Christopher BarrettRecognising the outstanding work of individuals and teams behind the successful delivery of outdoor and live events during the past 12 months, the Event Production Awards on 17 February saw 21 companies and individuals walk away with well-deserved trophies.
Hosted by stand-up comedian and presenter Glenn Moore, the Event Production Awards saw one of the industry’s most experienced and best liked event professionals honoured for his relentless commitment and services to the industry.
To one of the biggest roars of approval of the night, Steve Heap took to the stage to collect the Access All Areas Industry Legend award. Heap has been the general secretary of the Association of Festival Organisers since its launch in 1987, and was the director of Towersey Festival for 45 years up until 2019 when he retired.
Among the other big winners at the ceremony, held at Novotel London West, were Standon Calling Festival and We Organise Chaos for Full Event Production of the Year. The independently owned, 17,000-capacity, festival celebrated its 15th anniversary on 22-25 July last year – just three days after full capacity events were given the green light on 19 July.
Explaining the choice, an EPA judge said, “Delivering the festival on the back of a pandemic and in the midst of a pingdemic was a truly challenging set of circumstances. Achieving success was a considerable feat and is one which set parameters within which other festivals could operate.”
Another highly sought-after award, Supplier of the Year was won by Qdos Event Hire. The judges were hugely impressed by the number of major events the company was able to accommodate in a very challenging period for the industry, ranging from the TRNSMT festival to Goodwood Revival. The judges said it was “an outstanding entry and company.”
The categories were judged by more than half a dozen events specialists including GL events UK managing director Scott Jameson, We Are The Fair director Yasmin Galletti, Association of Independent Festivals CEO Paul Reed and Global Infusion Group CEO Bonnie May.
Introducing the awards, Access editor Christopher Barrett said, “It’s been a remarkably challenging year for the events industry, making these awards more deserved and hard won than ever.”
THE WINNERS
ACCESS ALL AREAS’ INDUSTRY LEGEND AWARD
Steve Heap
FULL EVENT PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by The Event Site
Standon Calling and We Organise Chaos
TECHNICAL EVENT PRODUCTION OF YEAR
Lux Films
BEST CREW PROVIDER
Showforce Services
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Wateraid
BEST CONCESSION PROVIDER
Peppermint Events
BEST POWER SUPPLIER
Pearce Hire
BEST HYGIENE PROVIDER
Site Equip
BEST FENCING /CROWD BARRIER PROVIDER
Sunbelt Rentals
BEST STAGING COMPANY
IPS
BEST TEMPORARY STRUCTURE PROVIDER
Sponsored by Rodeo Event Production Services
Fews Marquees
EVENT VENUE/SPACE OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Evolution Dome
LS23 Stage by Lucid Creates
THE SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Sponsored by Ticketpass
Cableflor
BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY AT AN EVENT
IDE Systems
BEST TICKETING PROVIDER
Event Genius
BEST VISUAL SPECTACULAR
Euro 2020 Closing Ceremony By Event360
BRAND ACTIVATION OF YEAR
Sponsored by Showcase
Costa Coffee At The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta By Circle Agency
PRODUCTION AGENCY OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by City Furniture Hire
TBI Media
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Creative Output
We Out Here
SPORTING EVENT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by GL events
Bournemouth 7s Festival
ACCESS ALL AREAS SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Qdos Event Hire