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From Brum to Brilliant: Uncovering Birmingham’s Hidden Gem Venues

The Second City’s Secret Spaces

Okay, so now let us discuss about Birmingham. No, it is not the one in Alabama though I am certain that it is beautiful. It’s about Birmingham, that great city in the centre of England and in my view one of the most underutilised locations for events in the whole of the UK. Of course, there is London – the star of the show, but venues Birmingham vibes are not far behind – it has more up its sleeve than a magician at a child’s birthday party. Alright, so let me reveal some of the most amazing, yet not very well-known, facts about Brum, okay?

The Old Favourites: The Best of Classic Brum


First thing first let us not forget the basics. It’s not all pantomimes and West End shows you know; Birmingham Hippodrome is a fantastic venue. It is also a beautiful venue for holding business events and weddings – what an elegant old lady of the theatrical society. If you are looking for something more up market then The Council House in Victoria Square is as up market as it gets without having to pay for the privilege of rubbing shoulders with the monarch.


However, one needs to give credit to the NEC. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hardly a secret that I am going to talk about now. It is a versatile place in every sense of the word, this place can do it all, it’s a Swiss army knife of venues. From large conventions to small seminars, with the NEC you will find an event that will suit your needs. Also, it’s located pretty close to the airport, so your guests will not have to waste time sitting in traffic caused by the notorious Birmingham traffic.

Off the Beaten Track: On the lighter side of things: Birmingham’s off-beat
Well, if you are looking for something a bit more out of the ordinary, Birmingham has got all kinds of things that will surely get people’s attention (and that is not a bad thing).
Who among you would want to work in a chocolate factory for a day and get your hands on working with chocolates? In fact, Cadbury World on the Bournville site is not only for schools and children’s visits. They have some really sugary event spaces and we are not talking about the candy here, that will make your do stand out from the rest.

Or maybe there is The Bond Company in Digbeth? The property which is a Victorian warehouse has more character than one might find in a novel written by Charles Dickens. The venue is extremely photogenic thanks to the brick walls and the fact that it’s in a canal side location.
But if you’re really wanting to go above and beyond then why not try… a boat? The venue, The Roundhouse Birmingham, is a century old building which has been recently renovated; this place provides package events which include a ride on a narrow boat. That’s something that is truly out of the box thinking.

Green and Pleasant: We Will Be in Places With A View


So, you must be thinking;” Birmingham? Isn’t that just full of concrete and roundabouts?” No, it isn’t. There are some great parks in Brum and some people have got their heads screwed on and have made them good venues.
For example, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens which is a very famous facility in the area is a perfect example. It is an undiscovered gem located in Edgbaston which is a welcome find. It is completely different from the crowded city centre with its stunning glass houses and well-maintained lawns.
Or if you want something a little different perhaps… okay, grandly, what about Aston Hall? This Grade I listed mansion gives a feeling of stepping back in time when one enters the compound. Still, do not be mad at me if your guests start speaking like in the works of Jane Austen.

For the Foodies: A List of Venues with Flavour
Well, let’s face it, if there is one thing that draws people to events it is food. The good news is that Birmingham has an answer to that as well.
Custard Factory in Digbeth, the name of which already gives you an idea it was once a factory for custard, is today the hub of some of the most creative and hip small businesses in the city including several great places to eat. It’s great for the creative social gathering that calls for avocado toast and other hipster anomalies.
We cannot mention Simpsons here. This Michelin starred restaurant located in Edgbaston also contains a cookery school which has event capabilities. Here is how you can make any meal interesting and stand out and be the talk of the guests: This is where one has to do it.

So here it is – a quick overview of what is on offer in the way of venues in Birmingham. Whether it is a luxurious and flashy car or a little and cute one, Brum has got it all. The next time you’re planning an event, do not just assume that the event has to be held in London. Try Birmingham and you may be amazed at what you will come across.

The Ultimate Guide to Hiring Event Equipment in the UK



It is a pivital thing that if to disseminate the info about an event, be it a conference, a wedding party or a private event, having the right equipment is always necessary to achieve the good result of the event. Engaging the professional services may be time and money-saving, while transferring all the stress of the event to you. That is why you can deal with other event issues. Our full guide on selecting event equipment for rent in the UK will not only give you the right information, but also help you to make a smart choice.


1. Find Pieces of Equipment.


Towards the beginning of your event equipment hiring process, you should determine all desired items. See what kind of event you have, how many guests are invited and what the size is of the site. Put down on paper everything you would require from props to tables and chairs, music and lightening system, and use of specailised equipment such as staging and dance floors. Securing your needs is essential to you establishing a good relationship with your rental agencies so that you can finally get the right equipment for the event.


2. Perform research and compare rental firms.


When you have compiled a list of the items you need, look into the rental companies around your area, as this is where you will get you equipments from. Try to select those companies which before have exhibited a reputation of the best possible equipment and support for clients. Go through the online reviews, ask from your friends or work colleagues to get some suggestion regarding the business and then visit the company website to get acquaint with their services.


Beside price it’s worthwhile to consider the transport conditions and traffic flow and rental options as well. Do not wait, but go ahead and contact the providers themselves either over the phone or online to get more details and find out if their programs get what you need.


3. One of the factors that affect equipment efficiency is their level of wear and tear.


It’s significant to make sure that the equipment you get to hire is presentable and of high quality so that you don’t put your reputation at risk. Letting your guard down by using low-quality equipment may make your event look shabby-so much that it is no longer safe for your event. When you engage with rental companies in order to discuss your needs with them, ask them about how old is their equipment is, so they can tell you if they clean it regularly and provide any evidence of this


Major rental entities will be authentic about the condition of what they have for renting and normally will supply shots or even allow you to pay a visit to your branch to check the equipment before the rent.


4. Know and Facts of Leases and Conditions.


Before you agree the contract with the event rental company, first ensure you are familiar with their above-mentioned terms and conditions. On this list are the likes of rental period, payment terms, our cancellation policy, and the expected top take-up cover. Some key questions to consider include:Some key questions to consider include:


– How long is the rental period and are there any additional fees for breaching the Return by time limit?

– What is the payment schedule and are you required to pay the full amount up front?

– What is a cancellation insurance, and are there any input if the customer is absent?

– Do I pay for the damage insurance that is included in the mortgage charge, or do I have to obtain one from somewhere?

– Is there a possibility of cruise charge for delivery, installation and dismantling?


The lease agreement should be read and fully comprehended in order to ward off the chances of constituting surprises and hidden costs later on, which may turn into unexpected charges.


5. Management Strategy with Delivery and Setup.


You must now focus on selecting a company specializing in event rentals and choosing the necessary equipment. Then, it is about knowing how the gear will be delivered and set up. The majority of rental businesses usually come with the option of the delivery and set up services, however, you must take note of this beforehand. Consider factors such as:


– The delivery times and access points at the outlet and also the transport of the goods will be necessary to take into account.

– The time spend in assembling and disassembling the fairs .

– What is that person in charge of and who is going to be involved in the installation of the supplied equipment?

– If there are any special requirements or if the equipment setup instruction are not clear enough, please let me know so that I can arrange for it accordingly.


Through a well thought out process and coordinating well with your renting company, the delivery and set up would progress in a smooth way.


6. Develop collaboration with the venue that you have chosen in order to match the venue that perfectly fits your demographics


Team up with your event location to discuss your rental requirements before making a final rental decision. In some places they may give you a ban on the machines you are going to use or to lease these machines they may provide their own in-house rentals services. Other participants may also have their installation specifications that include for places where loading and setting up the finals should take place, as well as the limits of time.


Make certain to give clear, upfront information about the equipment you want to bring to ensure that there is no issue with your venue at the last hour, or that there is no conflict. Walking through your inventory list with the venue supervisor can identify any issues in addition to items you might kind of possibility would have ignored.


7. One week before the test day, allocate one day for anagram test-day and transition to the backup plan – the test essay writing.


Though well-crafted plans and long preparation help to avoid unexpected turns, but unpredictable problems can pull off when ordering event equipment. To this extent, it is critical to build up a plan B that can be used as a reaction to the possible complications during the process.This might include:


– Having a list of backup rental businesses which will be helpful if the equipment is unavailable to rent due to some reason.

– The possibility of the delay or the problems caused by the setting up can be discussed with the venue.

– One of your event team can be designated to deal with any eventuality relating to the equipment which may arise, such as malfunction or failure, during the event.


A back up plan helps in stamping out stress and consequently you can rest assured that your event will run as planned even when unforeseen challenges arise.


Computing the equipment you need and for how long is the next step in hiring UK events equipment. It involves thorough planning, research, and communication. Through knowledge of equipment demands, partnering with a known reputable rental firm and a venue teamwork is certain to deliver high quality results thereby leading to the success of your event. Think about the equipment quality, rental terms, delivery and setup as well when having a rental crane and keep in mind that when unexpected situations occur, it’s better to have a backup plan. Now with this all-inclusive chart, you have everything you need to experience the achievement and success of every event you plan.

The Ultimate Guide to AV Hire: Everything You Need to Know

Hosting an impactful event often requires robust audio, video, lighting and staging gear. Rather than purchasing equipment outright, many organizers opt for rental AV solutions. Navigating AV hire doesn’t need to be complex with the right knowledge. This guide covers the key aspects of successfully renting audiovisual equipment.

Determining Your Technical Needs

Consider the venue size, program agenda, audience engagement needs and budget when deciding what AV elements to rent. Avert going overboard and driving up costs unnecessarily. But also avoid gaps in necessary coverage that diminish the experience.

Researching AV Rental Companies

There are many AV rental firms to choose from. Look for responsive vendors with deep equipment inventories, experienced staff and niche expertise matching your event like corporate versus concerts. Check client reviews and tour rental facilities if possible.

Understanding Equipment Options

Explore the range of sound, lighting, display and rigging options to make informed selections. Within categories like mixers, speakers and microphones, endless varieties suit different needs. Discuss options with rental firms to match gear to your technical requirements.

Scheduling Timelines

Avoid last-minute AV requests by booking rentals as soon as event dates are set, especially for peak seasons when availability is tight. Build in days for load-in, setup, rehearsals and tear down. Confirm timelines align for equipment delivery and retrieval.

Planning Onsite Support

Ask vendors if technical staff for setup, operation and tear down are included or come at an additional cost. Events often require staff to optimize equipment and adjust settings during programs. Clearly define their roles like lead technicians versus assistants.

Arranging Logistics

Confirm details like transportation, load-in access, storage and security. Who delivers gear and handles staging? What are venues’ rigging points, power supply and size entryways? Ensure vendors remain accessible in the days surrounding events for questions.

Preparing Backup Plans

Create contingency plans for likely technical failures and worst case scenarios. Options include redundant equipment, backup media files, independent power sources and onsite techs to quickly address issues. Let the show continue amid unavoidable glitches.

Understanding Insurance Needs

Protect your liability by having rental firms list your event entity as additionally insured on their policies. Also review fine print regarding damage waivers. Avoid unexpected costs by verifying who assumes responsibility for any equipment damage or loss.

Utilizing reliable AV gear without purchasing it outright is easy when you understand rental logistics in advance. Align timelines, secure optimal equipment suited for the venue, and mitigate risks through contingency plans. With careful coordination, AV rental strengthens the impact of any event.

Event Planning in Essex

As an event planner developing events across Essex for over a decade, marquees play a memorable role in crafting that joyful festival atmosphere whatever the occasion. From weatherproofing summer garden parties to housing Christmas markets, marquees transform any venue into a celebration.

Selecting the right marquee starts with determining the event purpose and expected attendees. Backyard family birthdays may only require a small framed canopy tent, yet festivals or corporate functions could use giant tensioned structures exceeding 5000ft2. Reputable hire companies like Marquee Mile offer a broad range of sizes, styles and layouts to match intended activities.

Traditional pole marquees retain an elegant simplicity whatever the scale, their creamed canvas ceiling and walls exuding light airiness. For larger gathering spaces clearspan marquees eliminate internal poles increasing usable area. Peak-roofed frame marquees have smart modern profiles, while pagoda structures inject exotic flair. There’s no event marquees can’t embrace from sports days to shows toglamorous Asian weddings!

Beyond style, marquee flooring significantly impacts the guest experience. From hard base surfaces to wooden flooring or interlocking mats, different floorings suit varied events. Durable interlocking plastic floors allow free airflow reducing stagnant smells, essential for dining. Staging needs smooth, rigid surfaces so wooden or hard base flooring minimises trip hazards for high heels! For field events outdoor carpet retains some grass for a garden party feel without muddy heels or flooded aisles.

Well-secured entrances maintain interior atmospheres, so quality must match the marquee’s proportions. Framed tents usually feature zipped doorways to easily regulate access and temperature. Entrances for larger marquees may incorporate double doors or theatrical-style layered openings with outer and inner doorway sets to trap warmth when the outside cools. Carefully positioned entrances enhance crowd flow and event enjoyment.

However glorious the marquee itself, decorations personalise surroundings to tie together event themes. From soft seated cushions surrounding low tables moroccan style, to twinkling fairy-lights swathed amidst floral arrangements, decor expresses every hosts’ personality. Uplighters illuminate walls with vibrant hues. Ceiling drapes create intimate spaces within expansive marquees. Flags and lanterns add splashes of colour. Whether complementing house styling for at-home weddings or amplifying carnival merriment, decorations transform marquees from blank canvases into spectacular party scenery.

Ensuring ample facilities prevents any soggy moments! Adequate toilets keep guests comfortable, including accessible facilities for elderly relatives or wheelchair-users. Similarly access to water enables catering teams keeping everyone refreshed. Behind-scenes areas allow discreet preparation maintaining mystique and surprise for guests awaited special reveals. Power access facilitates everything from DJ decks to lighting. Security lighting deters intruders outside lively hours without polluting night skies. Ground reinforcement protects grass from heavy vehicles delivering weighty materials for event builds. Marquee suppliers assist calculating requirementssuiting anticipated numbers. From dancefloors to bars, reputable companies incorporate structures securing special moments.

Once erected, marquees become shells awaiting magic-making transformation for celebrations, sales launches or community fundraisers. Their spacious interiors burst into life decorated to match country garden themes or neon urban warehouse vibes. Uplifting music fills cotton halls as people minglebeneath draped ceiling swags. Despite unpredictable British weather, marquees guarantee party perfect venues shining whatever the season, from spring marketplaces to Christmas fayres. Professional hire takes every detail off hosts’ hands so they enjoy their specialevent!

The next time you’re planning an occasion requiring weatherproof versatile space, get browsing marquee catalogues! Traditional or contemporary, marquees craft welcoming atmospheres for unforgettable shared experiences connecting communities. Don’t let our changeable climate limit your dreams – marquees mean summer fun shines despite the forecast!

There’s always something going on in Essex!

There’s always something going on in Essex! From village fêtes to food festivals, outdoor theatre to agricultural shows, our county has events to suit all tastes. As an Essex local, I try to get out and support these community happenings as much as I can.

Last summer I attended the Great Bardfield Apple Day, held on the village green under autumnal oak trees dripping with leafy splendour. The sweet aroma of just-baked apple pies wafted from the WI tent as a jazz band struck up a tune and morris dancers in white flannels clicked their sticks. Locals browsed homemade jams, ciders and delicately embroidered quilts whilst children giggled climbing the hay bales and getting their faces painted. I sampled several ciders before purchasing a bag of ruby red Bardfield apples – nothing beats the flavour of a real Essex apple!

Essex is peppered with little vilages, each with their own quirks and customs. Wimbish is renowned for its Scarecrow Festival, all created by hand by enthusiastic villagers. There’s an endearingly ramshackle charm to these patchwork personalities guarding floral cottage gardens. I’ll never forget the year they erected over 300 scarecrows throughout the village! annual May Day dances around the maypole on the village greens, the sound of local Morris men’s bells jingling as their clogs stamp rhythmically. whether in Aldham or Elmdon, these traditions connect us to past generations.

One unmissable annual event is the RHS Flower Show at Hyde Hall. A horticultural heaven for green-fingered guests, when those gates open it’s like the Chelsea Flower Show on your doorstep without the hassle. The vibrant colours and delicate perfumes of countless blooms are a feast for the senses. Hyde Hall’s own enormous orchid festival is also a must-see, with exotic species and vibrant hybrids lit up like precious jewels. For garden lovers like myself it’s paradise!

Of course no summer is complete without a few festivals featuring great music, food and merriment! Folk on the Farm down in Epping has a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with local cask ales and adult appreciators of folk music swapping instruments around campfires. Meanwhile the Sunset Festival at Saint Osyth beach draws party-goers from across the region to dance the night away on the sand to DJ sets as the sky melts through pinks and peaches.

As the leaves turn russet and days shorten, nothing beats huddling around a glowing brazier toasting marshmallows at a fireworks display. Pretty pottery town Thaxted hosts a dazzling one every Guy Fawkes night. Wrapped up in woollies against the chill, gasps turn to cheers as rockets burst in glittering rings or fizzing fish shapes above the 15th century guildhall. Then a stop at The Swan to warm up with mulled wine!

Before Christmas the sparkling white façade of stately home Cressing Temple Barns make the perfect backdrop for their traditional festive market. Wander through the Tudor barns draped in ivy admiring handcrafted wreaths, toys and decorations whilst warming your hands around mugs of spiced apple juice and listening to carol singers. Blustery winter walks are all the more magical when the cold nips your cheeks.

As you can see, living in Essex means events on my doorstep to connect with the community, appreciate nature’s calendar and make memories with loved ones. Whether enjoying a simple village fête with tea and cake or soaking up the atmosphere at a vibrant festival, there’s so much this county has to offer. Now – where’s my diary? I have some events to pencil in for 2023!

Brighton’s Festive Extravaganza: Christmas Parties in the Heart of the South Coast

Brighton, nestled on the sunny south coast of England, is a city that knows how to celebrate the festive season in style. From its vibrant beachfront to its historic lanes, Brighton offers a unique and unforgettable setting for Christmas parties. Whether you’re a local looking for a memorable celebration or a visitor wanting to experience the city’s holiday spirit, the Christmas parties Brighton experience is one not to be forgotten!

The Lively Beachfront Vibes:

Brighton’s famous pebble beach and iconic pier are not only summer hotspots but also fantastic settings for Christmas festivities. Many venues along the beachfront transform into winter wonderlands during the holiday season, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary experiences. From festive markets and ice skating rinks to beachfront bars with heated terraces, the seafront is where the party’s at.

Historic Lanes and Quirky Venues:

The heart of Brighton is its historic lanes, where quaint cobbled streets are lined with charming shops and cafes. During Christmas, these lanes come alive with dazzling lights and decorations. Many quirky and unique venues can be found here, perfect for hosting intimate Christmas parties. You can book a snug corner in a traditional pub, dine in a cozy tearoom, or even celebrate in a hidden cellar cocktail bar.

Christmas Markets Galore:

Brighton boasts a variety of Christmas markets that cater to all tastes. The Brighton Christmas Market at Churchill Square offers an array of handcrafted gifts, festive foods, and an ice skating rink, providing a delightful family-friendly experience. For those seeking a more Bohemian vibe, the Artists Open Houses Christmas Festival lets you explore the creations of local artists while enjoying mulled wine and mince pies.

Themed Parties and Live Entertainment:

Christmas parties in Brighton are known for their unique themes and live entertainment. Many venues host themed parties, from 1920s Gatsby extravaganzas to festive masquerades. With live bands and DJs performing everything from classic carols to modern hits, you can dance the night away in style.

Local Food and Drinks:

Brighton is famous for its culinary scene, and during Christmas, it’s no different. Many restaurants offer special festive menus, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re craving a traditional Christmas dinner or something a bit more exotic, Brighton’s eateries have you covered. Don’t forget to sip on locally brewed craft beers, cocktails, or mulled wine to get into the holiday spirit.

Family-Friendly Activities:

Brighton ensures that Christmas is a family affair. The Royal Pavilion hosts an annual Christmas Ice Rink, allowing families to skate in the shadow of the stunning historic palace. Santa’s grottos, storytelling sessions, and festive crafts are also on offer at various locations, ensuring that children have a magical time.

Supporting Local Businesses:

One of the best things about attending Christmas parties in Brighton is the opportunity to support local businesses. Many of the markets, restaurants, and entertainment venues are owned by Brightonians who take great pride in showcasing the city’s creativity and talent.

In conclusion, Christmas parties in Brighton offer a delightful blend of coastal charm, historical beauty, and vibrant celebrations. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you’ll find something to suit your tastes, making the festive season in Brighton truly special. With a wide range of activities, venues, and themes to choose from, Brighton’s Christmas parties are a wonderful way to create lasting memories with loved ones while immersing yourself in the festive magic of this coastal gem.

Christmas parties London

The holidays are a time to celebrate, and what better way to do it than with a Christmas party in London? Whether you’re looking for a venue for hire to host your own party or want to attend a festive event, there are plenty of options available. From traditional pub crawls to exclusive black-tie affairs, there are events to hire available with everything from private gardens and stunning ballrooms to winter-themed bars and restaurants. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration, London has the perfect place for your Christmas party. With a range of catering options, you can find menus to suit your budget and taste. From delicious Christmas feasts to special festive cocktails, there’s something for everyone this holiday season. With so many wonderful venues, events and experiences on offer in London, why not make the most of the festive season with an unforgettable Christmas party? It’s sure to be a gathering that you and your guests won’t soon forget.

Christmas party venues London

London is a great place to celebrate the Christmas season! With its vibrant nightlife, iconic landmarks, and unique attractions, it offers something for everyone. From luxurious 5-star hotels to budget-friendly pubs and bars – there’s no shortage of spectacular Christmas party venues in London. Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering with close friends or a full-blown extravaganza with hundreds of guests, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. Here are some of the top venues for Christmas parties in London:

The Ritz – For an unforgettable experience, The Ritz is one of the most exclusive venues in all of London. This renowned hotel offers stunning event spaces, delicious cuisine, and impeccable service.

The Natural History Museum – For a festive atmosphere, the iconic Natural History Museum is perfect for an unforgettable Christmas party. With its grand interiors and incredibly talented staff, you can be sure that your guests will have an amazing time here.

St Paul’s Cathedral – If you’re looking for a truly unique venue, the awe-inspiring St Paul’s Cathedral offers a breath-taking setting. With its stunning architecture and rich history, it’s an unforgettable place to celebrate the holidays.

Sky Garden – For a modern twist on Christmas parties, Sky Garden offers spectacular views of London from its observation decks. This chic location is perfect for an elegant evening of cocktails and conversation.

The Gherkin – For a classic British Christmas, the iconic Gherkin building offers luxurious surroundings for any event. With its chic decor and delicious food and drink options, it’s sure to be a memorable night.

London is an amazing destination at Christmastime, and these top venues are sure to make your holiday event truly memorable. So choose the perfect venue, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a festive celebration!

Conference Venues – Working Out What your Audience Need

Hiring out a venue for a conference is a big commitment for any business as you will have to cater to many different needs and requirements. Finding a venue that caters to every single one will be a challenge, so you might have to prioritise; some needs, like accessibility, will be more important than all others. Conference venues in Birmingham tend to be very well equipped for audiences of all sizes, and can offer you modern, spacious facilities with plenty of different options. There will be the perfect conference venue for you and your requirements in the Birmingham area, as long as you give yourself plenty of time to find the best options for you.

The biggest challenge for any conference organiser is working out what delegates need, and what delegates want. These are actually two very different things – both are important, especially if you are using the conference as a way to promote your business. If people remember that a conference venue had everything they needed for their comfort and enjoyment, they will be more likely to attach positive memories to it and take more away from it. However, people’s needs have to be met, or they might not be able to come to the conference in the first place.

These are some of the facilities that people might need in order to attend your conference:

  • Lifts and ramps. If people have accessibility requirements, they may need facilities that will allow them to get into the building. This might include ramps to get to the main entrance if it is up some steps, and lifts to get up to higher floors. There must also be access to the conference areas within the building, and space to accommodate wheelchair users. If there isn’t sufficient accessibility, disabled delegates won’t be able to attend.
  • Parking. You need to consider where people will be travelling from when attending your conference. You can find conference venues in Birmingham that have parking available quite easily, but make sure you know who would be driving and how much parking you will need. The other option is to tell people about public transport options, so they can get trains to the venue. This could be a realistic choice for people travelling to Birmingham as there are good transport links.
  • A place to stay. People who are travelling from further afield might need a place to stay in order to attend your conference. You could hold it in a hotel to allow people to stay there overnight. However, in a big city like Birmingham, there will usually be multiple hotel options nearby. Just check before you confirm your conference venue selection.

If possible, take care of people’s wants as well. This might include food, catering and a comfortable space to relax during and after the conference. People’s wants are not as important as people’s needs, as needs can prevent people attending. However, if you can cater for people’s wants, do. It will help leave people with a good impression.

Hiring vs buying for a party

A party is an important event in the work calendar – a chance to socialise, celebrate achievements and spend time together, ultimately helping you all to work better together once back in the office. You want your part to be spectacular and you’re willing to pull out all the stops, but how much would you have to buy in order to achieve the theme/appearance you want? Would it break the budget?

Hire is another option if you only put on events occasionally, giving you access to AV equipment, electric equipment and styling equipment that would otherwise have no need for. If you do put on events regularly, it might be better value in the long run to purchase some of the more common AV equipment, like lighting and PA systems. This is the kind of equipment that will regularly be needed at events and as such, you will have the occasion to use it again and again.

Throwing a party – what kind of AV equipment will you need?

Everyone knows the basic ingredients for a good party, don’t they? Food, drinks, entertainment, a good dance floor, come comfortable chairs to have a rest from all the dancing… Most of these items will come with any good party venue you could hire, but these venues won’t necessarily include all the audio visual (AV) equipment that you might need in order to host your perfect party. In this instance, the best AV hire Northampton can possibly offer you is needed. You’ll need a service that is flexible, professional and, above all, supplies the perfect selection of AV equipment, that can also be delivered to your party venue.

Once you know where your party will be held and you have decided on any themes, the time has come for you to begin thinking about what you will need for your party to be a true success. Have a look at the different options available from event hire companies – these are some of the most common types of AV hire you might need to look for:

  • PA systems. Ideal for live music, PA systems provide you with speakers, amplifiers and mixing equipment. It’s important you have a PA system if you have a band with singers, instrumentalists (like guitarists) and they don’t have their own equipment they are bringing with them. Liaise with the band, as many will choose to have their own PA systems instead.
  • Microphones. If you’re not having a full live band but you are having a DJ, compere or singer, you will need to remember the microphone. This could also be used for karaoke – perfect for any work or corporate party to break the ice!
  • Lighting. No party is complete without the right lighting to make the dance floor light up. Some venues will already have lighting for safety reasons so check with them what they will need you to provide yourself.
  • Star cloth. This can be used to decorate and dress a stage area, giving your party a touch of class. It can look perfect at a sparkly event like a Christmas party.
  • Video equipment hire. Perhaps there will be a presentation at your party, or you want to show some videos on loop as people are coming into your venue. Video hire equipment gives you the flexibility to personalise your venue.

AV equipment is often large and bulky, so finding somewhere local is advisable. Northampton companies offering party equipment hire will usually offer a full delivery service, bringing your AV equipment to your venue and collecting it afterwards. Discuss logistics with the event hire company before making any final decisions – if you have hired out a venue until, say, midnight on a Friday, you may need to arrange to be there on the Saturday for them to pick it up (unless this is a service that the venue can offer you). Full awareness of all logistics and plenty of prior planning is needed in order to host the perfect Northamptonshire party, complete with all the equipment you need for the night.