2016 Convention

From an air show to the Tour of Britain, from innovative products to partnership working, the best events in the country were celebrated at a glittering ceremony in Bath last night.

And the father of festivals Michael Eavis also received the first National Outdoor Events Association “I” Award and a standing ovation from the guests at Bath’s Pump Rooms.

Richard Limb, NOEA President, presented the award and the citation said: “Thanks to him Glastonbury stands as one of this country’s greatest achievements. Michael has made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the life and the culture of this country. And when it comes to staging outdoor events he has led the way.

“We are proud to recognise all he has done and we have created this award to do just that. The I award is for being inspirational, innovative and creating an incredible outdoor event.”

NOEA is the UK’s leading outdoor events trade association fights the events industry’s corner with campaigns ranging from tackling police costs to calling for a ban on Chinese lanterns due to the danger to life, livestock and land. The event was attended by James Heappey, MP for Wells in Somerset who is also chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the UK Events Industry.

Lee Denny, who founded LeeFest which began as an impromptu event in his parents’ garden and is now a festival near Tunbridge Wells attracting 5000 people, scooped three awards – Event Team of the Year, PR Campaign of the Year for his Wildlife Adventure Camp and also the Judges’ Award which recognises commercial flair.

The President’s Award went to youngster Bailey Matthews who has cerebral palsy but hasn’t let that stop him finishing triathlons. Videos of the youngster were played and he received a standing ovation.

It was a record breaking entry for the awards this year and judges said the quality was superb so being shortlisted was an achievement in itself, said NOEA chief executive Susan Tanner.

IOSH – Institution of Occupational Safety and Health; NCASS – Nationwide Caterers Association; GL Events – which provides large-scale event structures; 2CL Communications – which has over 40 years experience in Two Way Radios; Event Wine Solutions which provides wine in unbreakable, light weight eco-friendly bottles and EventsBase Magazine have all sponsored awards.

Plus Eventbrite is NOEA’s ticketing partner and Access All Areas is media partner.

Best Practice Award

Winner: The Fair, London – the judges said: “There were very strong testimonials with The Fair’s entry. They praised its partnership with clients and its commercial and safe events models.”

Runners Up: RG Jones, from London, Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Caterer of the Year Award

Winner: Pubs on Wheels, Winchester – the judges said “innovative product well executed, keeping British pub alive”.

Runners Up: Coffee Space Ltd, London; Pyramid Organic, Somerset and The Little Taqueria, Bristol.

Event Innovation of the Year Award

Winner: Controlled Events, London – the judges said: “innovative solutions to the age old problem of communications at events”.

Runners Up: Scottish Chamber Orchestra, The Pop Up Hotel, Mere.

Event of the Year Award

Winner: Clacton Airshow – the judges said: “To be commended that the public sector is supporting events and this one is free to the public.” They also praised the way the organisers dealt with the new rules and regulations following the Shoreham Air Show tragedy in 2015.

Runners Up: City of Lincoln Council – Lincoln Christmas Market; Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Lee Denny – LeeFest

Event Organiser of the Year Award

Winner: Goose Live Events, Surrey – the judges said: “Demonstration of excellence within a specific sector of the industry”.

Runners Up: Continental Drifts Ltd, London, James Dean Events Ltd, Derbyshire.

Event Supplier of the Year

Winner: Wernick Events, Walsall – “The judges said: “Consistently high standard for a long period of time – provides a huge amount of support to the event industry”

Gallowglass Health & Safety LLP, London; PKL Group (UK) Ltd, Cheltenham; Vaspasian Security Ltd, Portsmouth.

Event Team of the Year Award

Winner: Lee Denny – LeeFest – the judges said: “Really tight enthusiastic young team working well together creatively without large resources to create great events,”

City & County of Swansea, Lee Denny – LeeFest, Kent; Loos for Dos, Hampshire; Relevent Ltd, Hertfordshire.

Large Festival of the Year Award

Winner: Glasgow Summer Sessions – the judges said: “A big festival within a city working hard to deliver with the council.”

Runners Up: Coventry City Council, Green Man, Powys; Port Eliot Festival

Medical Provider of the Year Award

Winner: Festimed, Birmingham – the judges praised “Their after care facilities for festival-goers and noticed that their application was backed up with detailed statistics”.

ABC Paramedic Services, Edinburgh. Festimed, Birmingham

PR Campaign of the Year

Winner – Wildlife Adventure Camp, Kent – the judges said: “very creative and worked hard to get coverage”.

Runners up: Samphire Festival in Somerset, The Tour of Britain.

Production Partnership Year Award

Winner: Consortium Attractions, York with Star Events – the judges said “their ability to marry venues and cities together made for a unique offer”

Runners Up: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council; City of Lincoln Council – Lincoln Christmas Market and partners.