and a choice of
invert levels for deeper pipes. If you
need advice, please contact us.
ELECTRICALLY HEATED OFURO TUB
Woodpecker Tubs
07435 866929
info@woodpeckertubs.co.uk
www.woodpeckertubs.co.uk
One of the core products in the
Woodpecker range is the Ofuro tub.
This luxurious roll top tub, suitable
for two people, is a mainstay when it
comes to luxury glamping and other
settings that have accommodation at
the heart of their business.
More than just a woodfired tub,
the Ofuro is now available with a
conventional heating unit. Guests
can choose to use the tub at a cooler
temperature or warm it up to provide
a traditional hot tub experience via
the use of unit.
The addition of this option is a
gamechanger in our eyes. It allows
customers the choice of heating
solution to fit with their setting and
existing infrastructure.
ONLINE WASTE AND WATER
SOLUTIONS
Glampsan
0800 999 6010
sales@glampsan.com
shop.glampsan.com
Glampsan is pleased to announce
the launch of a brand new web shop
which helps customers navigate
waste and water solutions in a
one-stop-shop. The Glampsan team
is on hand to support and advise
customers from Monday to Friday but
if your working hours are different
you now have the opportunity
to research and source most of
the company’s products from the
comfort of your armchair, whenever
the time is right for you.
With over 30 years of experience
in the waste industry, Glampsan
supplies waste and water solutions
for the glamping, camping,
caravanning and event industries.
SWISS ARMY KNIFE OF SMALL
STOVES
Ekol Stoves
01929 555211
enquiries@defrastoves.com
www.defrastoves.com
With its modular design, and
multiple cooking options including
cook plate, baking oven, pan
supports, and griddle plate, it’s the
‘Swiss Army Knife’ of small stoves.
The ‘Apple Pie’ by Ekol. Whether
it’s for a yurt, glamping pod or
shepherds hut, the Apple Pie
can be adapted and customised
to suit. With its low distance to
combustibles, its ideal for small
spaces.
70 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

SLEEK CURVES FOR A NY EVENT
Alternative Stretch Tents
01920 830256
info@alternative-stretch.co.uk
www.alternative-stretch-tents.co.uk
Alternative Stretch Tents hire
elegant stretch tents for a huge
variation of events across the UK.
From brand activations to festivals
to funerals. Whether it’s blending
into the natural surroundings or
making a statement through certain
rigging techniques, we truly believe
the ‘stretch tent’ can suit and add
that lasting impression to any
event.
Now specialising in long term
installs, purchases and custom size
tents, we pride ourselves on great
customer service, advice and long
term support.
Spanning festival stages, bending
around that awkward tree or
spanning a water feature, if it’s for
hire or purchase, years of rigging
experience make almost any space
possible!
TIMBER FRAME GEO DOMES
The Dome Company
07876 673354
info@thedomecompany.co.uk
www.thedomecompany.co.uk
We design, manufacture, hire and
sell the highest quality timber
framed geodesic dome structures,
throughout the UK and beyond.
Ideal for hospitality, theatre, music
and so much more, from small
intimate events, brand activation,
weddings, film and live broadcast, to
large festivals and sporting events.
We can manufacture bespoke
covers to incorporate your branding
and have clear and blackout cover
options.
Over the past 40 years and spanning
two generations we have developed
our own distinctive style of beautiful
and functional geodesic domes and
structures with an exclusive feel.
Stock ranges from 7-25m diameters
and can withstand long term/
permanent installation.
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, selfanchoring
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.
MAXIMISE VIEWS WITH THE MUNRO
Podz R Us
07767 733044
sales@podzrus.com
www.podzrus.com
The stand-out feature of our Munro
pod has to be the full height and
width glass front. If you have a
location with a stunning outlook,
this is the best way to view it,
no matter the outside weather
conditions.
The pod comes complete with a fullsized
double bed, kitchen area and
en-suite. The layout offers a spacious
interior living area and a partitionedoff
sleeping zone for some extra
privacy. There's a full-sized shower
in the bathroom too.
Like all our pods, the Munro is fully
insulated and double-glazed. With
the addition of underfloor heating, it
is suitable for use all year round.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 71

Classified Directory
C RE®
BAR& EVENTHIRE
STYLISH CUSTOMISABLE BAR RENTAL
DRY HIRE OR FULL SERVICE
T: 0845 299 6499 - E: sales@core-barandeventhire.com
www.core-barandeventhire.com
Advert - small.indd 1 16/04/2021 16:04:43
When Nature Calls
sales@leesan.com
T: 01295 770000
Only LeeSan truly specialise in toilets
From
Finman £5,540
Glamping
Cabins and
BBQ Huts
• UNIQUE • QUALITY • CUSTOMISABLE
01389 500 950
Are you listed?
Venue or Event Supplier?
Join the UK’s largest online Venue Directory
29,000 Venues and 1,000s of Event Suppliers
venues4hire.org
• Sewage Treatment •
• Sales •
• Installation •
TEAM
SEPTIC
01295 236 101
sales@theseptictankstore.co.uk
72 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

CREATED BY YOU, MADE BY US!
FOR
SALE
BELL TENT
BUSINESS
Tiffany Wilson & Tim Ferguson
01202 374188 / 07503 000188
www.dorsetbelltents.com
Innovative products
for Temporary Structure installations
Providing temporary staff,,
from assistants to managers,
to multiple events across the UK
COULD WE BE OF SERVICE TO YOU?
Find out more at
www.FestivAll.Services
• Structure Support and Levelling
• Modular Steps & Ramps
• Balustrades
• Cassette Floors
• Bespoke Engineering
+44 121 526 6060
info@regenteng.com
www.floorstak.com
The Natural Way To Build
Tel: 01580 212141 Email: info@timberspecs.com
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PEOPLE
Behind the Scenes
Tom Cheshire
Tom gives us a glimpse into South West Backline, a sound
production company he runs with his dad
SOUTH WEST Backline is a live sound
production company based in Devon run
by my father and I. We’ve been in the live
sound business since 1997 and have recently
increased our backline stock dramatically
as well as upgrading to a state of the art
L-acoustic sound system.
My main role within the business is
festivals and events. This mainly entails
organising and testing the equipment before
we deliver it to a site and on to each stage.
Above all else though our main role is to
ensure that every act can run smoothly with
optimal sound quality so the crowd and act
can focus on a memorable performance.
I’ve grown up within the festival industry
with my first being Beautiful Days setting
up DJ decks. There I met Ray Paul of the
Playmaker Group and it all snowballed
from there. Ray then gave me my first stage
management job at a festival in Bognor Regis
called Southport Weekender. It was there
that I did my first 12 hour shift which made
me reevaluate my passion, luckily it didn't
sway me! I went on to work at Glastonbury,
Boardmasters and at many more events.
After I realised that I definitely wanted to
work in the music industry I started to apply
for university. I received three unconditional
“MOST PEOPLE WOULD
AGREE WORKING IN THE
MUSIC INDUSTRY CAN BE
HECTIC AND MY WORK
ENVIRONMENT IS NO
DIFFERENT”
offers but, as more festival bookings came
in, I decided to defer my offer for a year. The
year passed and SWB grew and began to get
more bookings, so when the time came I
decided not to go to university and took the
jump into full time work. This is one of the
biggest decisions I have ever made and so far
it is paying off.
Most people would agree working in
the music industry can be hectic and my
work environment is no different. I have
learned that you can lower stress levels
with pre-emptive planning to reduce any
surprises. This normally includes constant
equipment checks to make sure everything
is functioning but equally important is good
communication with event organisers, and
detailed spec sheets and riders to make sure
nothing is missed. This is what most of my
job entails outside of show days.
This year we are looking forward to a busy
festival season supplying backline to major
events across the UK. We are also working
closely with promoters and councils to
produce live shows providing sound, light,
power and infrastructure.
Most challenges I come across within live
production are normally due to a breakdown
of communication, whether that be the
wrong information being sent or never being
sent at all! The only way to overcome this is
to always make sure communication is open
and everything is double checked.
The most important part of any festival is
the crew behind the scenes. A happy team
will always go above and beyond to make
the best show they can. A crew that is fed
watered and laughing is the only crew you
want on stage.
The best part of working at SWB is
certainly the dogs, although we don’t
bring them on show days. Elmo, Bean and
Boudicca make sure everyone is smiling,
whether that be from climbing across flight
cases or falling asleep on a pile of cables.
I’m proud of how much SWB has grown
as well as what I have done at 19 years old,
although I don’t want my age to overshadow
what I accomplished so far. The thing I love
most about my job is seeing the crowd. After
the setup and all the headaches, knowing
you have created an environment that so
many people are enjoying is what makes
my job the best job in the world. I couldn’t
imagine doing anything else and I hope if I
stay on this path I will never have to.
DETAILS
South West Backline
01409 231620
www.southwestbackline.com
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ISSUE 51 | 2022 | www.openairbusiness.com
ISSUE 52 | 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
FUNCTION VENUES
› Bars & Catering
› Outdoor Ceremonies
GLAMPSITES
› Compost Toilets
› Booking Systems
EVENTS
› Seeing Red
› Total Immersion
BUSINESS
INFRASTRUCTURE
FUNCTION VENUES
› Sharing Snaps
› Kitchen Efficiencies
GLAMPSITES
› Architects
› Natural Pools
EVENTS
› Green Hydrogen
› Tent Waste
GLAMPING
SHOW
PREVIEW
FUNCTION VENUES
› Accommodation
› Eco Marketing
GLAMPSITES
› Research
› Sewage Strategy
EVENTS
› Stage Build
› Ticketing
BUSINESS
FUNCTION
VENUES
› Pricing
› Websites
GLAMPSITES
› Business Rates
› Building Regulations
EVENTS
› Reusable Cups
› Festival Costs
ISSUE 53 | 2022 | www.openairbusiness.com
STRUCTURES
ENTREPRENEUR’S CHAT
Tim Bowles -Campwell
BUSINESS
FUNCTION VENUES
/ /
GLAMPSITES
EVENTS
› Shoot Styling
› Logo Protection
› Insurance
› Saying Thanks
› Treehouse Builds
› Going Hybrid
CASE STUDIES:
ROKA BELLA ROSE WEDDINGS • THE MEADOWS AT POLEHANGER • BURRS LIVE
CASE STUDIES:
GREEN & AWAY • BIRDHOLME GLAMPING • SHREWSBURY FOOD FESTIVAL
CASE STUDIES:
SYCHPWLL CENTRE • BROOK FARM SHEPHERD HUTS • IRLAM LIVE
ENTREPRENEUR’S CHAT
Derry Green - The Secret Garden Glamping
› Derry Green - The Secret Garden Glamping
CASE STUDIES:
HYDE ESTATE WILD GARDENS • BROCKLOCH ECO RETREAT • TRAMLINES FESTIVAL
CASE STUDIES:
OLD OAK FARM • DRAGONFLY CAMPING • TORCHLIGHT FESTIVAL OF CAMPING
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