Issue 63

ISSUE 63 | 2024 | www.openairbusiness.com 

BUSINESS 

VENUES 

› Virtual Tours 

› Bars & Catering 

GLAMPSITES 

› Pop-up Sites 

› Pods, Huts & Lodges 

MARQUEES 

& TIPIS 

EVENTS 

› Sustainability 

› Hygiene & Waste 

CASE STUDIES: FRASERS • THE ROOKERY WOODS • WOMAD

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22.5m 

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FROM 7 TO 25M FOR A VARIETY OF USES AND EVENTS. 

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WWW.THEDOMECOMPANY.CO.UK

ISSUE 63 | 2024 | www.openairbusiness.com 

WELCOME 

HAVE YOU thought about starting a pop-up glampsite? 

Since the amends to permitted rights last July, 

landowners can now set up for a lucrative two months 

and there are plenty of ingenious ways to get around 

the ‘no permanent development’ caveat. We have a 

look at how to get up and running on pages 42-44. 

Ilke Durmay has certainly got the recipe right at Wild 

Canvas – read more about her life behind the scenes on 

page 66. It looks like a fabulous short break for anyone 

who is able to get away in July/August. 

Eco elegance is a theme in this issue. Both the beautiful eco estate venue 

Frasers in Kent and our glamping case study Rookery Woods emanate nature 

luxe and are reaping the financial rewards in doing so. A 90% occupancy with 

prices from £230 per night in low season for Rookery’s three treehouse cabins 

is a serious business. 

Virtual tours are a great way of helping armchair venue hunters, and with 

more than 6,000 venues in the country (and only an average three visited by 

each couple) you need to find a way to stand out and make it to a shortlist. 

Sam Lloyd shares her years of experience in creating virtual content to get 

those couples through the door (pages 21-23). 

And finally, if you need a little lift, according to Pinterest’s 2024 wedding 

report, ‘Whimsical Garden Wedding’ has had a 450% uplift in searches. Have a 

look yourself – utterly gorgeous! 

Tally Rix 

Editor / Publisher 

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 

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Contents ISSUE 63 – 2024 

Find more expert advice online: 

www.openairbusiness.com 

UP FRONT 

4 News 

6 Product News 

9 Entrepreneur’s Chat 

– Brett Jackson 

VENUES 

15 Frasers – an ecoestate 

with high end 

hospitality 

21 Virtual Tours – 

facilitate armchair 

venue hunting 

25 Marquees – products 

in action 

29 Bars & Catering – 

products in action 

GLAMPSITES 

31 Rookery Woods – 

three luxury treehouse 

cabins 

36 Sewage – do you 

know your septic tank 

from your sewage 

treatment plant? 

42 Pop-up Sites – tips 

and tricks for creating 

a 60-day glampsite 

47 Pods, Huts & Lodges 

– products in action 

EVENTS 

51 WOMAD – a 44 year 

old event founded by 

Peter Gabriel 

56 Waste Management 

– a toolkit for 

minimising waste at 

events 

61 Hygiene & Waste – 

products in action 

62 Spotlight 

64 Classifieds 

66 Behind the Scenes 

– Ilke Durmay, Wild 

Canvas 

SUBSCRIBE 

ONLINE 

VENUES 

› Virtual Tours 


GLAMPSITES 

› Pop-up Sites 

› Pods, Huts & Lodges 

EVENTS 

› Sustainability 

› Hygiene & Waste 

CASE STUDIES: FRASERS • THE ROOKERY WOODS • WOMAD 

MARQUEES 

& TIPIS 

COVER PHOTO 

Crafted Canvas giant tipis in situ at Skipbridge Country 

Weddings. Crafted Canvas manufactures giant hat kåta 

event tipis for the wedding and events industry. 

www.crafted-canvas.co.uk, info@crafted-canvas.co.uk, 

07403 417524. 

BUSINESS 

WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 3

GETTY IMAGES 

Staycation 

Research 

OVER HALF of UK holidaymakers are likely 

to choose staycations above holidays abroad 

due to climate change says Mintel research. 

Its survey asked 2,000 respondents about 

warmer weather in the UK, concern about 

heatwaves and flooding abroad and higher 

carbon emissions from air travel. 

In total, 56% of the UK holidaymakers say 

they are likely to choose staycations above 

holidays abroad for climate-related reasons. 

Around three in 10 (28%) said warmer UK 

temperatures are encouraging them to take 

domestic holidays. Meanwhile, nearly a fifth 

(19%) of them said extreme weather events 

abroad such as heatwaves or flooding are 

encouraging them to holiday at home. 

Overall, four in 10 (39%) holidaymakers 

say unpredictable UK weather means they 

are more likely to book a UK break at the last 

minute. 

There remains a ‘positive Covid’ legacy 

for the home market as nearly half (47%) of 

domestic holidaymakers have taken more 

staycations than trips abroad since the 

pandemic. 

This comes as more than half (55%) of Brits 

say they intend to holiday in the UK this year 

up from 52% last year. Almost a third (32%) 

have discovered a new UK destination due to 

Covid travel disruptions. 

The number of Brits planning on booking 

a holiday in the first quarter of the year has 

reached a 10 year high as Mintel reveals a 

record four in 10 (39%) Brits are planning 

on booking a holiday between January and 

March 2024, up from three in ten (29%) who 

were planning on doing so in 2023. 

Campaign for 5% VAT on Ticket Sales 

A CAMPAIGN founded by the Association 

of Independent Festivals on behalf of its 

101 festival members is calling for the 

temporary lowering of VAT on ticket sales. 

It is asking government to decrease VAT 

from 20% to 5% for the next three years on 

festival tickets to help give events the space 

they need to recover and rebuild. 

Following the pandemic, from which one 

in six events didn’t survive, the impacts 

of leaving Europe, inflation, the war in 

Ukraine and an energy crisis has seen an 

average 30% increase in production costs. 

36 notable festivals were cancelled in 2023 

and many events have had to increase 

ticket prices, with the average ticket going 

up 15-20%. 

This year, the first major casualty was 

NASS Festival, a 30,000 event for young 

people in the South West which announced 

it would not return for 2024. Leopollooza 

and Long Division were also brought to an 

end, and Nozstock The Hidden Valley and 

Bluedot are considering 2024 to be their 

last year. 

To support the campaign, please write to 

your local MP. For more details, visit 

www.fivepercentforfestivals.com 

2024 Pinterest Wedding Report 

AS WE head into the main 2024 wedding season, people are turning to Pinterest to find 

inspiration, plan and shop for their special day. With over three billion wedding-related 

searches and more than 10 billion wedding ideas saved globally in one year on the 

platform, the 2024 Pinterest Wedding Report is filled with data. 

This year, people are skipping the stress of large weddings and planning for easygoing, 

smaller gatherings to support the ‘quiet life’. They are also nostalgic for the 

timeless elegance of eras past, with searches related to vintage weddings on the rise. 

And Gen Z specifically is leading the charge in a rebellion against the neutral beige and 

white wedding, sparking a renaissance in colourful, vibrant wedding aesthetics. 

Pinners seem to be turning away from over-the-top, expensive weddings and 

instead putting more emphasis on quality time with loved ones and guest experiences. 

Trending venues show that they are planning intimate weddings in cosy environments 

that connect with nature. They are embracing casual wedding dresses, easy hairstyles 

and simple make-up. This may be due to increasing desires for the slow, easy lifestyle 

– searches for the ‘quiet life’, a life of fewer stressors and mindful living, have increased 

530% globally since last year. Top searches include ‘whimsical garden wedding’ (up 

450%), small forest wedding (up 170%) and rural wedding (up 230%). 

GETTY IMAGES 

4 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

Ireland’s Most Luxurious 

Outdoor Accommodation 

THE MONTENOTTE hotel in Cork is launching what it believes to be 

Ireland’s ‘most luxurious’ outdoor accommodation. Comprising nine 

Woodland Suites and River Suites, as well as a private clubhouse, 

the development has been created by owners Jo and Frankie 

Whelehan in collaboration with Irish architectural firm Henry J Lyons 

and Dublin-based interior design house Kingston Lafferty Design. 

The Whelehan’s commented: “We are thrilled to 

have curated The Woodland Suite experience to 

provide something truly distinctive and new 

here in Ireland. As the first of its kind, we 

are incredibly proud to invite our guests 

to wallow in the unique architecture, 

seamlessly blending the landscape and 

captivating guests with beautiful design 

and breathtaking views. Every detail 

promises a one-of-a-kind experience.” 

Each of the Woodland Suites and 

River Suites have been designed to 

achieve near zero energy building 

status, reducing energy consumption 

and carbon emissions through utilising air 

to water heat pumps as well as eco-friendly 

insulation. 

The River Suites’ living sedum roofs have 

been incorporated to blend the architecture with the 

surroundings, as well as provide a habitat 

for wildlife and vegetation. 

Starting room rates for The Woodland 

Suite Experience are from €680 (£582) 

per night and include breakfast, Nightsfor-Nature 

tree planting, and access to all 

The Montenotte’s facilities and amenities 

including Panorama restaurant, Glasshouse 

rooftop bar, Cameo Cinema (over 18s only), 

Bellevue Spa, Salt Room, and The Motion 

Health Club. 

07973 764 023 

Info@hollywoodevents.co.uk 

IF YOU ARE 

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PRODUCT 

New Farm Friendly 

Bedding Collection 

CHECK OUT the latest Farm Friends 

children’s bedding collection from 

Linen Connect. Perfect for creating a 

heartwarming experience for young guests 

on family friendly sites, the range is suited to 

farm stays, rural glamping sites, and familyfriendly 

retreats. 

The collection includes a reversible duvet 

cover and two housewife pillowcases, 

offering versatility and the chance to refresh 

the look with a simple flip. There are also 

matching curtains for full farm takeover, 

along with a range of farm cushions. With 

matching sheets in bunk bed and 4ft bed 

sizes, the collection works well at sites with 

bunk cabins. 

The introduction of the Farm Friends 

kids bedding set by Linen Connect is a 

testament to its commitment to bringing 

the essence of the countryside closer to 

families. Ideal for enhancing the experience 

of young guests, the kid's collection ensures 

a rural adventure is both comfortable and 

memorable for families. 

The Charlotte Thomas Kids collection 

includes a range of designs from fairies to 

unicorns and dinosaurs to the jungle. There 

is something for all venue operators looking 

to create a memorable stay. 

0161 244 534, sales@linenconnect.com, 

www.linenconnect.com 

Introducing Bakland Cabins and Lodges 

BAKLAND CABINS & Lodges 

has launched a new range 

of factory assembled units, 

designed and manufactured 

on the Lincolnshire coast. 

This exciting new venture 

is a development by The 

Frame & Log Cabin Co. 

which has been site building 

high-specification timber 

frame cabins and lodges 

around the world for nearly 

20 years. 

The new range marks its 

expansion and investment 

into off-site fabrication with 

units from 17m2 glamping 

cabins up to 96m2 luxury 

lodges. 

Bakland, a family-owned 

business, has been working 

with highly experienced 

structural engineers, 

architects, and designers. 

The team is looking 

forward to bringing its 

significant experience into 

the glamping, parks and 

hospitality sectors both at 

home and abroad. 

With a thorough 

understanding of the 

many varied challenges 

that customers face, as 

well as an ever-evolving 

industry, Bakland offers 

a versatile service and is 

working closely to deliver 

stylish cabins and lodges, 

unlocking new commercial 

opportunities for clients. 

Founder Bill Cartledge 

said: “With our first units 

in production here in the 

UK, these are exciting times 

for Bakland. We have a 

selection of new designs in 

various shapes and sizes 

that we’re really happy with. 

We’re also delighted to be 

working with some highly 

ambitious clients, full of 

really creative ideas, and all 

looking for something a bit 

different.” 

www.baklandcabins. 

co.uk, info@baklandcabins. 

co.uk, 01472 852704 

TentStyle acquired by Alternative Stretch Tents 

ALTERNATIVE STRETCH Tents, a leading provider of premium stretch tents to both 

commercial and private customers, has announced its acquisition of TentStyle, a 

prominent player in the industry. This strategic move signals a significant milestone for 

both companies and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their evolution in 

the south of England. 

The acquisition was spearheaded by Tom Wilkes who founded Alternative Stretch 

Tents in 2012 and has almost two decades of outdoor events experience. Tom said, “This 

acquisition represents a strategic alignment of our future goals and values, as well as 

a unique opportunity to leverage our collective strengths and expertise while reaching 

more customers across the south. We’re all beyond excited to be working with the 

TentStyle team to continue to provide quality stretch tents to our customers.” 

Under Tom’s leadership, Alternative Stretch Tents has earned a five-star reputation 

for providing the perfect solution for weddings, festivals, corporate events, clubs, pubs, 

and other venues across Hertfordshire. Likewise, TentStyle has garnered an excellent 

reputation for providing quality stretch tents to customers in West Sussex. Together, the 

teams are set to take both businesses to the next level and provide outstanding products 

and services for even more customers. 

01920 457058, info@alternative-stretch.co.uk, 

www.alternative-stretch-tents.co.uk . 01403 333135, enquiries@tentstyle.co.uk, 

www.tentstyle.co.uk 

CoverMarque’s New Glamping Insurance 

HAVING SPECIALISED in the temporary structure industry since 2003, CoverMarque understands 

the unique qualities of the glamping experience and is well positioned to minimise premiums for 

insurance. Offering personalised service, it works closely with clients to ensure they receive the 

bespoke insurance cover they need. 

Policies can cover a wide range of accommodation including lodges, pod, cabins, shepherd huts, 

bell tents, yurts, tipis, safari tents and static caravans. Hot tubs, swimming pools, fire pits, children’s 

play area and activities can also be covered. Sections of cover available are property damage to 

accommodation and contents, public liability, employers liability and business interruption. 

01962 774421, newbusiness@covermarque.com, www.glamping-insurance.com 


New British Tipi Manufacturer 

TIPI PROFESSIONALS Brett Jackson 

and Bronte Hall are excited announce 

the launch their new tipi manufacturing 

business, Crafted Canvas. Brett and 

Bronte have many years of tipi and tent 

experience, running two leading tipi hire 

businesses, Garden Weddings and Boutipi 

along with their flagship wedding venue 

Skipbridge Country Weddings, which in 

2021 was awarded UK’s Best Wedding 

Venue. 

This month Bronte has also been 

nominated to join the MUTA executive 

board, so it's safe to say this power couple 

know a thing or two about tents! 

Crafted Canvas was born out of 

frustration with the current tipi products 

available within the event structure 

market. Tents and events is all Brett and 

Bronte have ever known, and after years 

of working in the tipi hire industry they 

found themselves getting more and more 

frustrated with the current products on the 

market. This led them to develop their own 

FREYA RABY PHOTOGRAPHY 

way of doing things and so Crafted Canvas 

was born. 

As a company, Crafted Canvas prides 

itself on delivering high quality products 

for the rental and longer-term structure 

market. All woodwork is sourced from 

UK forests and industry leading coated 

Campshield is used as standard for 

durability. Crafted Canvas products are 

also interchangeable with the existing tipi 

brands on the market. 

07403 417524, info@crafted-canvas.co.uk, 

www.crafted-canvas.co.uk 

Coming to a 

Show Near You 

WITH THE summer months fast 

approaching, Woodpecker Productions 

is getting ready for its programme of 

exhibitions and trade shows. The first show 

in the calendar is the Devon County Show 

in May, where the team will be taking many 

of its core products (hot tubs and saunas) 

as well as a small number of new products 

for 2024 to provide guests with the ‘extra 

special’ touch. 

As with all the exhibitions and trade 

shows that Woodpecker attends, it likes 

to create ‘show stopper’ moments, 

presenting a stand that allows customers 

to view and explore its whole product 

range. If you can’t get to an event 

Woodpecker is attending, make sure to 

check out the website for the complete 

offering. 

07435 866929, info@woodpeckertubs. 

co.uk, www.woodpeckertubs.co.uk 

Celebrating 10 years with Glampsan 

GLAMPSAN’S GENERAL manager Jon Trelfa is celebrating his 10 year 

anniversary at The Glampsan/Plastic Solutions Group. Jon took up 

the challenge of driving the group in 2014 and now reflects on over 

30 years in the portable sanitation industry. 

Jon is well-known in the industry across the UK and 

Europe, spending time as managing director Europe for 

both a toilet manufacturing company (1991-2008) and a 

manufacturer of ground and surface water monitoring 

equipment (2011-2014). During this time, Jon sold over 

25,000 portable toilets included selling D-tox, a sister 

company, its first fleet. 

With his strong background in customer service, 

product development, marketing and sales, Jon has grown the 

Glampsan/Plastic Solutions Group from a company offering just 

three products to one with well over 1,000 – with two divisions, two 

websites, and two web shops. 

Jon is well-equipped to help anyone with questions, not only 

about his product range, but also on many aspects of the sanitation 

business in general. Jon is committed to customer service; if he 

can help, he will! “I love the variety in my job and no one day is the 

same,” he says. “I’ve enjoyed growing the business, product 

range, and expanding the team – mentoring individuals 

and watching them develop and become experts at what 

they do. I like to be at the coal face with the team and 

particularly enjoy being involved with the marketing 

aspects of the business, coming up with products and 

ideas, and finding new ways to help and communicate 

with customers.” 

In his spare time, Jon likes to get into the countryside 

whenever he can. As a keen bird watcher and walker, you’ll often 

find him in the Peak District with his family or at home working in 

the garden. Jon also enjoys watching sports and is a long-time fan of 

Formula 1 and rugby. 

0800 999 6010, sales@glampsan.com, www.glampsan.com 

Portable Sink Units 

In a bid to elevate the glamping experience, 

The Little Vanporium has unveiled its 

latest innovation – portable lightweight 

sink units. These vibrant and durable sinks 

promise to redefine convenience and style 

for glamping accommodation. 

Crafted from lightweight ply, the units 

are expertly designed to seamlessly 

integrate into any glamping or camping set 

up. Transporting these sinks is a breeze and 

they are easy to pack down and store when 

not in use. 

Customers can tailor units to reflect their 

unique style preferences with a choice of 

natural wood finishes or a bespoke colour 

service, along with a colourful array of 

melamine sink options to choose from. 

What sets these sink units apart is 

their integrated rechargeable water 

system, delivering on-demand running 

water without requiring a power supply, 

holding 10L of water, mains water won’t 

be required either, making these perfect 

for any off-grid situation. Say goodbye to 

the hassle of communal washing areas – 

with these portable sinks, luxury is at your 

fingertips wherever you may be. 

07766 523011, shopvanporium@gmail. 

com, www.littlevanporium.com 

JENNIFER BULLAS 


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tank or waste treatment plant. 

The Saniflo team works with you; from site visits, installation training, technical assistance and 

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2 year 

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saniflo.co.uk

GLAMPSITES 

PEOPLE 


ENTREPRENEUR’S CHAT 

Brett 

Jackson 

From wedding singer to tipi business entrepreneur, we talk to Brett Jackson 

about creating an award-winning tipi venue, taking on three hire companies 

and his journey into manufacturing 

INSPIRE IMAGES MATTHEW LARAWAY PHOTOGRAPHY 


PEOPLE 

SARAH JOY LANDON PHOTOGRAPHY 

FOSSCA PHOTOGRAPHY 

RETT JACKSON’S venture into entrepreneurship reflects 

a story of ambition, creativity, and family support. 

Starting from his time studying music production at Leeds 

College of Music, he now owns several outdoor hospitality 

businesses. “My current work focuses on tipi, tent, and 

wedding services. We own three tipi hire brands, a tipi 

wedding venue, and a tipi manufacturing company,” Brett 

confirms. 

Brett's entrepreneurial spirit has been a constant 

companion, not a recent discovery. “I've always been self-employed,” 

he shares. “Right after university, I established a recording studio, and 

later, a wedding entertainment business named 24 Live, offering live 

acoustic and DJ services across Yorkshire.” This early foray laid the 

foundation for his future endeavours. 

“As the recording studio and 24 Live grew, the wedding 

entertainment business became my number one passion and occupied 

most of my time,” he recalls. “Studying music production at uni and 

having a love of performing gave me my first introduction to the world 

of weddings.” This unwavering passion for weddings would later 

become the driving force behind his success. 

“After many years of performing as a wedding singer, I was 

introduced to Skipbridge Country Weddings, where I met my now 

business partner and fiancé, Bronte Hall,” he fondly remembers. 

“Weddings have always excited me, and I wanted to build a new 

business on the back of the reputation we’d built as wedding singers.” 

GARDEN WEDDINGS 

Brett recollects the modest beginnings of Garden Weddings. “We 

bought two giant tipis and associated equipment to set up the 

business,” he says, reflecting on the initial investment of approximately 

£30,000. “We didn't use any loans or investments; all the money came 

from my earnings as a wedding singer. My business partner at the time 

and I put in £15k each to get Garden Weddings off the ground, which 

shows that with passion, dedication and some hard graft, anyone can 

start their own business. 

“Initially, we launched as a wedding planning service offering 

package tipi weddings at venues across Yorkshire. We would act as 

the middleman for the venue, tent hire, generator, toilets, catering 

and bar. We’d provide the entertainment with 24 Live and be the event 

planners. This proved to be a very popular offering, and I quickly saw 

the obvious benefits of owning high-ticket items like tents. Buying our 

own tipis and providing these as part of the package really catapulted 

our turnover.” 

So, was this all meticulously planned over many months/years? “In 

all honesty, very little research was done,” says Brett. “We simply saw 

a gap in the market when it came to a package wedding, did some 

quick numbers on a post-it note and worked out we could turn a profit 

in a year… so we went for it! Although admittedly, we did have the 

advantage of good knowledge of the Yorkshire wedding industry as 

we'd been singing in and around wedding venues for nearly 10 years.” 

Brett also acknowledges his good fortune in not requiring outside 

investment. "I've been very fortunate never to require external funding, 

and I'd like to think I've always invested my money wisely," he says. 

"Now, nearly seven years on, all the assets in the business are owned 

outright.” 

EXPANDING THE PORTFOLIO 

Garden Weddings soon blossomed into a multifaceted enterprise, 

encompassing two additional tipi hire brands, a wedding venue, and 

a manufacturing company. “We now have three tipi businesses that 

deliver weddings and events throughout Yorkshire,” says Brett. 

In terms of keeping ahead of the competition, Brett pulls no 

punches. “We buy them out!” he laughs. “Garden Weddings is the 

original business I set up in 2017. However, we also own tipi brands 

Boutipi and Totem Tipi, which we acquired in 2021 and 2024. So it was 


PEOPLE 

Garden Weddings’ success and our careful investment that enabled us 

to buy out two of our main competitors when they wanted to wind up 

their businesses. By doing so, we now have a handsome chunk of the 

Yorkshire tipi and sailcloth market, meaning we can continue to grow 

and set a strong pricing structure.” 

It was important that the reputations of these two brands were 

upheld following the purchase. “We always pride ourselves on 

delivering quality service, and we’re proud to have continued this with 

Boutipi and Totem Tipi, who established good names for themselves 

over several years before we took them on.” 

The hub of Brett’s operations lies in Skipbridge Country Weddings, a 

venue that has won awards for its picturesque settings and exceptional 

service. “In the heart of Yorkshire, you can find our flagship wedding 

venue, Skipbridge Country Weddings, which was awarded the UK's 

best wedding venue in the TWIA awards in 2022,” he shares. “We 

reinvest year after year. It’s part of our family farm, and we've grown it 

organically over the last 13 years. Given its popularity, we've naturally 

had to invest in its infrastructure, but always sympathetically.” 

Complementing the venue is Tipi Events, a company specialising 

in pop-up events across Yorkshire. “Tipi Events works mainly in city 

centres, serving as a summer and winter attraction,” Brett explains. 

To complete the circle, Brett has recently ventured into 

manufacturing with Crafted Canvas, a giant tipi and soon-to-be 

sailcloth manufacturer based in the UK. “Crafted Canvas has been an 

exciting business to launch,” he says. “We offered to purchase a wellknown, 

existing tipi manufacturer, but our offer was turned down. So, 

instead of taking on an established brand, we launched our own, with 

an ethos to improve on all current offerings on the market.” 

Commenting on the diverse profitability landscape within his 

businesses, each presenting its own set of challenges and rewards, 

Brett says, “In terms of income, each business is a totally different 

beast. Our wedding venue ranks highest in terms of profits but being 

outdoors and only open for business from May to September, it has a 

short diary for events, which does limit turnover.” 

He delves deeper into the nuances of each venture, highlighting the 

unique considerations. “The manufacturing company has some great 

margins but is very new to the market,” Brett explains. “The tent hire 

side of things can make some significant cash – but this comes with 

high staff, vehicles, and storage costs. Then we have Tipi Events which 

offers the opportunity to generate very large turnover figures, but it 

does entail more risk and considerable investment.” 

FAMILY SUPPORT 

Despite his success, Brett remains humble, acknowledging the pivotal 

role his family has played in his journey. “My parents, Julie and 

Howard, have been and continue to be a huge support to me,” he says 

gratefully. They have never pushed me in a direction and have always 



“WE REINVEST YEAR 

AFTER YEAR. IT’S PART 

OF OUR FAMILY FARM, 

AND WE'VE GROWN IT 

ORGANICALLY OVER 

THE LAST 13 YEARS. 

GIVEN ITS POPULARITY, 

WE'VE NATURALLY 

HAD TO INVEST IN ITS 

INFRASTRUCTURE, 

BUT ALWAYS 

SYMPATHETICALLY.” 


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PEOPLE 

INSPIRE IMAGES 

given me the freedom to make my own choices and decisions.” 

Their involvement isn't merely emotional; it’s practical, too. “When 

it came to Garden Weddings, my dad was very hands-on,” Brett recalls. 

“He worked on-site with us multiple times on our first build, which 

took over 24 hours and included a 4x4 stuck in the local park! My mum 

was very active with wedding couples when we first started, meeting 

brides, showcasing venues that could host tipi weddings, and keeping 

us organised! 

“Family is still very much at the root of all Bronte and I do; we run all 

our businesses under the watchful but sometimes mischievous eye of 

our 16-month-old little boy. He’ll be team leader one day!” 

With so much going on day to day, how do Brett and Bronte stay on 

top of changes and developments in their chosen sectors? “Nowadays, 

we're very connected to the industry,” says Brett. We’re MUTA (the 

UK trade association dedicated to marquees, tents and structures) 

members, and Bronte is part of the executive committee. This means 

we're strongly linked with fellow industry professionals, enabling us 

to follow industry trends and share knowledge. We also like to visit the 

Showman’s Show and are very excited to be exhibiting this year with 

Crafted Canvas.” 

The couple’s commitment to growth extends beyond business, 

however. It’s a philosophy that permeates every aspect of their 

lives. “We will continue to grow – our businesses, our family, and our 

experiences," he says with determination. “I'd love to work in the 

business with our children in the future.” 


FINDING BALANCE 

When it comes to relaxation, Brett’s approach is refreshingly 

simple and pragmatic. “How do I relax? I love to swim!” The clarity 

and physical activity of swimming provide a clear contrast to the 

complexities of business. “But honestly,” he adds, “I just love to work.” 

It's a sentiment that many driven entrepreneurs can relate to –finding 

fulfilment in the pursuit of their goals. 

“I struggle to keep still,” he admits, acknowledging his restless 

nature, “so I always keep busy.” Even in his leisure time, Brett's mind 

remains engaged and active. “I do enjoy a good money and investment 

podcast; when I get time to actually listen to one, that is! 

“I also love to walk our springer spaniels,” he mentions, highlighting 

the importance of time spent outdoors, “and go for days out with 

Bronte and our baby boy.” These moments offer a welcome break 

from the intensity of entrepreneurship, allowing Brett to recharge and 

refocus on the challenges ahead. 

LOOKING AHEAD 

As for the future, it’s very much a team effort on all fronts. “I still 

have a strong vision and ideas for our businesses and brands,” says 

Brett. Bronte and I are a great team, as we have strengths in different 

departments. Often, I have an idea, and Bronte helps me bring it to life. 

“Of course, I can’t predict everything that’s in store for us in the 

future. I mean, if someone had told me back in 2017, when I was a 

wedding singer, that I'd now own three tipi brands, a wedding venue, 

and a manufacturing company, I wouldn't have believed them! 

“I do have one exciting life event coming up very soon that I couldn’t 

be happier about. I'll be marrying my tipi partner in crime, Bronte, in a 

Crafted Canvas tipi at our own wedding venue!” 

As Brett and Bronte’s journey unfolds, one thing remains clear: their 

passion for weddings, business, and family will undoubtedly fuel their 

success for years to come. 


ADDRESS BOOK 

Boutipi www.boutipi.co.uk 

Crafted Canvas www.crafted-canvas.co.uk 

Garden Weddings www.garden-weddings.co.uk 

Skipbridge Country Weddings www.skipbridgecountryweddings.co.uk 

Totem Tipi www.totemtipi.co.uk 


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FUNCTION VENUES 

CASE STUDY 

Frasers 

An eco country estate and hospitality venue in the heart of Kent 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLORENCE BERRY PHOTOGRAPHY 

When did you start your venue 

business and what is its history? 

We started our on-farm 

diversification in 1990 when we 

converted a set of redundant farm 

buildings to luxury self-contained 

holiday lets. Around this time, 

we began cooking from our 

farmhouse kitchen for both onand 

off-site customers, supplying 

restaurants and farm shops and 

attending farmers markets. 

We also hosted weddings and 

events on the farm under the 

28-day rule. In 2007, we applied 

for permission to replace a 

redundant dairy with a purposebuilt 

commercial kitchen and an 

adjacent traditionally constructed 

oak-framed barn as a dining and 

events area. In 2008, we gained 

our approved premises licence to 

host weddings. 

Tell us about your location 

and site 

We are located on a medieval 

farmstead in the heart of the Kent 

“THE 

CHALLENGE 

OF OUR 

LOCATION 

BEING SO 

RURAL WAS 

THAT, AS A 

COMMERCIAL 

VENUE, WE 

HAD TO 

PROVIDE 

ALL THE 

SERVICES” 

countryside, yet conveniently 

located an hour from London 

and half an hour from the 

coast. Our location is idyllic, 

surrounded by beautiful unspoilt 

Kent countryside and situated a 

kilometre off a country lane. The 

challenge of our location being so 

rural was that, as a commercial 

venue, we had to provide all 

the services. We had no mains 

drainage connection or a threephase 

electrical supply. We had 

to install these facilities at a 

significant cost. 

What facilities for outdoor 

functions do you offer? 

We can sleep 20 guests on site 

and are applying for permission 

for six luxury glamping safari 

tents, increasing our capacity 

to 56 guests. We have two large 

permanent dining areas in Main 

Oak Barn and Stags Barn, and we 

erect a marquee for the summer, 

which can accommodate up to 120 

guests. We have also constructed 

several private dining areas 

As a diverse hospitality 

venue that mirrors the 

sustainability-led business 

ethos of the estate it operates 

from, Frasers has become a 

destination for eco-conscious 

wedding couples and foodies 

alike. We speak to Lisa 

Fraser. 

outside, which form a relaxed 

alfresco atmosphere. The seating 

takes the form of five large, 

covered pods that accommodate 

up to 50 guests, all served by a bar 

made from an upcycled shipping 

container. A small solar array has 

been installed, which means that 

this area is entirely powered by 

renewable energy. 

For weddings, we have four 

licenced areas - an upcycled 

converted former grain silo, the 

inside of our beautiful oak-framed 

barn, outdoors under the eaves of 



the barn, and at the front of our 

beautiful Stags Barn. 

What services do you offer? 

We offer complete event planning, 

styling, management, and floristry 

services on a complimentary 

basis for events hosted at Frasers. 

We also offer the same facility 

for our outside-catering events 

at a fee. We provide all the food 

and drink to be enjoyed at our 

events. The venue is run with a 

strong, sustainable ethos, and all 

our purchase supply chains are 

short. We grow, glean, and service 

food from the estate, so all our 

food is low mileage, sustainable 

and traceable. We offer various 

activities and workshops and 

can organise any other services 

required from external contractors. 

Describe how you researched 

and sourced your structures 

The design philosophy for 

the whole estate was to build 

structures that were in keeping 

with a traditional farmstead, so 

we sourced a local builder with a 

sound reputation for traditional 

timber-framed construction. 

The commercial kitchen and 

dining room were constructed 

traditionally but utilised modern 

insulation and newer technologies 

such as renewable energy in the 

form of a ground-source heat 

pump. 

Our temporary marquees are 

sourced from a local supplier 

we have worked with for many 

years. This allows us to increase 

or decrease the structure's size 

depending on each event's 

requirements. Our Silo ceremony 

area was sourced from a neighbour 

who had no further use for it. This 

upcycling perfectly reflects our 

sustainable ethos. 

How do you work with your 

customers to make their event 

unique? 

Each event is bespoke; we have 

no set menus or formats. We 

have extensive in-house food and 

drink knowledge and work with 

each client to create a seasonal 

“DUE TO 

OUR REMOTE 

LOCATION, 

WE DO NOT 

RECEIVE ANY 

PASSING 

TRADE’; 

THEREFORE, 

WE RELY 

HEAVILY ON 

EXECUTING 

AN EFFECTIVE 

MARKETING 

STRATEGY” 

menu that accommodates their 

requirements. 

Our event management 

experience also enables us to guide 

and support clients regarding 

suitable external suppliers. 

How do you publicise yourself? 

Due to our remote location, we 

do not receive any passing trade; 

therefore, we rely heavily on 

executing an effective marketing 

strategy. Our business base 

is diverse: hotel, restaurant, 

self-catering, events, weddings, 

celebrations of life, hen parties, 

baby showers, location shoots, 

workshops and courses. We 

concentrate on an extensive social 

media presence across Facebook, 

Instagram, and LinkedIn to enable 

us to prioritise and focus on the 

particular business area we are 

marketing. We employ a small 

amount of paper advertising, 

although this is increasingly 

becoming a less important part 

of our marketing strategy. We 

rely heavily on word-of-mouth 

recommendations and reviews 



across Google, Trip Advisor, Res- 

Diary and Booking.com. 

How would you describe your 

style or unique selling point? 

Our USP is that the business 

operation parallels the wider 

estate. The estate is focused on 

conservation, wildlife, ecosystem 

creation and the creation of 

habitats to promote species 

diversity and increase the number 

of flora and fauna. We work 

closely with organisations such 

as The Kent Wildlife Trust and the 

South East Rivers Trust and have 

obtained funding to execute a 

‘whole-farm’ survey to establish 

species diversity and number. 

As an early Biodiversity Net Gain 

provider in the southeast, our 

credits are registered with the Kent 

County Council and Kent Wildlife 

Trust. 

The hospitality venue utilises 

more than 55% renewable energy. 

We source from local suppliers 

and grow and harvest from the 

estate. Our extensive kitchen 

gardens are operated on a nodig 

principle, thereby keeping 

the intrinsic nature of the soil 

structure intact. We make our own 

organic matter from composting 

for use in the gardens and we have 

a comprehensive waste recycling 

programme, including recycling 

our kitchen rapeseed oil. No 

single-use plastics are used, and 

upcycled cutlery, crockery, and 

china form the centrepiece of our 

table settings. 

All our customers are requested 

to pre-order from our menus 

before their reservation. Our 

wastage is, therefore, under five 

percent, which is unprecedented 

compared to the industry 

standard. 

Customers increasingly require 

their visits and events to be a 

culinary experience. Food is at 

the centre of this, but our whole 

estate ethos and sustainability are 

becoming important factors when 

selecting a venue. Our approach 

is holistic and relaxed. Because 

people lead hectic lives, a visit to 

Frasers is a retreat, whether they 

visit for a meal or stay longer with 

us. 

What challenges have you faced 

historically? 

Initially, it was challenging to 

attract customers due to our 

highly rural location. However, 

our excellent food and drink 

offering, commitment to exceeding 

expectations, and strong 

environmental ethos have made 

us a destination venue. Once 

customers have visited us, they not 

only return but also recommend us 

to their friends and family. 

Kent has not been a renowned 

tourist hub in the past compared 

with other counties but this is now 

changing. We are conveniently 

located an hour from London 

with good road and rail links. We 

have spectacular countryside 

and dramatic coastlines, historic 

venues and gardens, and, as the 

Garden of England, fantastic food 

and drink offerings. 

“HOWEVER, 

OUR EXCEL- 

LENT FOOD 

AND DRINK 

OFFERING, 

COMMITMENT 

TO EXCEEDING 

EXPECTATIONS, 

AND STRONG 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

ETHOS HAVE 

MADE US A 

DESTINATION 

VENUE” 

How large is your team – any 

special people you’d like to 

mention? 

We have a small permanent team 

of approximately six full-time staff 

members and a large number of 

part-time and seasonal staff. We 

are a family-run business that, 

due to the philosophy of how we 

operate the business on a daily 

basis, has a high level of staff 

retention. 

Have you worked with any 

industry bodies or consultants? 

We have worked with several 

consultants and industry bodies. 

The Kent Wildlife Trust and the 

South East Rivers Trust have been 

invaluable resources for the estate 

in terms of knowledge, guidance, 

and support. We are members of 

Produced in Kent, Kent Invicta 

Chamber of Commerce, and The 

Federation of Small Businesses, 

who all act to support and lobby 

on our behalf. 

We recently participated in 

the Growing Kent and Medway 

accelerator programme to scale up 

sales and outlets of our handmade 

Christmas puddings. This product 

utilises an old family recipe, local 

alcohol, and recycled packaging 

and is steamed with the excess 

power from one of our solar arrays. 

These are distributed across the 

country for sale. 

We received 40% capital 

grant funding from DEFRA for 

three of our buildings under the 

RDPE diversification for tourism 

scheme. This award helped with 

each project's capital costs and 

the estate's long-term financial 

viability. 

What are your plans for next 

season? 

We are applying for planning 

permission to construct a 

glamping site with six luxury safari 

lodges. We will then be able to 

accommodate 56 guests overnight, 

increasing our profitability via the 

additional food and drink sales. We 

have also created a ‘shop’ in part of 

the garden bar area where campers 

can purchase all the ingredients 

they might require for their stay on 

site. Our restaurant also provides 

a valuable resource and we are 

increasing the size of our kitchen 

and cutting gardens to improve our 

sustainability further. 



Describe your average day 

mid-season 

Our business model is so diverse 

that it is tough to pinpoint an 

average day mid-season. Our busy 

events schedule is supplemented 

with outside catering off-site and 

hosting overseas visitors in the hotel 

and self-catering units. Days are 

long but enjoyable, productive, and 

worthwhile. Being responsible for 

customers' special days and events 

is a privilege. 

What do you enjoy about the 

business? 

The greatest enjoyment is the 

satisfaction gained by visitors who 

obtain the highest level of customer 

experience when they visit us and 

ultimately leave having had an 

amazing time with us. People have 

hectic, technology-filled lifestyles. 

A visit to Frasers allows guests to 

relax, recharge, and often reconnect 

with nature. 

In September of this year, we are 

executing our CEVAS certification, 

enabling us to invite children to visit 

the estate and immerse themselves 

in nature. It is paramount that 

children have a connection and 

understanding of the countryside 

and, ultimately, where their food 

is grown and sourced from. It is 

our intention that the estate will 

increasingly become an education, 

social and community resource. 

What other outdoor hospitality 

sectors do you operate in? 

We offer an incredibly diverse 

hospitality offering, including 

a luxury hotel experience, selfcatering, 

events, a restaurant, 

outside catering, and, in the near 

future, our new glamping enterprise. 

We look forward to hosting our first 

wedding fair here this year as well as 

holding our first local food and drink 

festival in the summer of 2025. 

“HOWEVER, 

THIS 

SECTOR IS 

A LIFESTYLE 

CHOICE AND 

CERTAINLY 

NOT A 9-5 

ACTIVITY. THE 

REWARDS IT 

CAN BRING 

IN THE LONG 

TERM ARE 

ENORMOUS 

AND ARE 

NOT SIMPLY 

MONETARY” 

Integration is not difficult. The 

key is organisation and planning. 

For example, we never host two 

weddings on consecutive days. For 

weddings and events, clients must 

occupy all the accommodation in 

the evening, ensuring exclusivity 

for them. Our grounds are 

extensive, and the nature of our 

accommodation in converted 

former farm buildings facilitates 

spatial separation by nature. 

What are you most proud of? 

The proudest achievement is the 

sustainability of the whole estate 

and our extensive conservation 

methods, which have resulted in an 

environmentally sound enterprise 

both on-farm and at Frasers, our 

venue. 

We are also delighted to have 

won multiple awards in a number 

of areas, including diversification, 

sustainable tourism, and 

commitment to the environment, 

as well as small hotel of the year, 

sustainable food and drink, and 

wedding venue of the year. 

These awards are a testament 

to our entrepreneurial approach, 

sustainability and conservation 

ethos, and the hard-working ethos 

of our valuable team. 

What advice could you give 

to someone coming into the 

industry? 

The hospitality industry is currently 

experiencing an unprecedented 

level of challenges. Post-covid, 

we faced rocketing inflation and 

mortgage interest, plus acute 

escalation in utility costs. However, 

this sector is a lifestyle choice and 

certainly not a 9-5 activity. The 

rewards it can bring in the long term 

are enormous and are not simply 

monetary. We are privileged to live 

and work in a beautiful part of the 

country for which we are grateful. 

Be accurate with realistic 

conversion or construction capital 

and revenue costs. Create a diverse 

business model that does not rely 

on just one product or service. 

Ensure that your product runs 

across both high and low seasons, 

or create different models that are 

viable all year round. 

Lastly, our business mantra, ‘The 

harder you work, the luckier you 

get’, has always been applied to our 

business, which is just entering its 

35th year. 

Good luck! 

ADDRESS BOOK 

OUTDOOR STRUCTURES 

Cavendish Marquees 

www.cavendishmarquees.co.uk 

FURNITURE 

The Table Guy 

www.thetableguy.co.uk 

Sweetpea & Willow 

www.sweetpeaandwillow.com 

LIGHTING 

Jim Lawrence 

www.jim-lawrence.co.uk 

Industville www.industville.co.uk 

Lights for Fun www.lights4fun.co.uk 

HEATING 

Little Green Energy Company 

www.tlgec.co.uk 

Nu-Heat www.nu-heat.co.uk 

DIRECTORIES 

Bridebook www.bridebook.com/uk 

The Wedding Secret 

www.theweddingsecret.co.uk 

Hitched www.hitched.co.uk 

DETAILS 

Frasers of Egerton 

Coldharbour Farm 

Barham's Mill Road 

Egerton 

Kent TN27 9DD 

www.frasersegerton.co.uk 


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Our journey starts and ends with you! 

www.woodpeckertubs.co.uk 

E: info@woodpeckertubs.co.uk 

M: 07435866929


GETTY IMAGES 

Seeing is Believing 

Capture couples' hearts and minds while armchair venue hunting 

IT IS estimated that there are now over 6,000 

wedding venues in the UK and year-on-year, 

this number increases. On average couples 

visit just three venues so narrowing down 

their ‘to visit’ list is becoming increasingly 

challenging. 

Tools like virtual wedding tours can 

transform the search experience by 

showcasing your venue’s best offers. They 

enable potential clients to experience the 

venue for themselves. Nathan Hall from 

video marketing agency Simple Story 

explains: “It is estimated that 80% of web 

traffic is now coming from video alone; it’s 

the number one source of content. Studies 

have shown that video not only improves 

your searchability and increases your 

average time on site but also increases 

conversion rates.” 

It is also believed that virtual tours 

generate double the interest and keep 

couples on your website five to 10 times 

longer. 

Virtual tours give couples the nearest thing 

to a real-life walk-through experience of the 

property without visiting the venue. They 

allow you to make your venue accessible 

24 hours a day, every day of the year, from 

anywhere in the world, using various virtual 

tour tools that show the venue at its best and 

communicates your brand. 

Bringing your wedding 

venue to life 

There are so many marketing tools that you 

can consider to help bring your venue to life. 

These include: 

1360° PHOTOGRAPHY 

A 3D virtual tour enables potential 

wedding couples to view the layout of 

the inside of your wedding venue. Booked 

couples or event planners can also use them 

to help with their seating arrangements for 

their ceremony and wedding breakfast etc. 

2 

AERIAL DRONE VIDEOGRAPHY 

Excellent aerial drone videography 

enables couples to understand better 

the venue's scale, location, and juxtaposition 

of the outdoor spaces. You should include 

not only the gardens and the broader 

landscape but also some of the practicalities 

such as the car park and where key activities 

take place such as the wedding ceremony 

area etc. 



3 

PROFESSIONAL VIDEOS 

Professional videos capture the 

essence of a couple’s wedding 

day. Written text and voice-overs can 

further enhance videos. 

GETTY IMAGES 

4 

STAGED VIDEOGRAPHY AND 

PHOTOGRAPHS 

Typically, it would help if 

you staged your venue, utilising 

models and styling pivotal spaces to 

resonate with your target audience. 

Depending on your target persona, 

this approach allows them to envision 

themselves in your venue, whether 

they identify as bohemians, classic 

couples, contemporary enthusiasts, 

modern lovebirds, destination seekers, 

rock n' roll couples, or hopeless romantics. 

5 

A MAP 

If your venue is large or complicated, 

why not commission a map naming all 

elements, such as the upper lawn, courtyard, 

and function suite? 

6 

FOOD AND DRINK PHOTOGRAPHY/ 

VIDEOGRAPHY 

Food and beverages are a crucial part of 

any wedding celebration. However, wedding 

venues often overlook the significance of 

capturing high-quality images of the menu 

or, for instance, cocktails served at the event. 

Professional food photographers can take 

both videos and still photographs of these 

significant elements. 

7 

DOCUMENTARY-STYLE VIDEOS 

Many venues overlook the importance 

of showcasing the staff at work. 

However, including a video of your team can 

be an effective way to convey your brand 

story, especially if your team is one of the 

reasons that make your venue unique. 

8 

REAL WEDDING VIDEOS 

If you are an established wedding 

venue, real wedding videos are 

essential as they show couples in your 

environment interacting with their guests, 

etc. 

9 

HANDMADE VIDEOS/REELS 

Handmade videos are an essential 

aspect of tours, but they should be 

conducted by the owner or your best 

salesperson, talking clients through their 

day with a storyboard so that they do not go 

off-plan. 

10 

LIVE STREAM TOURS 

These can be conducted on a oneto-one 

basis, i.e. a virtual tour call, 

or added to Instagram’s IGTV feature. 

“IN THE SET-UP TOUR, IT'S ESSENTIAL TO CONSIDER THE 

TARGET COUPLE YOU ARE TRYING TO ATTRACT. IF YOU'RE 

LOOKING TO ATTRACT MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF COUPLE, IT 

MAY BE WISE TO HAVE MULTIPLE SET-UPS” 

11 

A GALLERY OF IMAGES 

Organised in such a way as to 

support the videos and 3D tours, 

which should include real weddings, styled 

shoots and architectural photography, i.e. 

professionally shot to enable potential 

wedding couples to see the absolute best 

aspects of your venue, both inside and out. 

12 

A BLOG OR BLOGS 

These should cover aspects of 

your wedding venue, mainly how 

a wedding day unfolds and what rooms are 

best used for the dining experience, whether 

for a small, medium, or large wedding. 

13 

In addition to embedding a virtual 

tour on your website, 3D images 

can be added to Google Maps and 

your venue’s Google My Business page. 

Producing a virtual tour 

Meet with a videographer and a 3D virtual 

tour company at your wedding venue. 

During this meeting, discuss what is 

essential, agree on the desired outcomes, 

and decide on the necessary preparations 

before the actual filming process. Typically, 

virtual tours require a minimum of two days 

at the venue to ensure that all essential 

aspects are covered. This approach also 

provides flexibility in case of unfavourable 

weather conditions on one of the days. 

As every venue is unique, I believe it is 

best to show your venue in two ways – 

before a staged set-up for a wedding (to 

show a blank canvas) and fully set up. In 

the set-up tour, it's essential to consider 

the target couple you are trying to attract. If 

you're looking to attract more than one type 

of couple, it may be wise to have multiple 

set-ups. 

Some companies might recommend 

avoiding a sunny day, as the light can be 

incredibly harsh, but for me, it is about what 

is best for your venue. For example, if one 

of the best times of the day is the ‘golden 

hour’, then that is when we will be on site 

filming. If you have the most beautiful lawn 

or a terrace area that looks fabulous after 

dark, I recommend the filming starts with 

that – extracting your venue’s unique selling 

point. If your marketing budget allows, and 

you want to sell both spring/summer and 

autumn/winter weddings or intimate and 

large weddings, the more virtual tours, the 

better. 

Many believe that videos under two 

minutes get the most engagement, however 



a good ‘story’ drives engagement, and in 

my opinion the content should dictate the 

length. I would recommend for a large and 

prestigious venue that you commission 

several episodes, as long as the content is 

rich enough: 

› The overall wedding venue – priority 

› Getting ready, for example, the bridal 

changing room, the groom’s room, and 

the other on-site accommodation 

› Drinks reception and canapes 

› Walking down the aisle 

› Sitting down for the wedding breakfast 

› The evening party and food 

› A tour of the grounds or interiors 

› Even a behind-the-scenes, documentarystyle 

video of your staff preparing for a 

wedding can also be engaging. 

It’s essential to showcase a human-centric 

narrative. Couples invest in your business 

because they believe you care about them 

and their special day. While the buildings 

and settings are essential, don't forget that 

people buy from people. To maximise their 

exposure, you should ensure your videos 

are compatible with social media platforms, 

including Facebook and Instagram. 

The cost of a virtual tour package will 

depend on your budget, location (travel 

time), venue size, number of days filming, 

“THE BENEFITS OF CREATING AN EXCELLENT VIRTUAL 

WEDDING VENUE TOUR ARE UNQUESTIONABLE AND, 

WITH TIME, WILL BECOME FUNDAMENTAL TO EVERY VENUE’S 

MARKETING MIX” 

style of filming and target couple (set-up 

costs). Extra budget should be set aside if 

you want a written script and voice-over. 

PROMOTING AND CONVERTING 

The obvious place to promote your virtual 

tour, beyond your own website, is through 

social media. Viewers retain 95% of a 

message when they watch it on a video 

compared to 10% when reading it in text. 

Add your tour to LinkedIn and share it on 

wedding platforms such as Hitched 

Book post-virtual tour meetings using 

Zoom, Facetime, etc, and encourage the 

couple to come armed with questions. It's 

essential to emphasise to clients that visiting 

your wedding venue in person should be a 

priority. Scheduling tours is fundamental if 

your venue is far from their home, so help 

them ‘get to you’ and consider extending the 

tour to emphasise the ease of the journey. 

The benefits of creating an excellent 

virtual wedding venue tour are 

unquestionable and, with time, will become 

fundamental to every venue’s marketing 

mix. If you want to ensure your wedding 

venue marketing strategy has the edge with 

a virtual tour that tells your venue story and 

brings your property to life, let’s talk about 

putting together a dream team – as seeing 

through the keyhole really does lead to 

more booked weddings! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Sam Lloyd, The Wedding 

Owl, is an award-winning 

business consultant 

specialising in wedding 

venues. If you have any 

questions about virtual tours, 

would like her to clarify any points, or 

would like to discuss producing your own 

virtual tour, she would love to hear from 

you via www.theweddingowl.com 

GETTY IMAGES 




PRODUCT IN FOCUS 

Marquees 

The Old Cow Shed 

Product: 250m2 stretch tent including all 

wall fixings, installation and maintenance 

Supplier: Tentickle Stretch Tents, 07826 

843099, info@tentickle-stretchtents. 

co.uk, www.tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk 

Details: The Old Cowshed comprises 

an old barn and stables that have been 

converted into a wedding venue with cosy 

rooms for guests to stay in. 

The large courtyard was ideal to use for 

receptions, but with the English weather 

some cover was needed. Tentickle Stretch 

Tents did a site visit and measured up. A 

bespoke chino stretch tent was provided 

to cover the entire courtyard creating a 

well sheltered space for wedding parties 

and ceremonies. 

Customer feedback: Venue director 

Simon said: “Jorg and the entire team 

from Tentickle Stretch Tents helped 

us massively and guided us through 

the process from the first contact 

to completion. The stretch tent has 

transformed our venue and generated 

more revenue. We can now allow 

bookings throughout the season and can 

rest assured that weddings can take place 

regardless of the weather.” 

Small Space Style 

Tentstyle 

01403 582136 

enquiries@tentstyle.co.uk 

www.tentstyle.co.uk 

The Hypar tent from Tentstyle is available in the hire and 

purchase sectors. The Hypar is similar to a stretch tent, using 

the same rigging methods and material, however does not 

have a centre pole. 

Our main stock sizes in various bright colours are 7.5 x 7.5m 

and 4.5 x 4.5m. These structures are proving a popular add on 

for clients wanting smaller covered structures to complement 

a larger stretch tent order. 

With similar stunning looks, the Hypar is ideal for covering 

small seating areas, spanning a food truck or creating a semipermanent 

smoking area; the use is endless with custom sizes 

and options available. Get in touch with the friendly team to 

see how these structures could complement your next event 

or venue. 



Skipbridge 

Country 

Weddings 

Product: Two giant tipis 

and a midi tipi linked with 

clear wall extensions 

Supplier: Crafted Canvas, 

07403 417524, 

info@crafted-canvas.co.uk, 


Details: Skipbridge Country Weddings 

forms the heart of Skipbridge Farm, a small, 

passionately family run business situated between York and Harrogate. 

Owned by Gill and Gordon Hall, the venue won the prestigious award 

of Best UK outdoor wedding venue at the Wedding Industry Awards, an 

accolade the family is very proud of. 

Gill and Gordon contacted Crafted Canvas as they saw an 

opportunity in purchasing their own tipis structures. Investing in their 

own structures meant less damage to the site, as a new structure 

wasn’t erected each week, and a guarantee of quality. Maintenance 

was also reduced as the tipis only needed de-rigging once each year, 

this also enabled them to fit hard flooring and a bar easily. 

Crafted Canvas has developed a close working relationship with 

Skipbridge. By working together the venue has been able to invest in 

more infrastructure and retain a higher percentage of earnings. Crafted 

Canvas has been a helping hand every step of the way to advise Gill 

and Gordon on setting up as a semi-permanent wedding venue in 

Yorkshire. 

Customer feedback: Director Gill Hall said: “Crafted Canvas have been 

a fantastic company to work with right from the very start, from our 

initial phone call to assisting with installation on our site. The team has 

a wealth of experience and knowledge, are incredibly friendly and even 

happy to help with a bit of llama wrangling! We’ve been dealing with 

tipis and the different brands on the market for many years now and 

it is obvious to see that a lot of time and thought has been invested 

into the product. I urge any fellow venue owner looking to invest and 

improve upon their own tipi offering, to get in touch with Crafted 

Canvas; you won't be disappointed!” 

Frogmore Fields 

Product: 15x21m and 6x10.5m RHI stretch tents in chino 

Supplier: Alternative Stretch Tents, 01920 455461, 

info@alternative-stretch-tents.co.uk, 

www.alternative-stretch-tents.co.uk 

Details: Frogmore Fields in Herefordshire has a strong 

background on the small festival scene. The event space 

features a stage area, decking space and a 15x21m stretch 

tent from Alternative Stretch Tents, equipped with lighting, 

wooden floor and rustic furniture. The venue also has a 

permanent bar, loos and a camping area as well as expert 

event co-ordinator Lou Shrimpton, of ‘festival-weddings. 

co.uk’. 

The tent Alternative Stretch Tents supplied was a MK4 

RHI 15x21m chino stretch tent, all the way from sunny 

Cape Town. Working with many different brands of tent 

over the years, Alternative believes you just cannot beat 

RHI for quality of manufacture and longevity of the tent 

membrane; “they really are the Rolls Royce of the stretch 

tent world!” 

The tent has a solid wood decking style floor which 

contributes to the look and acoustics. With one 21m side 

down, the prevailing wind was kept out while providing 

plenty of space for 150 diners and a bespoke bar attached 

to the side. A smaller 6x10.5m RHI stretch tent in chino was 

used for the ceremony area; again, an incredibly versatile 

product which allowed Alternative to rig partially into the 

trees and over a 15th century wash house complete with its 

own well. Different sized poles and incredibly strong rigging 

equipment (8mm braid on braid rope and super strong 

aluminium poles) allow this tent to stay up year-round. 

The joy with a stretch tent is it moves a little with the 

wind unlike their rigid white brothers and sisters (the PVC 

frame marquee). 



KHALIPHOTOGRAPHY 

KHALIPHOTOGRAPHY 

Walton Castle, 

Clevedon 

Product: 34m x 15m modular 

stretch tent and matting for 

UWE Freshers Summer 

Ball 2023 

Supplier: Prickly Pear Stretch 

Tents, 0117 287 2962, 

info@pricklypearstretchtents.co.uk, 

www.pricklypearstretchtents.co.uk 

Details: Walton Castle is a stunning venue offering a blank 

canvas to create the perfect event. Situated on a hillside in the 

seaside town of Clevedon, this Grade II listed property boasts 

fabulous grounds and a courtyard space plus accommodation and a 

swimming pool. 

Prickly Pear Stretch Tents provided a 34m x 15m modular stretch 

tent with Dandy Dura matting for the University of West of England’s 

Summer Ball at the castle and worked with Sounds & Silence Events 

to create a tailored solution to suit expertly curated event plans. 

Customer feedback: Stean Chelland, director of Sounds & Silence 

Events, said: “Having been an event organiser for over 17 years I 

know how essential finding reliable a supplier is to our operations. 

After a thorough search of the area, Prickly Pear was recommended 

by multiple people in the events eco-sphere. 

“We worked with Prickly Pear in Summer 2023 for the Official 

University of The West of England’s Summer Ball at Walton Castle 

where they delivered a fantastic large footprint canopy solution 

for our attendees and worked within our strict 12 hour setup and 

take down window each side of the event with no questions and no 

problems. 

“We have continued our work with them for the 2024 Summer 

Ball at Old Down Estate and look forward to a long relationship for 

all our future events.” 

Timber Frame Geo Domes 

The Dome Company 

07876 673354 

Iinfo@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 activations, wedding, 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 and 

permanent installation. 


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 

® 

LUXURY 

PODS 

Redefine glamping 

info@LuxuryPods.com 

LuxuryPods.com 

British design and manufacturer of bespoke luxury pods. 

Office, accommodation, saunas, bars, sheds and much more. 

Patented LOCX system - quick and easy to erect & dismantle. 

You provide the inspiration - We supply the structural frame 




Bars & Catering 

Your Linen Partner 

Linen Connect 

0161 244 5344 

sales@linenconnect.com 


Looking for table linen for your 

venue? Do you host weddings 

and events? Linen Connect are 

your linen partner. We supply 

hospitality operators with bed, 

bath, kitchen and table linens. Our 

products are made from premium 

quality materials designed to 

withstand the rigours of highvolume 

use. Our Cezanne and 

Forta table linen collection are 

perfect for the venues, where 

practicality and durability are 

essential. 

Cellar-in-a-Box 

CORE Bar and Event Hire 

0845 299 6499 

sales@core-barandeventhire.com 

www.core-barandeventhire.com 

Cezanne table 

linen features 

an elegant woven 

rose design or we 

have plain the white Forta, both 

with matching napkins. There 

are 14 colours to choose from, 

something for all venues. Colours 

include black, gold, green, ivory, 

navy and red. Tablecloths are 

available in rectangular and 

circular sizes. We also provide a 

bespoke UK made to measure 

service for unique table sizes. 

To help you decide on the right 

colour and style for your venue, 

request a free sample. 

The CORE ‘Wheel-Inn Cellar-in-a-box’ kit is a 

mobile fully featured cellar set up that allows 

you to dispense kegged beers and ciders whenever and wherever 

needed – in minutes! 

Easily integrated into CORE’s modular bar solution (pictured), 

it means you can have a professional bar set up for any event 

irrespective of location. The CORE ‘Wheel-Inn Cellar-in-a-box’ kit 

can dispense up to three different drinks and ensures that 

professionally dispensed, ice-cold beverages can be served so 

you are not limited to only bottled drinks. 

The kit is ideal for any situation where you need to serve 

kegged beers and ciders in a temporary location without the 

need for expert installation crews. Kits are available to 

purchase or rent by contacting the friendly CORE team. 

Fatbergs! 

The Septic Tank Store 

01295 236101 

sales@theseptictankstore.co.uk 

www.theseptictankstore.co.uk 

Everyone has heard about 

‘fatbergs’ which are caused by 

solidified fats, oils, and grease 

(FOG). If you are considering 

a café or restaurant serving 

hot food, you must prevent 

FOG from entering the sewer 

system or your off-mains 

sewage treatment system. 

A grease trap intercepts 

FOG before it enters 

the sewer system. By 

preventing FOG from 

solidifying, grease traps 

reduce the risk of sewage 

backups, foul odours, and costly 

plumbing repairs. Grease traps can sit in 

the kitchen and require regular emptying or there 

are underground varieties that if sized correctly are emptied every 

three months by a licenced tanker company. This saves having the 

stinky job of disposing of the grease yourself. 

At the Septic Tank Store, we have supplied and installed 

underground grease traps for small farm shop cafes and for larger 

catering venues. Contact us for advice - don’t be caught out by 

your own fatberg. 

Bespoke, Lightweight yet Strong Bars 

Luxury Pods 

07767 666999 

info@luxurypods.com 

www.luxurypods.com 

If you are thinking of investing in a pop-up bar, here are a few 

features worth considering. Event organisers, party planners, 

wedding venues or music festivals need modular bars that are 

quick and easy to erect and dismantle. Flat-packed for ease 

of transporting between venues and for winter storage. Easy 

to clean, lightweight, maintenance-free, modular and robust 

construction. 

Using the new British aluminium LOCX system, a variety 

of different shapes and size bars can serve a party from 40 to 

1,000+ guests. The unique matrix of the super-strong profile 

creates a bar structure capable of holding 400kg/m2. 

The bar frame is designed to incorporate opaque acrylic 

panelling that allows LED light (16 million colours) to shine 

through. Bespoke options include custom branding, granite 

and Corian work 

tops with space 

for fridges below, 

raised flooring and 

cover for outdoor 

use. 


https://shop.glampsan.com/ 

https://shop.glampsan.com/ 

Here to support you 

Book https://bit.ly/49wHiHv 

a consultation on our website 

sales@glampsan.com 

www.glampsan.com 

Make your outdoors as comfy as your indoors 

LUXURIOUS 1-4 SLEEPER SHEPHERD 

HUTS & GLAMPING PODS 

At Outdoorsy Living we manufacture for 

the superior outdoor experience 

Explore our range of bespoke manufactured shepherd huts 

and glamping pods that make every day feel like a holiday. 

01622 844 238 • info@outdoorsy-living.co.uk 

www.outdoorsy-living.co.uk 

Find Us On Social Media 

instagra 


GLAMPSITES 

CASE STUDY 

The Rookery Woods 

Three luxury treehouse cabins that offer couples a 

boutique hotel experience in the heart of nature 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL MEASOM, UK RETREATS 

After winning a 4.5-acre 

woodland at auction with 

no real plan for what to do 

with it, Dale and Heather 

Badman have transformed 

The Rookery Woods into 

a sought-after destination 

for couples seeking 

the ultimate in luxury 

treehouse glamping. We 

speak to Heather. 

What’s your back story – your life 

before glamping? 

We lived in a bus for two years 

before purchasing a dark and 

neglected patch of woodland after 

raising our alcohol-fuelled hands 

at an auction in our local pub, 

never expecting to win. We were 

more than surprised when a phone 

call came on Monday morning 

confirming that we had just bought 

The Rookery Woods. 

It took 10 years of hard labour, 

tears, sweat and everything in 

between to clear and restore it 

back to life. Dale worked full-time 

fitting flooring whilst I had two 

children. At that time, we just 

wanted somewhere to park the bus 

and live quietly alongside nature; 

little did we know you needed 

planning permission for that. 

“IT TOOK 

10 YEARS 

OF HARD 

LABOUR, 

TEARS, 

SWEAT AND 

EVERYTHING 

IN BETWEEN 

TO CLEAR 

AND 

RESTORE 

IT BACK TO 

LIFE” 

Even though we cannot live here, 

we ploughed on – selling bags of 

firewood and wondering, ‘What will 

we do one day?’ 

What made you decide to 

start offering glamping 

accommodation? 

We had many thoughts, including 

a café for dog walkers, a children’s 

adventure centre, or paintballing 

events. We wanted something 

sustainable to keep the woodland 

alive without completely tearing 

it down. We opened our gates 

in August 2020, after the covid 

lockdown in the summer. 

How did you research the 

business before entering it? 

Initially, we thought we would have 

yurts or tipis but found we needed 


GLAMPSITES 

planning permission for those. A 

few consultants visited and said 

we had next to zero chance of 

achieving anything in a woodland. 

Miraculously, we stumbled across 

an incredibly positive consultant 

who suggested that we build 

something completely unique 

that was not weather-dependent 

and would stand out in an evergrowing 

market. We cannot thank 

him enough for his vision and 

pushing us to go that one step 

further! 

Tell us about your location 

and site 

We have a 4.5-acre patch of fully 

enclosed woodland adjacent to 

“ALTHOUGH THE WOODLAND IS NOT 

PROTECTED, IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO 

GET PLANNING. EVERYTHING WE DID 

WAS RISKY, AND THERE WAS NEVER A 

GUARANTEE WE WOULD GET IT” 

common land with a Grade ll listed 

wall on two boundaries. Initially, 

we gained planning permission to 

cut a hole in the wall to access the 

woodland before any work could 

start. Although the woodland is 

not protected, it is extremely hard 

to get planning. Everything we did 

was risky, and there was never a 

guarantee we would get it. 

How did you tackle getting 

planning? 

We just went straight in with 

the most environmental 

ethos possible: solar panels, 

composting toilets, and grey 

water filter systems. There were 

no compromises, as we wanted to 

achieve this anyway. We also had 

a lot of support from neighbours 

and our local community, which I 

feel is always crucial for this kind 

of project. The cabins are built 

up on stilts, so the ground was 

unaffected by the build process. 

How did you finance the project? 

We couldn’t get any grants, and 

the bank would not lend to a ‘new 


GLAMPSITES 

business’, so we financed using 

every high-interest credit card we 

could. 

What glamping accommodation 

do you offer? 

We have three Scandinavian-style 

treehouse cabins, all of them lifted 

off the floor with ground screws. 

They are open all year round, as 

cosy in the winter as they are in 

the summer. 

What occupancy levels and price 

per night do you achieve? 

We are running on an average of 

90% occupancy with a price from 

£230 per night in low season. 

How did you work out your 

brand, and how do you publicise 

yourself? 

We launched under the Canopy & 

Stars umbrella, who were fantastic 

with their support and picked up 

the pieces from a very exhausted 

family. Within 18 months we built 

our website and now take our 

own bookings alongside them. 

Regarding social media, the 

bulk of our publicity comes from 

Instagram. 

How would you describe your 

ethos and unique selling point? 

Our offering is unique to us, with 

the hot tubs making a great new 


GLAMPSITES 

addition along with the cinemas 

and newly installed saunas. We 

are constantly striving to do 

better. The cabins are updated 

regularly, and I feel our customers 

appreciate that the work and the 

magic are created by just us. 

How did you choose your 

interior decoration? 

I just go with what I like best. When 

we first opened the cabins, they 

were very minimalist but soon 

developed a more cosy and unique 

style. We try to use as many 

resources from the woodland as 

we can. 

What challenges have you faced? 

Financing the project was our 

hardest challenge. Learning to 

work together as husband and 

wife also took a while. The covid 

lockdowns were tricky, but we still 

worked well as a business. 

What are your plans for next 

season? 

We have just installed two new 

saunas and will install the third 

one when we have had a rest. 

“MEETING 

OUR GUESTS 

IS MORE 

WONDERFUL 

THAN I COULD 

EVER HAVE 

IMAGINED. WE 

HAVE 

HAD MANY 

MARRIAGE 

PROPOSALS, 

HONEYMOONS, 

BIRTHDAYS, 

AND ANNIVER- 

SARIES ON 

SITE, TOO” 

Describe your average day midseason. 

We generally have three cabins to 

change over and are ready by 3ish. 

What do you enjoy about the 

business and why? 

Meeting our guests is more 

wonderful than I could ever have 

imagined. We have had many 

marriage proposals, honeymoons, 

birthdays, and anniversaries on site, 

too. We are a real event destination, 

and I could not love it more! 

What are you most proud of? 

Sticking with it and finally achieving 

an almost impossible dream. 

What other outdoor hospitality 

sectors do you operate in? 

None, but we are considering ‘wild 

weddings’ in the future. 



industry? 

Do your research, and don’t expect 

overnight success. Humility and 

patience will get you a lot further 

than arrogance and expectation. 

ADDRESS BOOK 

TOILETS 

Wostman Compost Toilets 

www.wostman.se/en/ecodry 

HOT TUBS 

Wyre Forest Spas www. 

wyreforestspas.com 

BOOKINGS & DIRECTORIES 

Canopy & Stars 

www.canopyandstars.co.uk 

UKretreats 

www.ukretreats.co.uk 

DETAILS 

Rookery Woods 

Norton 

Bromyard 

Herefordshire, HR7 4PJ 

www.therookerywoods.uk 


Achieve all year round 

bookings, with our unique 

luxury glamping cabins, 

just like Bowfield Hotel & Spa 

CHESHIRE HUTS 

“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 

• Bespoke shepherd's huts 

• Custom-built to your specifications, 

• Meticulously handcrafted • Turnkey service 

T: 07967753289 • E: cheshirehuts@gmail.com 

www.cheshire-huts.co.uk 


GLAMPSITES 

GETTY IMAGES 

What to do 

with Sewage 

Advice from Wayne Clarke, founder of the Septic Tank Sore 

WHEN PLANNING your new glampsite, you 

are imaging your shiny new units being 

filled with happy guests and the last thing 

on your mind is wastewater. So, let’s look 

at some of the things you need to bear 

in mind when planning what to do with 

sewage. 

You will need to take into account 

anything that uses water – showers, 

toilets, sinks, kitchen use, dishwashing, 

washing machines – all of which need to 

be disposed of safely. 

There is a choice of solutions, but it is 

important that the system you choose is 

carefully designed and maintainable to 

ensure what you are discharging to the 

local environment is causing no harm and 

is not polluting the local water courses. 

Importantly, an incorrectly planned 

system can cause smells and can 

potentially pollute your local environment 

– not a pleasant experience for all 

involved, including your guests. 

Options 

COMPOSTING TOILETS 

Essentially a ventilated unit below a toilet 

that stores and composts waste, compost 

toilets offer a solution if space is tight 

and there is no need for extensive sewer 

infrastructure. 

Although they conserve water, you still 

need to address greywater removal (from 

sinks and showers). They also require 

regular maintenance which if not carried 

out can lead to smells. 

SEPTIC TANKS 

Septic tanks are usually underground 

tanks where domestic wastewater flows 

for basic bacterial processing. They work 

by separating the solids and liquids, 

usually filtering the liquids into a separate 

chamber and onwards into a drainage 

field to be dispersed into the ground. The 

remaining sludge is partially broken down 

through anaerobic digestion and requires 

emptying regularly. 

Septic tanks don’t require electricity 

and need emptying every six to 12 months. 

Septic Tanks are a relatively cost-effective 

solution but the discharge is polluting and 

since 2020 there are stringent regulations 

as to where the discharge goes. 

HOLDING TANKS 

Also known as a cesspool, these tanks 

hold the sewage and grey waste until full 

and require emptying. Available as above 

ground flat-tanks or more spacious below 

ground tanks. They are useful if in clay 

(non-draining) soil or in an area of specific 

environmental protection as no waste 

is discharged. Cesspools are a relatively 

low-cost solution but require regular 

emptying. Their use may be restricted by 

local regulation. 

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS 

In contrast to a septic tank, sewage 

treatment plants are an eco-friendly 


GLAMPSITES 

"IN CONTRAST TO A SEPTIC TANK, SEWAGE 

TREATMENT PLANTS ARE AN ECO-FRIENDLY 

SOLUTION AS THEY USE NATURALLY OCCURRING 

BACTERIA TO TREAT AND DIGEST ORGANIC MATTER." 

solution as they use naturally occurring 

bacteria to treat and digest organic 

matter. This means the liquid from the 

plant is non-polluting and can normally 

discharge to a stream or a drainage field. 

They require electricity as they need 

air to circulate to encourage bacteria. 

Depending on the tank they need 

emptying every 12 months; some only 

every three to five years. 

Minimal environmental 

impact 

Our expertise at The Septic Tank Store is 

underground tank solutions and drainage 

so our focus is always on planning a 

solution which has minimum impact on 

the environment. This means, more often 

than not, that we recommend sewage 

treatment plants. 

Each tank installation is unique to fit 

with the needs of the user whilst sitting 

sympathetically into the environment. 

When considering a tank installation, bear 

in mind that the following things will affect 

the costs: 

› Do you have the space to install a tank 

and the land for a drainage field if 

required? 

› Where could you install an underground 

tank? Do you have the correct levels? 

› Do you need a pumped outlet? 

› Does the area flood? 

› Do you have a watercourse nearby? 

Could you install a sewage treatment 

plant and discharge the non-polluting 

liquid to the stream? 

› What soil type do you have? Will the 

discharge from a tank drain away? 

› Is there access for emptying tankers? 

› Are you in an area where the discharge 

of phosphates is highly regulated? 

› Can you get power to the tank to run 

the compressor that provides air to the 

bacteria? 

› Have you considered how to vent the 

system? 

› Do you need heavy duty covers to allow 

vehicles to drive across? 

› If you have a café/restaurant, have you 

worked out how to stop grease entering 

the sewage system? 

Government Genernal 

Binding Rules 

It is not possible to talk about wastewater 

plants without mentioning the 

government’s General Binding Rules, 

which were most recently updated in 

October 2023. If you are unable to connect 

into the public sewer, then these rules 

need to be followed when installing and 

maintaining a septic tank or treatment 

plant. 

The rules also refer to a discharge 

licence; there are many factors that apply 

but a key one is if you are discharging 

over certain amounts, then a licence is 

required. That is 2,000L daily to the ground 

(drainage field) or over 5,000L daily to a 

watercourse. This will unlikely affect you if 

you are putting in a tank for a single twoto-four-person 

unit. 

What is a drainage field? 

Drainage fields are often referred to as 

soakaways but in reality they are two 

separate things with separate regulations. 

Soakaways are for storm rainwater and 

drainage fields are for the liquid discharge 

from sewage. Drainage fields are a loop of 

perforated pipework bedded and covered 

in gravel and geotextile. As the liquid from 

the tank filters through the drainage field, 

it allows bacteria to form and further clean 

the discharge before reaching the ground. 

Sewage treatment plant installation 


GLAMPSITES 

“ACCORDING TO THE 

GOVERNMENT GENERAL 

BINDING RULES, ‘YOU 

MUST HAVE BUILDING 

REGULATIONS APPROVAL 

IF YOU HAVE OR ARE 

PLANNING TO INSTALL 

A NEW SEPTIC TANK OR 

SMALL SEWAGE TREATMENT 

PLANT” 

What size system do I need? 

This is the question we are asked most 

often. There are many factors that affect 

sizing but as a general guideline: 

For one glamping unit, consider a small 

septic tank which must discharge to a 

drainage field or a small sewage treatment 

plant – serving up to five people. Marsh 

manufactures the small Portapura 

treatment plant, perfect for one unit. Due 

to its size, this tank needs emptying more 

often but can be installed above or below 

ground. 

For multiple units, as long as the 

ground levels are in your favour, you 

could consider a larger single tank to 

serve multiple units. We recommend 

getting expert advice, as there are various 

factors that need to be taken into account, 

especially if you have a toilet block or café. 

Do I need planning permission to install 

a new tank? 

According to the Government General 

Binding Rules, ‘you must have building 

regulations approval if you have or are 

planning to install a new septic tank or 

small sewage treatment plant’. In general, 

planning permission is usually not 

required but it is always worth checking 

with your local authority. 

Maintenance 

Once you have your sewage treatment 

plant installed, remember it needs 

maintaining; monthly checks are required 

to see if it is running well and annual 

servicing by an experienced engineer. 

No matter which system you choose, 

there is always the issue of making sure 

that only the three Ps (pee, poo and 

paper) are put into the system. Wipes and 

sanitary products, no matter if they are 

marked as flushable, cause real issues 

with treatment plants and composting 

toilets. All cleaning products will affect 

the systems and the best policy is to use 

all things in moderation and follow the 

manufacturer’s recommendations. 

In the end it often comes down to 

budget (doesn’t it always?) but in our 

experience it is important to get it right 

from the start to avoid a stinky upset 

later. This involves careful evaluation 

of site layout, occupancy levels, and 

environmental considerations. Whether 

opting for the simplicity of composting 

toilets or the cleanliness of sewage 

treatment plants, each needs to 

complement the glamping experience you 

are trying to achieve – even if it is to be 

hidden and unnoticed – ensuring that your 

clients enjoy an unforgettable experience 

while minimising their ecological footprint 

on the great outdoors. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Wayne Clark is a respected 

expert in the drainage 

and wastewater treatment 

industry bringing a wealth 

of practical knowledge 

gained over 35 years in the field. 

The team at The Septic Tank Store will 

work with you to choose the correct 

system for your needs and design an 

environmentally friendly solution. 01295 

236101, sales@theseptictankstore.co.uk, 

www.theseptictankstore.co.uk 


GLAMPSITES 

FACTORY VISIT 

Woodpecker Productions 

WOODPECKER PRODUCTIONS 

07435 866626 / 


Factory address: Pagrindine St. 

1A, Varputenai, LT-80242, Siauliai r, 

Lithuania 

Product lines: Hot tubs, saunas, 

accommodation units, garden 

buildings, external office spaces. 

A VERY warm welcome to Woodpecker 

Productions, the home of sustainable 

production, bespoke designs and 

handcrafted products. 

For those of you who are coming 

across Woodpecker for the first time, or 

wondering about all things Woodpecker, 

let me start to build a picture about our 

company, how it works sustainably when 

producing many products from our range 

of hot tubs, saunas, and accommodation 

units, and how the team collectively 

plays an integral part in bringing the 

Woodpecker name to the forefront of the 

outdoor living market both here in the UK 

and around the globe. 

While we are a UK based company, with 

a showroom in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, 

we actually produce our products in 

Lithuania. The reason behind having our 

production here is due to a number of 

factors including the raw materials, being 

in charge of each stage of the creative 

process and the reduction in waste and 

emissions within a factory setting. 

We only use sustainably sourced wood. 

and are incredibly lucky to have our head 

designer, Donatas, at the helm for this. 

His knowledge and understanding of all 

timber types is exceptional. He is able to 

source any wood needed, in any quantity 

and a fantastic price. He helps Woodpecker 

get the very best of everything, helping to 

reduce wood waste and increasing returns. 

After the initial raw materials are 

collected, distributed, and stored at the 

factory, the real work begins. As with all 

our products when they are being created, 

we use state of the art machinery and 

processes that gives us the necessary parts 

to build all of our product ranges. 

1 

Cut the wood 

The wood cladding is cut to the 

appropriate lengths for the external 

parts of the tub. The wood used can be 

any one of our sustainably sourced wood 

types (Scandinavian spruce, larch, cedar, 

Thermowood) this will then be ready for 

cladding the tub, once the frame and tub 

are ready to be finished. 

2 

Creating the fibreglass base 

Our tubs are created using a moulded 

form, enabling fibreglass to be placed 

on to the mould and for the roll top to be 

created. 

3 

Creating the shell 

Once we have created the fibreglass 

shape for a tub, it is then time to 

create the actual outer shell. To complete 

this depends on which coating the tub 


GLAMPSITES 

has as we offer various options including 

gel coat and granite coat. We spray the 

coating on and let it dry over the top of the 

moulded shape. 

4 

Added features 

With the tub now being ready for 

finishing we are able to add things 

like drain plugholes, pipework and spray 

foam for heat retention. Any lighting or spa 

system wiring is added at this point. 

5 

Finishing 

In addition to any extras, we add 

an internal frame that the tub sits 

on for strength. We also attach any steel 

pipework for woodfired tubs. We then 

add the pre-cut wooden lengths, before 

putting two steel bands around the whole 

structure to increase sturdiness. 

6 

Testing of the tub 

Our team put the tubs through 

rigorous testing, pressure testing the 

pipework, testing the heaters (electric or 

woodfired), filling the tubs up to the top 

and putting the water around the tub’s 

systems to ensure everything is working 

correctly before it leaves the factory ready 

for delivery. 

7 

Quality management 

As can be seen in the photos, our team 

of 40 people work hard to ensure that 

when customers get their products they are 

ready to use, have been tested to the highest 

standards, and that when they are delivered, 

they are in the same state as they left the 

factory, whether they are in flat pack form or 

complete (both options are available). The 

final stage of the process involves everything 

being shrink wrapped to ensure it doesn’t 

get lost or damaged in transit. 

When looking at the overall standards 

for all our products, as a company we have 

achieved the ISO 9001: 2015 for Quality 

Management. This accreditation helps 

with continual improvements of overall 

standards within the company. 


GLAMPSITES 

WITH LAST year's legislation extending 

permitted rights for camping and 

caravanning from 28 days to 60 

days, landowners have double the 

opportunity to profit from a seasonal 

glampsite. This ruling means that you 

are able to create a ‘pop-up’ site with 

only a few conditions: 

› Sites can accommodate up to 50 tents 

(motorhomes and campervans require 

a separate licence) 

› You can operate without a campsite 

license for 42 consecutive days. An 

easy solution to avoid having to get a 

licence is to insert a short gap within 

the operation of your 60-day campsite 

– for example, a one-day break 

› Guests must be provided with on-site 

toilet and waste disposal facilities 

and can use ‘any moveable structure 

reasonably necessary for the campsite 

use’ 

› Nothing on the site can be considered 

‘permanent development’ – that 

means no concrete or anything that 

can’t be removed at the end of your 

season 

› Landowners must give their local 

planning authority written notice 

before they open for the season and 

submit their dates of operation and 

a site plan showing toilets and waste 

disposal facilities 

› Prior approval will be required if the 

site is located within Flood Zone 

2 or 3, so the Environment Agency 

can be consulted, and warning and 

evacuation plans agreed 

› The new permitted development 

rights will not apply to land within 

the curtilage of a listed building, Site 

of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or 

scheduled monument. 

TRADE SECRETS 

Pop-up 

Site Hacks 

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite tips and 

tricks for pop-up glampsite operations 

LEFT £985 off-grid shower 

from Sheep Shed Creations 

RIGHT Flat waste tank from Glampsan 


GLAMPSITES 

GETTY IMAGES 

“MOST OF WHAT YOU NEED IN TERMS OF LIGHTS AND 

PHONE CHARGING CAN BE RUN FROM SOLAR POWER 

AND BATTERIES” 

SHOWERS AND TOILETS 

You have a few options for shower 

facilities. You can either hire in a shower 

trailer (budget around £400 / week) but be 

aware that it is going to need an electric 

hook up or generator. This may not be the 

look (or cost) you are looking for so why 

not consider investing in some portable 

infrastructure that can be barn stored 

during the winter and put on site for your 

pop-up glampsite months? 

There are a few off-grid showers on 

the market. Sheep Shed Creations has 

created one for £985 (inc. vat) which comes 

flatpacked and is super easy to assemble. 

It has all its plumbing and individual hot 

and cold mixer taps on the inside. Just 

add a cold and hot water feed either from 

GETTY IMAGES 

a separate hot water source or from an 

outdoor LPG water heater (£300-£400) 

mounted to the battens on the back. If DIY 

isn’t your thing, for £2,220 (inc. vat) you 

can have the completed thing delivered to 

your door – heater and all. 

As for toilets, a good separating 

compost loo (one that diverts the urine 

away from solids) built into a shed on 

skids or a pallet will make for a low odour, 

off-grid solution, providing you educate 

guests on how to use it (men need to sit 

down to wee). Sheep Shed has one that 

matches the shower and they even offer 

accessible units. There are loads out there 

though if you have a look. Just make 

sure that whatever structure you choose 

can be installed and hooked up without 

any ‘permanent development’ (which 

would then incur the need for planning 

permission). 

Alternatively, you could opt for a 

flushing toilet system and divert all waste 

water into a holding tank. Glampsan has 

a range of above ground flat tanks that 

you could hide away and have emptied at 

the end of your season. As these tanks can 

be easily removed they will not require 

planning. 

Collecting greywater from your showers 

and sinks also needs careful consideration. 

You can create a soakaway using a gravel 

pit but to be really correct you should get 

advice from the Environmental Agency. 

Using a flat tank (as above) is a great 

alternative solution. 

POWER AND LIGHTING 

A generator, even a small one, will be 

useful to run some of your essential 

infrastructure if you have a sizable site. If 

you know how many glamping units you 

are going to offer and what provisions for 

lights and power you would like to include 

(phone charging etc) a quick call to 

provider of generators will help you work 

out what would suit you – they can also 

help you with power distribution etc. 

Most of what you need in terms of lights 

and phone charging can be run from solar 

power and batteries. Portable Power 

Technology do a great range of power 

packs which can charge from solar panels. 

Google any camping kit provider for 

lanterns that double as charging devices 

too. BMS Technologies will be able to help 

you with more complex infrastructure 

needs where you need a number of 

batteries, panels and solar controllers. 

USEFUL CONTACTS 

BMS Technologies (solar) 

www.bmstechnologies.co.uk 

Glampsan (waste tanks) 

www.glampsan.com 

Portable Power Technology (power packs) 

www.portablepowertech.com 

Sheep Shed Creations (off grid showers/ 

toilets) 

www.sheepshedcreations.co.uk 


GLAMPSITES 

MOULD OR MILDEW? 

Nothing beats a 

professional wash and 

reproof, but even then you 

might end up with stubborn 

mould around seams. Treat 

any spots with Astonish 

Mould and Mildew Blaster. 

The great news is that it is 

just £1 from a number of 

places including Wilko, The 

Factory Shop, ASDA and 

Amazon. We tested it on 

a very mouldy 4m x 2.6m 

awning. It took two bottles 

(£2) but brought it back to 

gleaming canvas. 

PROTECT THE 

TOP CAP 

For tents kept up for 

long periods of time, 

or for tents exposed to 

windy conditions, consider 

protecting the top cap to stop 

the king pole bursting through 

it and incurring an expensive repair bill. Buy a metal 

bowl with a 7-8cm diameter base from a kitchen shop or 

Amazon and place it up inside the top of the tent where 

the king pole stopper rests. This increases the surface 

area of where the pressure is applied and prevents wear 

on the rubber of the stopper – it is when this rubber 

perishes that the pole can push though the canvas. 

There is an additional benefit to this hack too. Punch 

holes around the rim of the bowl and use metal hooks 

to provide a handy hanging function – great for lights, 

decoration and hanging storage. 

Bell Tent 

Maintenance 

Wins 

If your site features bell tents, read on 

for some essential hacks that will 

make your life so much easier! 

ORANGE SCREW 

BCT OUTDOORS 

SMALL SPACE? 

Reducer poles are perfect to minimise 

pitching footprint but also to stop 

guests tripping over guy ropes. You can 

buy purpose made poles but broom 

handles work just as well, especially if 

you cut a notch into the top of them. 

This hack works on any size of bell 

tent so long as the poles are the same 

height as the tent wall. 

FED UP OF TIGHTENING 

GUY ROPES? 

All tent owners know that guy ropes 

need to be checked regularly. If 

you have numerous tents or are 

exposed to regular gusts of wind, 

you might want to consider a 

metal frame bell tent. Have a look 

at the ‘Nomadic’ model from BCT 

Outdoors, available in 4m, 5m and 

6m diameters. It may take a little 

longer to assemble but once it’s up 

it’s up! 

CANVAS CAMP 

ZIP GONE? 

The local dry cleaners are unlikely to 

want to take your 20kg bell tent canvas 

in to replace a zip… The great news is 

it is really simple to do yourself. There 

are plenty of kits on Amazon and lots of 

step-by-step tutorials online too. It might be 

worth investing in the hardware and swotting 

up before the season starts – see here www. 

wikihow.com/Fix-a-Tent-Zipper 

If you have to get an emergency repair done to the fabric 

of the zip (where it meets the canvas) Google ‘sewing 

awl’ and ‘wax thread’ to stock up, or make friends with 

your local Scouts group. They will be nearby, helpful and 

grateful for any donations to the charities they support. For 

a DIY guide, see here: www.instructables.com/How-to-Fix- 

Separated-Nylon-Zipper-Teeth 

LOOSE GROUND? 

If you are pitching on sandy soil or have recently landscaped 

and are working with loose, uncompacted ground, you will need 

to replace your group pegs with screws. They work by literally 

screwing into the ground and anchoring in with more grip. 

A favourite brand is ‘Orange Screw’. They are super lightweight 

and come with a clear cylinder that fits though the top of 

the screw to make it easier to turn. This cylinder also acts as 

protection for guy ropes that pass over the edge of a deck 

and may rub and fray. Just thread them through to create a 

protective channel. 

USEFUL CONTACTS 

BCT Outdoors (Nomadic bell tent) 

www.bctshop.co.uk 

Orange Screw (for loose ground) 

www.orangescrew.com 


A Pop-Up Camping Experience 

MUSIC | WELLNESS | FOOD & DRINK | ACTIVITIES 

ARTS & CRAFTS | RIVER SPORTS | KID’S CLUB 

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 

www.wildcanvas.uk 

Tel. 01992 522797 

www.perfo.co.uk 

Glampsite Insurance 

Contact us for a quote: 

01962 774421 

www.glamping-insurance.com 


ISSUE 51 | 2022 | www.openairbusiness.com 


BUSINESS 

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

BUSINESS 

BESPOKE GLAMPING 

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

EVENT STRUCTURES 



› Outdoor Ceremonies 

GLAMPSITES 

› Compost Toilets 

› Booking Systems 

EVENTS 

› Seeing Red 

› Total Immersion 

BUSINESS 

INFRASTRUCTURE 


› Sharing Snaps 

› Kitchen Efficiencies 

GLAMPSITES 

› Architects 

› Natural Pools 

EVENTS 

› Green Hydrogen 

› Tent Waste 

GLAMPING 

SHOW 

PREVIEW 


› 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 


STRUCTURES 


Tim Bowles -Campwell 

BUSINESS 


/ / 

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 


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 

INSPIRED? 

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GLAMPSITES 


Pods, Huts & Lodges 

LittleIdyll Shepherds 

Huts at Higher Barn 

Farm 

Product: ‘The Traditional Hut’ 

Supplier: CheshireHuts, 

07967 753289, 

cheshirehuts@gmail.com, 

www.cheshire-huts.co.uk 

Details: The luxury glamping hut 

provided by CheshireHuts at Higher 

Barn Farms in Cheshire stands 

out with its full-sized bathroom, 

well-equipped kitchen, and a lavish 

king-sized bed. Thoughtful additions 

including ample storage space and 

radiator heating ensure that guests 

experience the epitome of comfort 

during their stay. 

Customer feedback: Owner 

Katharine Swindells said: 

“CheshireHuts’ exemplary service 

extends to providing detailed 

explanations about the best 

materials for a bespoke hut, offering 

clients the flexibility to choose from a 

diverse range. This collaborative approach not only ensures that 

the hut aligns perfectly with a client’s vision but also allows them 

to make informed decisions tailored to their preferences. 

“Beyond hut installation, CheshireHuts provides additional 

landscaping options, including the possibility of adding patios 

and gazebos, ensuring a holistic and personalised experience 

for clients seeking a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic 

appeal.” 

Introducing ‘The Frey’ 

Bakland Cabins and Lodges 

01472 852704 

info@baklandcabins.co.uk 

www.baklandcabins.co.uk 

This quirky, micro twin unit cabin sleeps two to four, 

configured either with a spacious double bedroom, or with 

built-in bunks to create a versatile family unit. This cabin 

design was originally inspired by a love of alpine refuges that 

offer shelter and protection from the elements (albeit with a 

more luxurious twist). 

Presented with traditional décor, in either a rustic or coastal 

finish, with separate bedroom, en-suite, storage and a micro 

kitchen/living area. A built-in seating and dining area with 

feature windows provides a stylish, atmospheric, and relaxing 

space to unwind after a day in the great outdoors. Also 

available as a single unit, The Frey Micro, sleeping two; small, 

compact, cosy, with everything you need, no more, no less. 


GLAMPSITES 

Long Ashes Park, Lakeland Leisure Estates 

Product: Five en-suite Kelvin glamping pods 

Supplier: Podz R Us, 07767 733044, sales@podzrus.com, www.podzrus.com 

Details: Lakeland Leisure Estates is a highly respected brand within the 

marina and leisure sector, operating parks across the UK and Spain. 

Podz R Us was privileged to work with the team at Long Ashes Park to 

provide five bespoke Kelvin pods as a luxury addition to the current 

accommodation offering. The spacious layout of the Kelvin provides a 2+2 

sleeping configuration, including a double bed and sofa bed. In addition 

to the well-equipped, modern kitchen area, the Kelvin is fully en-suite 

with toilet, wash basin and a massive 1,200mm shower. Benefiting from 

electric underfloor heating and double-glazing, the pods will be suitable 

for letting all year round, including the lucrative Christmas and New Year 

markets. 

Customer feedback: Mark Morgan, managing director of Lakeland Leisure Estates, said: “Our new glamping pods 

will provide a whole new level of luxury to our Long Ashes Park site, offering a unique holiday experience in the 

stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales. The team at Podz R Us is fantastic and has ensured the pods are equipped 

with everything needed for a relaxing glamping experience.” 

Bespoke Huts and Pods 

Outdoorsy Living 

01622 844238 

info@outdoorsy-living.co.uk 

www.outdoorsy-living.co.uk 

Outdoorsy Living’s bespoke luxury shepherd huts and glamping 

pods are perfect for a wide range of holiday retreats, enabling 

year-round occupancy and the wow factor of being close to nature without 

losing any creature comforts. If you are thinking of elegant glamping-site 

developments, charming hideaways or delightful guest rooms, the team 

will design, build and deliver your unique vision. 

Hut and pod layouts can be modified to your specifications, from empty 

shells to fully furnished space saving designs. Shepherd hut sizes range 

from 16 to 20 feet, and glamping pod lengths can be increased in 1m 

increments. External timber cladding or corrugated iron options provide 

stylish protection against the elements, with the fully insulated walls, floor 

and roof keeping guests cool in summer and warm in winter. 

Contemporary yet traditional, Outdoorsy Living creates glamorous 

spaces with meticulous craftsmanship, patience and care, offering a 

superior experience of luxury leisure in nature. 


GLAMPSITES 

The M30loft 

Logspan 

01389500950 

info@logspan.com 

www.logspan.com 

Introducing the M30loft. A single modular unit which 

gives your guests fantastic views while relaxing in its 

open and airy interior. 

The M30loft contains a kitchen area, living room, 

separate bedroom, WC with shower and loft with 

space for sleeping. Included in a base kit is an 

upgraded and fully insulated timber frame with all 

external and internal finishes for walls, roof, and 

floor, triple glazed windows and doors, and electricity 

wiring and pipes inside the construction. 

In addition, choose your accessories including 

a fully equipped kitchen, shower room, heated 

floors, air conditioners, wardrobes or lighting 

devices. 

Limitless Possibilities with LOCX 

Luxury Pods 

07767 666999 

info@luxurypods.com 

www.luxurypods.com 

Luxury Pods is a British designer and 

manufacturer of bespoke structures used in the 

glamping industry (not just accommodation). The unique LOCX 

system creates a lightweight, maintenance-free, aluminium 

structural frame that is quick and easy to erect. Cladding the 

structure with anything from canvas to mirror panels creates 

an exterior that fits in with your surroundings. All pods are 

fully customisable, including: underfloor heating, advanced 

triple insulation, double glazing bi-folds with internal blinds, 

levitating beds, storage for canoes, bicycles and surf boards, 

and raised platforms for flood defence. Designs are virtually 

limitless, from nine-sided NonaPods to A-frames or bespoke 

one-off creations like tree houses or floating water lodges. 

For the DIY enthusiasts, aluminium frames can be flat 

packed for ease of transport and colour-coded for assembly. 

The internal matrix of the recycled British aluminium profile 

not only creates a super-strong framework but also provides 

channels to fix cladding without the need to drill. 

New Pod Range 

Woodpecker Productions 

07435 866929 

info@woodpeckertubs.co.uk 


Woodpecker Productions is delighted to announce its new 

Pod Collection. These structures can be used as luxurious 

accommodation units or transformed into a sauna with a half 

panoramic window and Harvia heater. 

As part of its sustainability journey, Woodpecker uses 

sustainably supplied Scandinavian Spruce or Thermowood, 

adding value to your own sustainable journeys. 


EVENTS 


EVENTS 

CASE STUDY 

WOMAD 

A 44 year old festival founded by Peter Gabriel, 

welcoming 35,000 people to Charlton Park, Wiltshire 

GARRY JONES 

We talk to the WOMAD team 

about curating an event 

celbrating the ‘worth and 

potential’ of a multi cultural 

society through music, dance, 

art, food and workshops from 

around the world. This ‘world’s 

festival’ brand has international 

reach with events in three 

contenents. 

Describe your event 

WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and 

Dance) brings together artists from 

all over the globe. Visitors get to 

hear the best music they’ve never 

heard before, join in with over 200 

free workshops led by musicians 

and dancers from around the 

world, taste delicious and exotic 

food cooked, listen to talks, relax 

in the arboretum, and discover so 

much more. The festival attracts 

35,000 people to its home in 

Wiltshire. 

Explain a bit about your venue 

The beautiful Charlton Park Estate 

in Wiltshire has been home to 

WOMAD UK since 2007 after it 

moved from Reading. Many lessons 

were learned in the first year at 

this venue, which crew and festival 

goers now refer to as WOMUD. 

What is the event’s history? 

WOMAD was founded in 1980 by 

internationally renowned musician, 

Peter Gabriel. The first festival, in 

1982, succeeded in introducing an 

“ALREADY 

ONE OF THE 

LONGEST- 

ESTABLISHED 

CULTURAL 

EVENTS IN 

THE WORLD, 

WE HAVE 

HOSTED 

FESTIVALS 

IN MORE 

THAN 30 

COUNTRIES, 

WITH THE 

WOMAD 

EXPERIENCE 

ENJOYED 

BY A 

COLLECTIVE 

AUDIENCE 

OF MILLIONS” 

international audience to many 

talented artists. 

Already one of the longestestablished 

cultural events in the 

world, we have hosted festivals in 

more than 30 countries, with the 

WOMAD experience enjoyed by 

a collective audience of millions. 

Over the years, our aims have 

remained strong and true; whether 

at festivals or other performance 

events, through recorded releases 

or educational projects, we aim to 

excite, to create, to inform and to 

highlight awareness of the worth 

and potential of a multicultural 

society. 

How does the relationship work 

with the venue? 

We have had a close working 

relationship with the farms and 

estate manager, Robin Aird, 

throughout our time at Charlton 

Park. We have a big store on site, 

and they have always worked 

with us to allow us to install some 

permanent infrastructure around 

the site. 


EVENTS 

SIMPLY C PHOTOGRAPHY 

GARRY JONES 

SIMPLY C PHOTOGRAPHY 

How is your relationship with the 

local authority and community? 

We have a great relationship 

with the local authorities and the 

licensing process is always an open 

one. We love working with the 

council and working with them to 

share expertise in order to create a 

successful and safe event. 

Our traditional curtain-raiser is 

the Malmesbury School Project. 

This project involves a week of 

workshops at Malmesbury School 

and local primary schools, run by 

a different artist each year. The 

project culminates in a performance 

on the mainstage at WOMAD. We 

also offer discounted tickets for 

residents living nearby in the SN16 

postcode. 

How have you planned the layout 

of the event? 

We have implemented a lot of 

permanent infrastructure on the 

site, such as water and fibre. We 

have a permanent ring road around 

our arena, which makes it a lot 

easier in wet weather for build and 

break and for buggies/vehicles 

to get around the site during the 

show. We hire in most of our stages 

and structures, but we have long- 

standing relationships with the 

suppliers of these, which makes the 

process very easy. 

How do you work with creatives 

to make these spaces work? 

We work with creatives across the 

site to add that bit of festival magic. 

In the World of Art we work with 

different visual and sound artists 

each year to produce an immersive 

art project which is showcased at 

the festival. We also put on over 200 

workshops over the weekend, which 

range from dance, drumming and 

singing, to still life drawing, yoga 

and breathwork. These workshops 

take place throughout the site – we 

have two workshop marquees in the 

main arena, as well as utilising the 

outdoor spaces of the Arboretum. 

Décor is also important 

throughout the site – for example, 

the way that our bars are decorated 

elevates them from traditional 

marquees to feeling like pubs. 

GARRY JONES 

“WE ALSO PUT ON OVER 200 WORKSHOPS 

OVER THE WEEKEND, WHICH RANGE 

FROM DANCE, DRUMMING AND SINGING, 

TO STILL LIFE DRAWING, YOGA AND 

BREATHWORK” 

GARRY JONES 

DJI 


EVENTS 

How did you research and source 

your infrastructure? 

As the event has been running 

for over 40 years, we have a 

big database of suppliers. The 

production team also attends trade 

shows throughout the year, as we 

are always interested in new and 

interesting products and ideas as 

well as companies to add to the 

database. 

What entertainment do you offer? 

We offer a range of music, arts and 

dance from around the world along 

with the World of Words, Taste the 

World, adult workshops, world of 

children and physics. We have a 

team that work together in curating 

the content for the festival, which 

typically involves going to other 

festivals/events, agents, research, 

internet to name a few sources. 

What provisions do you make for 

power, lights and sound? 

We work with two wonderful 

contractors, who have been 

working alongside us for so long 

that they are considered part 

of the crew. Judgeday provides 

technical production and procures 

everything on the stages and 

Powerline provides our power and 

generators. We have a very close 

working relationship with both 

companies; Judgeday has an office 

next to ours at Realworld Studios, 

and Powerline is just down the 

road, and its team comes in for 

regular meetings throughout the 

year. 

How do you manage admissions 

and visitor safety? 

All tickets are purchased in 

advance, so we are aware of 

everyone on site. Similarly, 

with contractors, we work with 

competent contractors who 

provide information on crews and 

safety on site. We hold regular 

safety meetings onsite and carry 

out extensive pre-show checklists. 

LISA WHITING 

GARRY JONES- 

How did you cope during 2020 and 

2021? 

We didn’t manage to run events in 

the UK in 2020 or 2021. We were 

very vocal in the press about our 

cancellation in 2021; we had to 

pull the show a few weeks before, 

which hit us hard. We ran an event 

in Australia and NZ in March of 2020, 

just before lockdown commenced 

worldwide, and we managed a 

smaller, socially-distanced event in 

Gran Canaria in November of 2021. 

What ground protection do you 

use for cars and footfall? 

We use trackway and some 

trackmat. The ground at Charlton 

Park is very hard and rocky, which 

is good for vehicle movement until 

it rains, and then we have trouble 

with water soaking away. We had a 

wet year last year and had to bring 


EVENTS 

RYLEY MORTON 

RYLEY MORTON 

in our wet weather contingency 

plan, which included lots of extra 

trackway and the creation of extra 

hardstanding points around the 

arena for off-loading. 

How do you publicise the event? 

We mainly publicise the event via 

our social media channels. Our 

80% customer return rate helps, 

with people coming back year after 

year! The WOMAD crowd is a special 

group dedicated to bringing the vibe 

every year. 

What additional challenges have 

you faced? 

Being a festival that promotes 

music from around the world, Brexit 

and the associated changes in 

immigration have been challenging. 

We – as well as many organisations 

in the industry – have struggled with 

quickly increasing prices over the 

last couple of years. 

How do you finance the event? 

WOMAD is a labour of love. It isn’t 

a money-making machine; it is a 

celebration of culture and music 

from around the globe. 

What are your plans for next year? 

We plan to continue into the future! 

GARRY JONES 

As well as WOMAD in the UK, next 

year, we will continue with our 

international events in Australia, 

New Zealand, Chile, Spain, South 

Africa and Gran Canaria, with other 

events on the cards as well. 



industry? 

Working in the outdoor event 

industry isn’t for the faint-hearted. 

You need to be able to look after 

yourself and bring balance to a very 

full-on world. 

ADDRESS BOOK 

MARQUEES 

BES Marquees 

www.bes-marquees.co.uk 

Field & Lawn www.fieldandlawn.com 

Prickly Pear www.pricklypearstrtchtets.com 

Smiddereens www.smiddereens.com 

STAGES 

A&J Big Tops www.ajbigtophire.com 

Microspan www.microspan.uk 

SRG Events Structures www.srg-event.com 

DECOR 

Angus Watt Flags www.anguswatt.net 

Faulds Creative Works www.fauldscreativeworks.com 

Planet Gold www.planetgolddecor.co.uk 

Maeflower www.maeflower.co.uk 

Hana Sunny www.hanasunny.co.uk 

LIGHTING 

GLS Lighting www.glslighting.com 

HEAT & POWER 

Powerline www.thepowerline.co.uk 

BARS & CATERING 

Big Bars www.bigbars.co.uk 

The Occasional Kitchen 

www.theoccasionalkitchen.com 

GROUND PROTECTION 

Autotrak www.portableroadways.com 

Speedy Hire www.speedyservices.com 

BBC-@GARRYJONESPHOTOGRAPHY-7280 

WASHROOM & WC FACILITIES 

A1 www.a1groupuk.com 

Compoost www.compoost.com 

JustLoos www.justloos.com 

Laughton Loos www.laughtonloos.com 

PrestigeToilet Hire www.prestigetoilethire.co.uk 

TICKETING SYSTEMS 

Easol www.easol.com 

Eventree www.eventree.co.uk 

WI-FI / CARD MACHINES 

Etherlive www.etherlive.co.uk 

SECURITY/STEWARDING 

SES Security www.thesesgroup.co.uk 

Oxfam festivals.oxfam.org.uk 

FENCING 

Speedy Hire www.speedyservices.com 

Augusta Event Support (AES) 

www.augustaeventsupport.com 

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 

TRACSIS www.tracsisevents.com 

DETAILS 

25-28 July 

Charlton Park 

Malmesbury 

Wiltshire SN16 9DG 

www.womad.co.uk 


WORKING ON SOME OF THE WORLD’S 

MOST PRESTIGIOUS EVENTS 

WE ARE A CREWING COMPANY FOR THE CLIENTS AND 

FOR THE CREW. WE ENSURE THE BEST SERVICES FOR YOU. 

• We can cater for any job, big or small, offering a high level 

of service at affordable price 

• We have a diverse skillset including carpentry, audio visual 

and with each member having a positive, can do attitude. 

• We have forklift and IPAF operators 

t: 07904 903 452 e: info@olympuscrew.co.uk 

www.olympuscrew.co.uk 


EVENTS 

ROB LIPSIUS 

ROB LIPSIUS 

ROB LIPSIUS 

Reducing Waste 

Advice from A Greener Future and Yourope on reducing the impact of waste at events 

WASTE IS one of the most prominent 

environmental impacts of a festival. 

Not only is there a great deal generated 

but it is the most visible impact to the 

festival-goer. Besides the unsightly factor, 

waste can also pose health risks. Waste 

management is also one of the most costly 

expenses for festivals and should be given 

careful consideration in the planning 

process. 

Most festivals are now implementing 

some form of environmentally aware 

waste management schemes. Any who do 

not are sadly lagging behind.Organisers 

can consider: 

■ Allowing use of only biodegradable 

disposables or re-usable cups and 

plates on stalls 

■ Providing separate bins for recycling 

■ Utilising volunteers and potential 

sponsorship for the clean-up and sorting 

efforts 

■ Separating waste for recycling 

■ Involving the crowd by supplying 

recycling bin bags and either a 

returnable rubbish tax or reward 

incentives 

■ Providing standard, recycling and 

biodegradable bin bags for traders 

■ Creating sculptures using waste 

generated on site (e.g. plastic bottles) 

■ Considering health, safety and hygiene 

■ Being aware of legislation and being 

prepared. 

WASTE ATTITUDES 

From an internet survey of 649 festival 

visitors, the following was found with 

regards to attitudes to waste management 

at events: 

■ 71% strongly agreed or agreed that 

waste is a negative environmental 

impact of festivals. This was the factor 

that most agreed upon 

■ 18% of the comments made by festivalgoers 

related to this issue, and festival 

organisers also referred to waste as 

a key environmental impact, with six 

respondents with recycling schemes. 

81% agreed or strongly agreed that if 

provided with separate bins they would 

separate their rubbish 

■ Organisers and festival-goers 

themselves made comments indicating 

that even the most well intended 

person may drop litter, especially when 

alcohol is consumed. This could prove a 

challenge to enforcement 

■ Network Recycling indicated a 30% 

recycling rate by festival-goers as the 

average. There does need to be some 

planning beyond the provision of 

separate bins, as some litter picking and 

sorting is inevitable 

■ 57% of festival-goers agree or strongly 

agree that re-usable crockery and 

cutlery should be used instead of 

disposables at festivals. Two of the 56 

comments made highlighted hygiene 

issues with this approach and suggested 

that recyclable/bio-degradable 

disposables would be better. 

MATERIALS AND WASTE 

Festivals and events generally require a 

lot of material input in order to create 

scenography, to reflect the individual 

theme of the event. Stages, activation 

areas, bars, vendor outlets, production 

areas and backstage areas all must be 

built, decorated, maintained and then 


EVENTS 

removed. Building and decorating a 

festival or event from raw materials can 

have multiple negative implications for 

the environment from the extraction 

of raw materials to energy used in the 

production and transportation. Through 

careful planning, hiring, sharing, reusing 

and recycling, direct and indirect 

impacts associated with the production 

of a festival can be dramatically reduced. 

Festivals and events can be a 

significant source of waste materials, 

from campsite waste to packaging and 

consumables front and back of house. 

Waste management is a very visual 

part of any sustainability strategy, and 

a badly managed waste strategy can 

leave a festival site looking like a rubbish 

dump. 

Improperly managed solid waste can 

kill wildlife and over one million animals 

die each year after becoming entrapped 

in or ingesting litter. Solid waste can also 

cause contamination of land and water 

through the release of microplastics and 

toxic substances, such as heavy metals, 

into the ecosystem. 

Solid waste management also 

indirectly impacts on the environment 

due to the energy used in waste disposal, 

as well as emissions generated from 

waste transport, landfill disposal, 

incineration and the recycling processes. 

Materials & Waste 

Action Plan 

A list of initiatives organisers 

can undertake to minimise 

impact from waste. Informed 

by the European Green Festival 

Roadmap 2030, published by 

Yourope 

KEY 

› Basic 

›› Moderate 

››› Ambitious 

›››› Challenging 

GOOD PURCHASING PROCEDURES 

› Consider reuse where possible, for 

example by buying used or recycled 

props. Think circularly. 

› For all purchases, assess whether it is 

necessary to buy anything at all and do 

not buy more than is necessary. 

› Purchase the right products, and 

ensure that they have a long service life. 

› Choose products that carry an 

environmental label that is based on 

the product’s environmental impact 

throughout their life cycle, such as the EU 

Ecolabel. 

MINIMISE WASTE PRODUCTION 

› Print only necessary material, and use 

ECO TEAMS, ROCH WERCHTER, FLO RUIKT GRAS 

both sides of the paper where possible. 

Avoid over production of wristbands, 

badges, lanyards, merchandise etc. 

› Communicate electronically with 

performers (registration, timetable etc.) 

and audiences (tickets, event programme 

etc.) and send all relevant documentation 

by email beforehand. 

› Accreditation, ticketing, accounting and 

invoicing should be done electronically. 

› Have a storage area for off-cuts and 

encourage the use of these for smaller 

items, such as signage. 

›› Prepare a Procurement Policy that 

bans single-use and difficult to recycle 

plastic products across all departments 

(particularly for traders, e.g. serve ware, 

sachets, straws, coffee cups). 

›› Use insights and data gathered from 

previous or other events to estimate 

specific needs and ensure little excess 

materials are purchased. 

›› Have clear designs and accurate 

measurements for all stages and 

props before purchasing materials or 

constructing sets. 

›› Minimise or ban the use of singleuse 

decorative elements and choose 

sustainable and reusable décor. 

EXTEND THE USE OF MATERIAL AND 

PRODUCTS 

›› Reuse, share, rent or donate material 

to maximise its use (stage equipment, 

fencing, banners, signage, tents, 

electronic material, etc.) 

›› Avoid date marking (banners, signage, 

etc.) to allow re-use. 

›› Create a system for material 

management and storage of equipment 

between events. 

››› Plan long term relationships with 

partners (sponsors, vendors, etc.) to 

develop banners for multi-year use. 

››› Eliminate disposable serve ware and 

invest in reusable versions. 

››› Consider introducing pre-pitched 

camping options to reduce tent waste. 

LITTER AND POLLUTION PREVENTION 

› Have volunteers and crew regularly 

check sensitive areas and to distribute 

rubbish collection bags and to encourage 

the audience to keep the site clean. 

› Provide bins at the toilets for feminine 

hygiene product waste, toilet roll tubes, 

tissue packets, baby wipe packets. 

› Put signs up to ask people not to spit 

toothpaste or mouthwash on the ground 


EVENTS 

ROCH WERCHTER 

ROB LIPSIUS 

after brushing teeth. 

›› Ban the sale of disposable, nonrecyclable 

plastics, and throw away items. 

›› Supply campers with biodegradable 

tent pegs, which will biodegrade if left in 

the ground. 

›› Ensure that the number of bins and 

sanitation facilities are adequate to the 

number of ticket holders. 

›› Clean out toilets, sinks and unblock 

drains regularly during the festival. 

››› Collect uncontaminated food waste 

and compost toilet waste and turn into 

compost – use for soil conditioning. 

ENCOURAGE SOLID WASTE COLLECTION 

AND RECYCLING 

› Have efficient signage for waste 

management systems that can easily be 

understood and followed. 

› Communicate recycling initiatives 

to audience, crew, contractors and 

performers (pre-event, during, 

electronically, via volunteers, have waste 

areas on maps, etc.). 

›› Create a Resource and Waste 

Management Policy and communicate 

with all production teams in the planning 

stages to assess what waste streams are 

likely to arise on site during build, event 

and break. 

›› Communicate with waste collectors 

and removal contractors and prepare 

a dedicated Resource and Waste 

“ENSURE THAT WASTE IS COLLECTED DURING THE 

EVENT, AND PROPERLY SORTED FOR REUSE, RECYCLING, 

COMPOSTING AND RECOVERY” 

Management Plan for the specific event/ 

site. 

›› Have dedicated areas for waste storage 

and segregation and ensure that they are 

easily accessed by the waste management 

teams. 

›› Ensure that waste is collected during 

the event, and properly sorted for reuse, 

recycling, composting and recovery. 

›› Have adequate cleaning teams and 

onsite waste sorting teams. 

››› Have volunteers manning bin stations 

to instruct/assist visitors with the waste 

separation system. 

››› Manage a wide range of bins (paper, 

glass, cardboard, wood, metal, food & 

organic, residuals) and deploy those 

across the site (offices, production 

compounds, arenas, camping, food 

courts, parking), ensuring that there are 

dedicated areas for the safe storage of 

hazardous wastes, e.g. WEEE, lightbulbs, 

batteries, and medical waste. 

››› Introduce a rubbish deposit, a fee that 

visitors pay with their ticket and that they 

can reclaim after they have cleaned up 

their campsites and returned their filled 

trash bags once the festival has finished. 

MONITORING, MEASUREMENT AND 

REDUCTION 

›› Monitor the types and amounts of 

different waste streams produced. 

›› Identify locations that produce a lot 

of waste and the areas that are worst for 

contamination. 

›››› Ultimately get to a point where there 

is no waste going to landfill and only very 

small amounts going to thermal treatment 

and energy recovery (e.g. sanitary and 

medical waste for autoclaving and 

destruction). 

RESOURCES 

A Greener Future, pioneers in event 

sustainability since 2005 

www.agreenerfuture.com 

Yourope, the European Festival Association 

www.yourope.org 

Vision: 2025, a network of events taking 

climate action www.vision2025.org.uk 

Green Festival Roadmap 2030 

www.yourope.org/know-how/green-roadmap 

Future Festival Tools 

www.futurefestivaltools.eu 


Kåta Event Tipis 

Our hand crafted tents 

are perfect for the 

outdoor event world 

and provide a wow 

factor to any event. 

To learn more about the 

Crafted Canvas product 

range contact us 

07403 417 524 

info@crafted-canvas.co.uk 


ESTABLISHED 2022 


SPONSORED FEATURE 

Trust Events 

Producing stages, platforms and event structures 

without fuss and within budget. “We don’t have 

a client who isn’t a friend”, says Spike Brookes 

TRUST EVENTS was formed back in 2002 

with an initial investment of £5.00 (5 quid, 

it’s all I had). We brought together a group of 

stage builders and anyone who found they 

didn't fit in anywhere else to start building 

stages we didn't have, for clients we hadn't 

asked, from an office that didn't exist and 

no place to put any kit even if we had it. 

To say it was a leap of faith is a bit of an 

understatement. 

The firm grew against all odds and with 

proceeds being absorbed back into kit and 

premises, plant, office and refurbishment 

(and no wages for the first nine years), on 

a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday you 

would see me selling cheese from a market 

stall in Swindon). 

22 years have now passed since the 

start of Trust Events and some of our 

crew I have known all this time. The 

company has expanded organically with 

no external financial involvement and has 

purchased another stage company and 

absorbed the equipment, its customers 

and responsibilities (just as we were locked 

down, couldn’t make it up). 

Pre-covid we were looking at a very busy 

year but we all know about that. Post-covid, 

we came out of the blocks with a vengeance, 

built our own new premises at The Royal 

Bath and West Showground and moved our 

operational base there. We invested in more 

kit and spent the winter months looking 

inwards, consolidating and considering our 

appeal to not only clients, but those working 

with us. 

At the end of 2022 we decided to 

implement a structure that allows for the 

personal growth of our team for those who 

want to move into other fields or take on 

more responsibility here 

with us. We started with 

plant and licencing so 

that team members 

could further their skills, 

this will be an ongoing theme incorporating 

all aspects of a project, building personal 

confidence as well practical ability. We also 

encourage team members to make certain 

projects their own, to include a profit share 

and rate increase. 

In summary, we are a small but very 

effective team that believes in what we do. 

We don’t have a client who isn’t a friend, we 

will take up the slack and produce a stage 

for you in time, without fuss and within 

budget. We have a loyal crew whom we 

nurture, kit and equipment we are proud 

of and a whole list of friends from other 

companies within our glorious industry to 

call upon. 

We own Orbit stage systems, unique 16m 

G3 stage, 30m G2 stage, Prolyte and other 

structures and platforms. We operate all 

over the UK and sometimes into Europe, 

providing stages and platforms for shows, 

events, festivals, film and TV. 

22 years and counting, time flies when 

you’re having fun. 

Trust Events 

01749 841720 

07909 636566 

spike@trustevents.co.uk 

www.trustevents.co.uk 

“Spike is one of the funniest, most generous, and professional 

people I have ever worked with. He would literally break his 

back to provide a quality service to his customers and would 

give his last pound to anyone that needs it. A man of integrity 

and kindness, I would recommend him to any potential clients.” 

Nick Doyle MSc MSyl, managing director and head of security risk 

management EMEA at Kroll 


EVENTS 


Hygiene & Waste 

Budget Flat Pack 

Outdoor Shower 

01865 600400 

julian@sheepshed.co.uk 

www.sheepshed.co.uk 

Silverstone, 

Boomtown, 

Latitude and 

more 

Product: Sanicompact 

small footprint flushable 

toilet 

Supplier: Saniflo, 020 8842 

0033, sales@saniflo.co.uk, 

www.saniflo.co.uk 

Details: Saniflo customer, 

Suitehuts, offers a glamping pod 

range with a difference. Its Suitehuts 

and Sleephuts are all flat packed ready to 

be delivered in bulk to events. Erection of the 

units is exceptionally swift and they offer a comfortable, glamping style experience 

at events including Silverstone, Download, Latitude and Rewind among others. 

The Suitehut version has an en-suite bathroom with a shower and sink as well 

as a flushable Sanicompact WC from Saniflo. The benefit of the Sanicompact is 

not just its tiny footprint, but its function as a fully flushable, proper WC – far more 

appealing than the chemical toilets often found at large events. It even takes the 

waste from the small basin unit in the en-suite of the Suitehut and discharges it 

with the WC waste through unnoticeable, small-bore pipework into a well-hidden 

holding tank. Ideal for visitors that prefer additional privacy. 

Customer feedback: Steve Smith, founder and director of Suitehut, said: “Prior 

to the Sanicompact, we used a WC with a cistern and a macerator, but it took a 

bit too much space in the small bathroom. Many customers definitely prefer an 

integrated en-suite with a flushable WC as opposed to using communal WC and 

shower blocks. When we found the Saniflo Sanicompact it offered us the best of 

both worlds – a proper working loo that took less space therefore offering extra 

room to move around the en-suite. We are now building many of these for future 

events. We’re delighted to have found this solution.” 

Based on Sheep Shed Creations’ 

original off-grid shower, the Naked 

Shower is a stripped-down budget version in kit 

form. It arrives on a pallet that becomes the base 

of the unit when assembled. 

Built using a range of sturdy exterior-grade 

materials, everything – apart from the hot water 

source – is included in the flat-packed kit. The 

base and side panels are pre-assembled, but 

the rest just needs slotting, screwing, sanding 

and staining. Sheep Shed can also recommend 

options for stains, paints and suitable hot water 

boilers. 

“It’s easy and satisfying; almost anyone can 

build one of these,” says Julian from Sheep Shed. 

“Despatch and delivery is quick, so this solution 

can be up and in place in no time. It also retains 

the gothic good looks and style of the rest of the 

range but provides a low-cost outdoor shower 

solution.” 

The Cinderella Travel 

Incineration Toilet 

LeeSan 

01295 770000 

karl@leesan.com 

www.leesan.com 

The Cinderella 

Travel incineration 

toilet represents 

an entirely new 

concept for 

waste handling 

in static and mobile units. It is now possible 

to get rid of toilet waste in a hygienic simple 

and environmentally friendly manner. Perfect 

for event environments, Cinderella Travel 

represents a totally new way to handle waste, 

easily, without the hassle of emptying in 

designated areas. 

The toilets are designed and produced in 

Norway, known for longevity and high quality 

with excellent capacity and sustainable, 

ecological design – without polluting 

outcomes. Cinderella Travel provides a 

hygienic and easy way to dispose of toilet 

waste safely. 


Spot light 

A roundup of products for the outdoor hospitality industry 

FLEXIBLE FINANCING 

Principal Business Finance 

01604 217998 

@principalbusinessfinance.co.uk 

www.principalbusinessfinance.co.uk 

Principal Business Finance offers 

tailored financial solutions 

for hospitality and glamping 

businesses. With years of expertise 

in the industry’s nuances, we 

provide flexible financing options 

to fuel growth and enhance 

operations. Our solutions include 

business loans, buying/selling 

finance, equipment finance 

and more. We understand the 

challenges of new starts, growth 

periods, and seasonal fluctuations 

by offering strategic guidance to 

navigate them. Partner with us to 

unlock the full potential of your 

exciting venture. Contact our team 

today to make your dreams a 

reality. 

SOLAR POWERED MOBILE STAGES 

The Stage Bus 

0121 585 9264 

info@thestagebus.com 

www.thestagebus.com 

We are The Stage Bus, a mobile 

stage hire company with a 

difference! All of our stages are 

solar-powered and fast set-up. We 

can be ready to go within an hour 

of arriving on site and be packed 

away in the same time, making 

light work of street closures. 

What’s more, our stages come with 

lighting, PA and sound system and 

we even include a sound engineer. 

We have a fleet of eight stages 

covering audiences from 500 up to 

8,000 and our stages are perfect 

for Christmas light switch-ons, 

food festivals, community events, 

carnival days and much more. 

ODOURLESS PUMP OUT TOILET 

NatSol 

01686 412653 

info@natsol.co.uk 

www.natsol.co.uk 

The NatSol Zero Discharge 2 is an 

odourless pump out toilet taking 

around 5,000 uses before you need 

to service it. Compare that to a 

typical Portaloo! It is a permanently 

installed wheelchair accessible 

toilet for outdoor activity sites 

where ongoing use is expected. 

We can supply buildings for this 

toilet or you could design and 

construct your own with our 

guidance. Every toilet comes 

complete with grab rails, gel 

dispensers, urinal and passive 

ventilation system. 

Installation can usually be achieved 

in a day on a typical site. Road 

access is essential for installation 

and servicing. 

PERFO GROUND REINFORCEMENT 

SYSTEM 

S2T Group 

01992 522797 

www.perfo.co.uk 

S2T Group’s PERFO range of 

ground protection products 

comprises a system of interlocking, 

self-anchoring permeable plastic 

tiles which are embedded into an 

existing surface, eg. a mature grass 

area or prepared base consisting of 

a layer of crushed stone chippings, 

depending on the application. 

A number of light to heavy duty 

solutions are available to suit 

varied ground conditions, traffic 

profiles and loading requirements. 

Unlike other geogrid systems, 

PERFO tiles are usually installed 

without the need for excavation, 

being compacted directly into the 

existing surface using rollers or 

compactor plates. Installation is 

therefore rapid and planning issues 

less problematic. 


INSTANT GROUND PROTECTION 

Mudcontrol 

01933 669630 

sales@mudcontrol.co.uk 

ww.mudcontrol.co.uk 

MUDCONTROL slabs are 

revolutionary – a simple DIY way to 

create instant, removable hardstanding 

for people, animals and 

almost any vehicle, rated to 60 

tonnes load capacity. 

Instant heavy-duty ground 

protection creates solid pathways, 

driveways and storage areas, quickly 

and easily with minimal mess and 

disturbance. You can solve your 

mud issues in a matter of minutes, 

making muddy gateways and high 

traffic areas safer and more robust 

for your business. 

Each slab measures 50 x 50 x 5.3cm 

and weighs 7kg. They interlink to 

provide a stable, self-supporting, 

free-draining surface, either 

temporary or permanent, on any 

soil type. 

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 

full-sized double bed, kitchen area 

and en-suite. The layout offers a 

spacious interior living area and a 

partitioned-off sleeping zone for 

some extra privacy. There's a fullsized 

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. 

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. 

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 63

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 

• Sewage Treatment • 

• Sales • 

• Installation • 

TEAM 

SEPTIC 

01295 236 101 

sales@theseptictankstore.co.uk 


CREATED BY YOU, MADE BY US! 

The Natural Way To Build 

Tel: 01580 212141 Email: info@timberspecs.com 

MULTI-USE 

EVENT VENUE 

Set in idyllic 24ac Kent countryside (ME19 5DD) 

All weather access, 2 minutes from Jn 2 M20/26 

Contact Joe 07795 967609 

HOMESTEAD SET IN 42.8 ACRES WITH TWO 

HOLIDAY-LET BARN CONVERSIONS 

9 4 5 42.8 acres 

Detached 3 bedroom farmhouse with established holiday 

letting business 

Detached 5 bedroom barn conversion (sleeps 12) 

Detached open-plan barn with mezzanine level (sleeps 3) 

42.8 acres including pasture, meadow, ancient woodland and a 

stream 

North Wales Borders near Lake Vyrnwy OIRO £1,495,000 

Perfect opportunity to extend existing holiday-let business to camping, 

glamping or shepherd huts. 

With breathtaking 360-degree views, Tanyfoel is a detached, three-bedroom 

farmhouse set in 42.8 acres, with an established holiday letting business 

recently earning up to £50,000 per annum. The buildings hold an elevated 

position within the acreage, offering excellent views of the valley and the 

surrounding hills. The 42.8 acres are a wildlife haven, comprising a range of 

natural habitats including pasture, meadow, ancient woodland and a private 

stream. In addition, the sites elevated position, and the area's minimal light 

pollution makes Tanyfoel a 'dark sky' paradise for stargazers. 

Contact us for a viewing: 

Email: shrewsbury@rogerparry.net 

Tel: 01743 343343 

www.rogerparry.net 

Roger Parry 

& Partners 

Local, Trusted, & Experienced Property Specialists Since 1981 


PEOPLE 

Behind the Scenes 

Ilke Durmay 

A day in the life of Ilke Durmay at creating the pop-up 

camping event, Wild Canvas 

I'M ILKE Durmay, the managing director and 

one of the founding partners of Wild Canvas. 

Originally from Istanbul, I've called London 

home for the past six years with my partner 

Serkan and our two sons. 

Wild Canvas offers a unique blend of 

camping and family friendly festival vibes, 

nestled amidst the picturesque meadows 

of the historic Turvey House Estate in 

Bedfordshire. This five-week summer event, 

now in its fifth year, lets you escape the 

ordinary and reconnect with nature, music, 

creativity and wellness. It's a truly welcoming 

space for all ages. 

I oversee every aspect of Wild Canvas, from 

planning and marketing to programming, 

sales, and operations, ensuring a seamless 

experience for everyone. With over 25 

years of experience in events, from music 

festivals and theatre to corporate events, 

my passion is creating unique experiences. 

From founding a music festival and an indie 

film festival, to now running Wild Canvas, I'm 

driven by the joy of bringing people together. 

My typical day involves juggling work from 

my home office while navigating school 

runs. Our team mostly connects virtually, 

but we prioritise in-person meetings when 

possible. Come summertime, the pace 

changes dramatically. It's an all-hands-ondeck 

experience, with long but rewarding 

days spent on-site, ensuring everything runs 

smoothly. 

Currently, I'm busy finalising the activities 

program for 2024. We are working on an 

exciting schedule brimming with diverse 

activities ranging from yoga and wellness 

practices to martial arts like Capoeira, and 

from arts and crafts to river sports. I love this 

aspect – connecting with new and returning 

instructors who bring their creativity and 

skills to the event, transforming spreadsheets 

into vibrant experiences at Wild Canvas. 

For most of the year, it's mostly me leading 

the planning with support from our amazing 

team. While the solo responsibility can be 

a bit stressful at times, the passion for and 

growth of Wild Canvas year after year fuels 

my motivation. 

The first Wild Canvas, a 10-day event held 

during lockdown at a regenerative sheep 

farm on the Mendip Hills in Somerset, was 

memorable for more than just its scenic 

setting. We faced constant rain throughout, 

culminating in a dramatic finale – a 40 mph 

storm on our last night. While we had to 

evacuate some guests to their cars at 3am, 

the expertly erected tipis by Hearthworks 

stood strong, keeping everyone safe. 

Our core team, united over the years, 

collaborates throughout the year on all 

aspects of the event. We believe in open 

communication and seek consensus on 

major decisions. This year, we're excited to 

welcome new members to support us in onsite 

management and other roles. Though 

the event period can be demanding, the 

overall vibe is relaxed and supportive, with 

everyone pitching in and looking out for each 

other. 

What started as a creative lockdown 

project has blossomed into a growing 

business with a loyal community of 

returning guests. Witnessing this inclusive 

and diverse community coming together 

year after year on the fields is incredibly 

rewarding. It's tremendously gratifying to see 

people connect, unwind and create lasting 

memories at Wild Canvas. 

DETAILS 

Wild Canvas 

25 July-27 August 

Turvey House Estate 

Coppey Moor 

Carlton Road 

Turvey 

Bedfordshire MK43 8EQ 

www.wildcanvas.uk 

FUN FACT 

Lola, our beloved 

family cat, joins us 

on-site, ensuring the 

perimeter stays 

pest-free! 


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

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Partner or Franchise 

helllllloo@wiillldaaccaabiins.ccoom 

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