2019 is coming to an end, and it’s been an exciting year for Stagefreight! We’ve put together this new article to look back at our biggest highlights of the year. It’s also a great showcase for the full range of our event transport services.
Did you know this isn’t the first time we’ve reflected on our past activities? You can also take a look our2018 recap.
A big thank you for making 2019 so amazing
Our event transport team couldn’t be what it is without our brilliant clients and dedicated team. That’s why we’ve highlighted some of them below.
2019 Case Studies
● Stage productionPepperlandcelebrates the music of the Beatles with an offbeat tribute show. We were proud to provide stage transport services, and we’d like to thank Dance Consortium for the behind-the-scenes look.
● After embarking on her 2018Fare Thee Well Tour, prolific musician Joan Baez decided to add some 2019 dates. Stagefreight provided music transport services, while Joan Baez was kind enough to hang out with our team.
● Northern Ballet’sVictoriawas an innovative look at the life and impact of Queen Victoria. Stagefreight’s theatre transport service helped bring this exciting show to life.
Drivers
Stagefreight’s team is a pretty personal one, and we like to highlightsome of our drivers. We’re proud to report we’ve got some fantastic people working for us at the moment.
New to the Team
● Chris Wilkinson joined Stagefreight recently, and he does great work in our corporate event transport services. His can-do, helpful approach means Chris is in very high demand from our corporate event trucking clients.
● After joining in 2018, Ash Bateman became a full-time Stagefreight driver this May. He has 17 years of driving experience; nowadays, he’s responsible for a range of event transport services including music, theatre and corporate events.
Lead Driver Veterans
● Allan Spencer has been driving for more than 20 years. For the last few years, he’s been lead driver on Northern Ballet tours; on average, he spends 9 months of the year working with the company.
● Paul Garfit is the lead driver for English National Ballet tours, with 17 years of driving experience. 12 of those have been with Stagefreight, and he really enjoys the challenges that theatre transport presents.
2019 Award Win
We’re very proud to have received two awards this year—SME News’ Best Events Transport Company Award, and their Eco-Friendly Road Fleet of the Year. We’ve been investing in our fleet over the last few years, in an effort to reduce our overall carbon footprint;you can read more about our efforts here.
Award Shortlists
We had some exciting shortlist firsts this year. We were finalists for the Motor Transport Team of the Year award in July, and we were shortlisted for Road Freight Operator of the Year in the FTA Logistics Awards. Stagefreight was the only event transport company to be shortlisted this year, and it was also our first nomination in both awards. As such, we’re very excited to have taken part.
Yorkshire shortlists
We’re also a nominee in the Yorkshire Choice Awards at the moment. This prestigious award recognises the best businesses and individuals that Yorkshire has to offer. Public votes determine the winner; learn more about how you can help us to win!
The End of an Era—Ramfest
Charity music festival Ramfesthas come to an endafter a decade of shows. Hosted by Southowram Cricket Club, Ramfest supported many different causes over the years, with Stagefreight providing logistical support. It was also an excellent platform for a host of local bands.
Helping Some Sporting Legends
Stagefreight are proud to sponsor a pair of sports stars this year. MotorcyclistSteven Procter debuted in 2015, and since then he’s competed in several sporting events; this year, he’s appeared in the Tandragee 100 and at Donington Park. More recently we have started sponsoring Keegan Hirst, who joined Halifax RLFC this September.
New Additions to the Fleet
Renault Trucks T High
We’ve expanded our fleet with several new trucks this year, including some Renault Trucks T High. All of them have Euro 6 motors, and they were also votedFleet Truck of the Year 2019.
#StagefreightBlue
In honour of our 35th year, we’ve unveiled our special 35th anniversary truck. This special truck has been painted blue; keep an eye out for it on the roads next year.
This year we worked with Shone Productions on a range of pantomime shows across the UK, including Cinderella and Aladdin. You can learn more about these shows in our article onthe best local pantomime shows for 2019/2020.
Happy Holidays
From our team to yours, we’d like to wish everyone a very happy holiday period and a great start to 2020. We’re ready to jump into the new decade with our fantastic team and our diverse range of services.
Whether you need help with a stage show, a conference, live event transport or something else entirely, Stagefreight are here to help! Take a closer look at ourServices page, or call us now on0113 797 898.
The first few leaves are starting to fall, which means pantomime season is just around the corner! We know how much you enjoy this winter tradition, so we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting local pantomimes in 2019.
If you’d like to take a stroll down memory lane, you can also read our earlier pantomime articles for 2018 and2017.
Cinderella at the Middleton Arena
Monday 2nd December–Tuesday 31st December 2019
This classic fairy story gets the star treatment with a fantastic cast. Singing sensation Jesamine Oldman stars in the lead role, with West End star Shane Nolan as her Prince Charming. The Fairy Godmother will be played by Maureen Nolan, while comedy star Mike Newman fills the role of Buttons. David Drewitt and Danny Jay round out the cast as the repulsive Ugly Sisters.
The show takes place in the Middleton Arena, a community entertainment venue north of Manchester. With a theatre capacity of 500 seats, we expect this show to be very popular. You can book tickets for this show at theLink4Life website.
Jack and the Beanstalk at The Place Telford
Wednesday 11th December 2019–Sunday 5th January 2020
This theatre in the West Midlands is celebrating 20 years of pantomime with a lavish show. Actor Carl Dutfield is back by popular demand as Jack, with his partner in crime Dame Trott played by Tim Ames. Coronation Street star Oliver Mellor also stars as the sinister Fleshcreep, and the show promises amazing special effects.
The Place Telford is in Oakengates, and offers a variety of different performance options. In addition to the standard pantomimes, there is a relaxed performance suitable for people with an Autism Spectrum Condition. There is also an adults-only performance for theatre patrons over 18.
Liverpool’s magical pantomime promises fun for all the family. It features newcomer Ellie Turner in the lead role, with Union J star JJ Hamblett as her handsome prince. Leanne Campbell (of Radio City fame) plays the Wicked Queen, while Muddles will be played by comedy star Bippo.
The M&S Bank Arena is a wonderful venue for a pantomime. It first opened in 2008, and has played host to exciting events like the MTV Europe Music Awards and the British Gymnastics Championships. Musical legends like Kylie Minogue and Sir Paul McCartney has also performed here in the past!
An impressive cast of characters bring this beloved story to life. The X Factor‘s Sean Smith stars as Aladdin, with Coronation Street‘s Bruce Jones as the dastardly Abanazar. Emmerdale‘s Scarlett Nicholls appears as Princess Jasmine, and comedy star Rikki Stone plays Wishee Washee. Rounding out the cast is Steve Boyce playing the hilarious Widow Twankey.
Fans in both Barrow and Colne can look forward to a lavish show with beautiful costumes, fantastic music and lots of special effects. The Barrow show takes place atthe Forum in Barrow-in-Furness, while Colne’s takes place at the Muni Theatre; it’s the biggest pantomime the town has ever seen!
About Shone Productions
All of the local pantomimes in 2019 on our list are being arranged by Shone Productions, a theatre company in Liverpool. The company was founded by James Shone, a producer, director, writer and musician who takes a hand-on approach to every show. He has also trained with leading West End producers, and he’s garnered extensive knowledge of full-scale theatre shows during his career.
Shone theatre shows each boast strong casts, live music, complex choreography and hilarious scripts. We hope you enjoy every moment of the productions you attend!
Specialist theatre trucks, just behind you!
Pantomimes are a brilliant British tradition at this time of year, and we’re proud to do our bit as a theatre transport company. We hope you enjoy whatever local pantomimes in 2019 you get the chance to see.
If you’re thinking of putting on your own pantomime, our theatre transport services are of the highest standard. We know how important planning and speed are to any theatre show, thanks to our work with the brilliant Opera North, Northern Ballet and pantomime producers Shone Productions. As such, we’ve established a track record for perfect timing during every show.
No show is too big (or small) for our team of professionals. We’ve handled theatre tours with over 28 trailers at once, and even run one with a single van. Whatever you’re wanting to do, we’re here to help you pull it off.
Working with Stagefreight is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.Learn more about our eco-friendly fleet, and the ways we’re changing both our vehicles (and our business practices) for the better.
If you’d like a fast quote for your event transport, you can reach us through ourContact Us page. You can also give us a call on 0113 797 898.
Over the last few years, Stagefreight has worked to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. To do this, we’ve taken a close look at the backbone of our business—our trucks, and the people who drive them! In this article we’ll go through the nuts and bolts of our green initiative, as well as our successes and our plans for the future.
Where the eco-friendly stage trucking fleet started
Stagefreight’s green fleet started with our Euro 6 cab units; we’ve gone from a single Euro 6 truck to several in the last three years. These units are incredibly fuel efficient, meeting the following emissions standards:
CO: 0.50g/km
HC + NOx: 0.17g/km
NOx: 0.08g/km
PM: 0.005g/km
PN [#/km]: 6.0×10 ^11/km
The Stagefreight trucking fleet green initiative
To make a dramatic reduction in our carbon emissions, we set out to fill our entire fleet with Euro 6 cab units. Today, our entire fleet consists of Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 and Renault T High cab units.
Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 fleet
Our Mercedes Actros 184 cab units come with Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated gearboxes, and reduce fuel consumption by up to 1.5% as standard. They are up to two miles per gallon ahead of their competitors.
Actros units come with exhaust gas recirculation that results in less nitrogen oxide—and fewer particulates—being produced during combustion. Each unit comes with a diesel particulate filter which almost entirely prevents particulate emissions, as well as an optimised volume control unit that injects AdBlue® into the exhaust gas flow.
Our Stagefreight trucks are 13L at 330kw. We also decided to add the Active Brake Assist 4 autonomous technology, which was an optional extra. We felt it was essential for both our Health and Safety policy, as well as our larger environmental plans.
Renault T High fleet
In early 2019, we invested in new Renault T High trucks. Each one offers fuel savings of up to 3%, and comes with Optivision, a GPS-driven cruise control. This give drivers an accurate picture of the road topography and other journey information, and make eco-friendly driving much easier. The trucks also won the2019 Export Freight Fleet Truck of the Year Award, making them a fine addition to our fleet.
However, we didn’t stop at our cab units. Our green initiative took a much broader approach, including our trailers and our team’s overall job approach.
Lightweight trailers
Our trailers are 8% lighter than the standard trailer model. However, each one has the same 44 tonne capacity of a standard trailer. We also brake-test each trailer on our rolling road, every three months as a minimum.
The whole team’s green commitment
As part of our overall green initiative we train all of our drivers to drive in a fuel-efficient, eco-friendly manner. Each driver must complete this training before going out on the road, and they receive a certificate to show their efficiency in this driving method.
In addition, all of our team have signed the company’s “no engine idling” policy. This means that all our drivers switch off their engines within three minutes of their engine being idle. When we combine this with our eco-friendly driver training, this helps to reinforce our team’s eco-conscious mindset.
2019’s best eco-friendly fleet of the year
Our strategic investment and training resulted in a big win for our company! We received the Best Eco-Friendly Fleet of the Year award for 2019 from SME News. You can read more about our win in ourearlier article on the subject.
What’s next for this eco-friendly stage trucking fleet?
We’re staying committed to our green initiative, but we’re also going to look for other ways we can reduce our environmental impact. In the short term, we’ll continue training our drivers in eco-friendly practices. We’ll be adding more urban trailers to our fleet, which are lighter and more suitable for city traffic. We’ll also consider adding more cab units to our fleet, provided they meet or exceed the standards of our current ones.
We’re also thinking of expanding our premises. We’ll be opening an additional warehouse in Leeds in the future, and we’ll be recruiting even more drivers to help us build upon our current success!
As you can see, Stagefreight is taking its environmental commitments very seriously, thanks to the eco-friendly stage trucking fleet and company-wide green initiative. We’re making improvements in every aspect of our business, but we’re always keen to see what else we can change going forward. By working with us on your next event, you’ll be able to make major reductions in your own carbon footprint as well.
If you’d like to learn more about what we do, you can read ourAbout UsandOur Policies sections for more information. You can also reach us by phone on 0113 797 898.
Popular events go way beyond things like music gigs, theatre tours and corporate exhibitions. Over the years, international book fairs have put down their own roots in the wide world of event transport. To help you keep track, we’ve put together a list of Europe’s top international book fairs and literary festivals!
1. Frankfurt Book Fair
Every October (16th–20th October 2019)
TheFrankfurter Buchmesselaunched in 1949, and is the world’s most important market for printed and digital content. Today’s attendees use it as a vital trading venue for everything from children’s books to scientific databases. Visitors to the fair can rub elbows with writers, publishing experts, creative industry representatives and culture lovers from several countries.
However, the fair isn’t all about business; it’s also become an important social and cultural event in its own right. The most recent fair saw more than 285,000 book fans, as well as 10,000 bloggers and journalists. Moreover, the fair offered 4,000 events, and attracted approximately 7,500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.
2. LIBER International Bookfair Madrid
Every October (9–11th October 2019)
Now celebrating its 37th year, theLIBER International Bookfairfocuses on Spanish-language books. The commercial organisation IFEMA organises the event, while the Spanish Association of Publisher’s Guilds promotes it. This year’s event promises to be the largest one of its kind.
The book fair is open to all book sectors, though its specialities are digital content, new publishers, desktop publishing and intellectual property. 2018’s event saw almost 11,000 attendees, confirming the fair’s importance to the Spanish publishing sector.
More than 450 companies from 11 countries—including France, Mexico, the US and China—will attend this year. The fair will also feature more than 150 presentations and round tables from 300 speakers. If you decide to attend, you’ll be in good company; the fair anticipates more than 11,000 professional visitors and 180 journalists.
3. London Book Fair
Every March (10th–12th March 2020)
As you might expect, books are at the heart of theLondon Book Fair. However, over the years it has evolved into something much broader—a global marketplace for rights negotiation, and the sale of content across both print and digital channels. Exhibitors at the London Book Fair can directly engage with customers and businesspeople, demonstrate products, build brand awareness and make sales.
Exhibitors from more than 60 countries come to the fair at Olympia London each year, along with visitors from over 135 countries. Approximately 25,000 publishing professionals—whether they’re authors, editors, designers or talent scouts—walk through the fair’s doors, to speak with more than 1,000 separate companies. These companies cover many different areas, from blockbuster novels and children’s books to graphic novels and gaming startups.
If you’re active on social media, you can follow the latest news via the #LBF20 hashtag. You can also see what happened this year with the #LBF19 hashtag.
4. Helsinki Book Fair
Every October (24th-27th October 2019)
TheHelsinki Book Fairis a key event for literature fans and industry professionals in Finland. It takes place at the Messukeskus Helsinki convention centre, and is organised by the Finnish Book Publishers Association and the Booksellers’ Association of Finland. Bringing together established authors and new talent, this year’s fair promotes key themes like freedom of speech and American culture.
The fair features a programme of over 800 debates and interviews across 15 programme venues. 1,000 performers will be speaking, including authors, artists, journalists, politicians and 40 international guests. There will also be more than 300 publishers and booksellers taking part. More than 84,000 literature fans visited last year’s fair; we expect a similar level of success this year as well!
5. Buch Wien (Vienna International Book Festival)
Every November (6-10th November 2019)
TheBuch Wienis an Austrian event, and a relatively new addition to the world of international book fairs. It first launched in 2008, aiming to boost the (much older) Viennese Book Week and improve publisher-reader relations.
Rather than taking place in a single venue, the festival takes place in 30 events across the city. There are also 450 exhibitors attending the festival this year. Last year’s festival attracted exhibitor attendees from 20 countries; 51,000 visitors attended, and 100,000 books were represented as well.
6. Malta Book Festival
Every November (6-10th November 2019)
TheMalta Book Festivalis a literary conference focussing on sci-fi and fantasy. It first opened in 1979; each festival attracts about 40,000 visitors, more than 40 exhibitors, and offers networking opportunities for professionals in the industry.
Visitors to the festival (in Valletta’s Mediterranean Conference Centre) can enjoy book launches, presentations and poetry readings, as well as meetings with authors, conferences and seminars. A number of guest authors will also be taking part in the festival including Loranne Vella, Jona Courtenay Grimwood, Kali Wallace and Dave Rudden.
7. Moscow International Book Fair
Every December (5th-9th December 2019)
TheMoscow International Book Fairin the VDNH Exhibition Complex focuses on non-fiction books, including scholarly and popular science books. However, it also makes space for literary fiction amongst its factual works.
20 countries will be taking part in the next fair, including the UK, Canada, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Estonia. More than 300 publishers and booksellers will be be attending, as well as 30,000 publishing professionals, literary critics and book fans.
The fair offers an international forum for signing contracts, and meeting authors, publishers, agents and translators. Visitors also have the chance to attend various seminars and round-table discussions, meet famous authors, and see the latest books and unique editions. If your tastes are a little more musical, this year’s fair also offers a Vinyl Club dedicated to this beloved medium.
8. Strokestown International Poetry Festival
Every May (30th April–4th May 2020)
This festivalfirst launched in 1999, and takes place each May in County Roscommon, Ireland. It acts as a showcase for contemporary poetry—whether it’s local, national or international—while also helping newer writers to develop their skills. It also works to embed poetry in its local cultural life, and bring it to as wide an audience as it can.
The festival is famous for attracting large audiences to its poetry readings, as well as its friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Visitors will be able to enjoy 70 readings over the weekend from a mix of Irish and international poets. Aspiring poets can also enter numerous competitions from September, including the Strokestown International Prize, the Duais de Hide and the Percy French Prize for Witty Verse.
9. International Belgrade Book Fair
Every October (20th-27th October 2019)
This book fair is informally known asthe Book Fest, and it has been a fixture of southeast Europe’s cultural calendar for several decades. It’s the largest event of its kind in the region, and a popular meeting point for publishers from Europe, Asia, America and Africa. Only the Frankfurt Book Fair can boast more publishers. The Book Fest also brings together major authors from Serbia and promotes literary creation and education, as well as cultural exchange with foreign countries. This is very much an event where Eastern and Western cultures meet!
Each year, the Belgrade Book Fair hosts both national and international writers and publishers. Another major component is the fair’s numerous lectures, roundtables and public discussions. Participants make presentations to both professional and general audiences, covering topics around literature, publishing and culture.
The most recent fair boasted over 195,000 visitors and 980 exhibitors. A total of 18 countries made an appearance.
10. Göteborg Book Fair
Every September (26th – 29th September 2019)
TheGöteborg Book Fairlaunched in 1985 as a conference for librarians. Today, it is a vital event for people in Scandinavia’s book business. Running over four days, it bills itself as a tribute to freedom of expression; readers, teachers and librarians come together to celebrate the power of stories. On average, the book fair attracts 90,000 visitors each year.
In addition to book-lovers the fair attracts more than 800 exhibitors, as well as publishing companies, agents and authors from across the Nordic region. There are also more than 3,000 events to enjoy; 2019’s seminar program will focus on South Korea, gender equality and media and information literacy.
The Next Chapter
Europe’s international book fairs offer plenty of opportunities for both literature fans and professionals. Whether your interests run broad or niche, the selection on offer means you will truly be spoilt for choice.
Thinking of running a similar exhibition? We at Stagefreight are proud to help exhibitors and sponsors across the UK and Europe with their event transport needs. We’re also happy to help literary agencies and publication houses with events throughout the year.
You can see the full range of our transport services on ourServices page. Whatever job we take on, we’ve established a reputation for speed, scheduling and reliability. We can plan routes that minimise travel time and maximise fuel efficiency, without risk of damage to the load of our trucks. Our drivers can also do much more than driving; each one is trained in trailer unloading and fast loading, and will assist with construction and set-up tasks too.
Worried about piles of paperwork when travelling abroad? Our staff can take care of it all before you travel. Want to get the word out for future events? Our branding options for our trailers let everyone know what you’re planning. Working with Stagefreight means you’re in safe hands, regardless of what you want to do.
Got an event you think we’d be perfect for? You can give us a call today on 0113 797 898.
Europe is home to some of the world’s greatest galleries and museums. Many of these are also perfect for use as exhibition and event spaces, with both historical landmarks and newer buildings available. Thanks to our knowledge of exhibition transport and event haulage, we can direct you to the perfect places for your next European event!
This former palace is the world’s largest art museum, and home to approximately 38,000 different objects. It first opened as a museum in 1793; its most famous works include The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It also attracts millions of people each year, with 10.2 million visitors in 2018.
People visiting the Louvre can enjoy numerous special exhibitions. The next one to look forward to is their Leonardo da Vinci exhibition; 2019 marks the 500-year anniversary of his death. The Louvre holds the world’s largest collection of his paintings, as well as numerous drawings from the Renaissance legend.
Louvre Venue Hire
In addition to tourists, the Louvre hosts numerous shoots each year for film, TV and music projects. The museum can also be used as a private venue for events; between 50 and 3,000 guests can be hosted at once. Other venues the Louvre offers include the Café Richelieu, the Café Mollien, the Musée Eugène-Delacroix and the beautiful Tuileries Garden.
Named for the 19th-century industrialist Henry Tate, the Tate galleries exhibit almost 70,000 artworks across four sites. Their collection includes British art from 1500CE to the present day, as well as several international pieces. Tate Modern opened in 2000, and uses the former Bankside Power Station for its premises.
A highlight of Tate Modern’s calendar is a new exhibition from Olafur Eliasson. This Icelandic-Danish artist is famous for his sculptures and large-scale installation art. You can see some of these for yourself until the 5th of January 2020; they reflect the artist’s interest in geometry, colour theory and environmental issues. Visitors can even speak to Eliasson’s associates thanks to a live video link!
Tate Modern Venue Hire
In addition to artworks, Tate Modern boasts 16 different spaces to hire. These offer a variety of different settings, including the photography gallery (suitable for small dining engagements), the South Room (with space for up to 300 guests) and the Turbine Hall (which can host up to 1,500 guests at once). Venues offer stunning river views, exclusive private viewing opportunities and availability during daytime and the evening.
Dedicated to the legendary Dutch painter, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh museum hosts the world’s largest collection of his work. It first opened in 1973, and welcomed over two million visitors in 2017. A current museum highlight is their exhibition on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Running until the 1st of September, the exhibit explores why the painting was so important to Van Gogh, and how we can preserve it for the future.
Van Gogh Museum Hire
The museum can also be privately hired as a dinner, buffet or reception venue. The museum’s Rietveld Building can accommodate 100 people for a seated dinner, or 250 people for a standing buffet or reception. The Foyer, meanwhile, has space for 250 diners or 450 guests at a reception or standing buffet. You can even pair your events with a guided tour or a special art theme as desired.
This venue is Denmark’s national gallery, and contains artworks dating back to the 1300s. Many pieces in its collection were brought together by Danish kings from the 16th century onwards. In 1849, this collection was transferred to the state, becoming the people’s art collection in the process.
At the moment, the gallery is hosting an exhibition on the Golden Age of Danish painting. Covering one of the country’s best-loved periods, the exhibition features more than 200 paintings from across the 19th century. Legendary artists such as Christen Købke, C.W. Eckersberg and Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann are all represented, alongside hidden gems of Denmark’s art scene.
Statens Museum For Kunst Venue Hire
The Statens Museum is also an excellent venue to hold major events like award ceremonies, formal dinners, receptions or anything else that needs a spacious, inspiring setting. A particular highlight of the museum is its glass-roofed Sculpture Street, which has been used for dinner parties, receptions, shows and product launches. Sculpture Street and the nearby Stage can accommodate 1,000 standing people, or 700 seated for dinner.
This Spanish museum was constructed during the mid-90s, and designed by top architect Frank Gehry. Almost half of its 24,000 square metres are dedicated to exhibition space, which features works by the likes of Jeff Koons, Mark Rothko and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
An upcoming highlight of the museum’s calendar is an exhibition of works from the Kunsthalle Bremen, a museum in Germany. Focusing on German and French art from the 19th and 20th centuries, this collection of pictures, sculptures, prints and drawings will be presented to Spanish audiences for the first time. Multiple art movements will be represented, including Impressionism, Expressionism and the Romantic era.
Guggenheim Bilboa Venue Hire
The Guggenheim Bilboa offers museum space to companies in its Corporate Membership Program. However, the museum may consider other requests on an exceptional basis. Choose from five different venues with capacity ranges from 40 people seated, to up to 800 standing:
The Library—seating for 40 people
Education Room—First floor seating for 50 people and standing for 80; second floor standing for 50 people
The Hall—standing capacity for 300 people; available outside of opening hours
Auditorium—seating for 300 people
Atrium—seating for 400 people, standing capacity for 800 people, available outside of opening hours
This gallery was first established in 1861. It is the original home of Berlin’s Nationalgalerie, though its artworks now appear in multiple venues. The original building suffered heavy damage during the Second World War, eventually closing in 1998 for extensive repairs. It reopened three years later on the museum’s 125th anniversary.
Art fans can look forward to an exhibit on Gustave Caillebotte, a key figure in the French Impressionist movement. The gallery will be hosting “Paris Street; Rainy Day”, a 19th century painting that’s considered one of the painter’s most important works. It’s only appeared in Europe before on rare occasions, and this will be the first time it’s appeared in Berlin.
Alte Nationalgallerie Venue Hire
If you’d like to hire the gallery for private use, you can use the gallery’s foyer and staircase, Sculpture Hall or German-Roman Hall. The foyer is perfect for receptions, hosting up to 130 people. The Sculpture Hall and German-Roman Hall are ideal for lectures and ceremonial acts; the former can hold up to 80 people, while the latter can hold up to 150. The Sculpture Hall is also suitable for dining. Photos and floor plans are available on request.
Covering six distinct venues, these Belgian museums cover 700 years of the visual arts. Their focus ranges from a single artist (in the Magritte museum) to the work of people across four centuries (in the Old Masters museum). The Magritte Museum is hosting a very exciting event next year; for the very first time it will bring together work by Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, two icons of the Surrealist movement. The personal and philosophical links between these two artists will be revealed through 80 paintings and drawings, as well as sculptures, photographs and films.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts Venue Hire
Across these museums, there are several venues available for hire. The Forum can accommodate up to 700 people and seat 400, while the Magritte Museum’s Magritte Room can hold up to 220. If you require something smaller, the Museum Cafe can hold up to 150 people instead.
As an added bonus, each event can be paired with a private visit to the museum’s collection. Wow your delegates with both a gorgeous venue and some invaluable historical background!
Hungary’s national gallery opened in 1957 as a showcase for Hungarian art. It moved into Buda Palace—a 14th-century royal residence—in 1975. The palace’s dome is a national landmark, offering unparalleled views of Hungary’s capital.
In addition to several permanent exhibitions, the gallery offers a mix of temporary attractions. One highlight is their exhibit on water motifs in European paintings. Covering over 50 pieces, the paintings depict waterfront landscapes, stories from myth and many other scenarios.
Hungarian National Gallery Venue Hire
As a former royal palace, the gallery has some impressive venues for hire. Their halls can house gala dinners for 600 people, or receptions for 700. Their terraces are suitable for smaller receptions (i.e. between 15 and 80 people) and they offer stunning city views. Thematic guided tours and unique program offers are also available.
Ireland’s Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) uses the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, built in the 17th century. Additionally, 48 acres of land surrounds the museum itself, and includes formal gardens, meadows and a cafe with homemade food.
The museum is mixing things up by looking at the links between two legendary artists—Lucian Freud and Jack B. Yeats. This special exhibition brings together works by the artists for the first time in 70 years. A total of 57 oil paintings will be available for the public to view.
Irish Museum of Modern Art Venue Hire
The North Range of the hospital building and the grounds are available for use by private and corporate clients. Whether you want to host a wedding, product launches, gala banquets, conference or exhibition, the museum is happy to oblige. The impressive windows and high ceilings of the venue are reminiscent of its classical 17th century origins, and offer a unique backdrop for event delegates to admire.
As of summer 2019, the hospital is undergoing renovations; however, it will be available for hire soon.
This Swiss museum first opened in 1879. It’s the oldest museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection, which includes more than 50,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, films and other pieces. With works by the likes of Picasso, Klee and Oppenheim, the Kunstmuseum has gained an international reputation.
In honour of the Apollo 11 moon landings (which are celebrating their 50th anniversary) the museum is hosting an exhibition on artwork of the moon from across history. Visitors can enjoy works by artists like Nell Walden, Sebald Beham and Ernst Kreidolf. The exhibition runs until the 20th of October 2019.
Kunstmuseum Venue Hire
The Kunstmuseum also has several museum rooms available for private hire. These are suitable for a variety of both large and small events, and they can be accompanied by supporting programs. Options include private guided tours of the exhibitions; you can even request selections of paintings, with a specific theme of your choice.
Visitors to Europe have plenty of options when it comes to hosting their next event. We at Stagefreight are happy to lend you our expertise; over the years, we’ve developed an in-depth understanding of the event business, particularly event haulage.
Our work takes us across Europe on a regular basis, and we’re eager to make your next event an unforgettable one. Moreover, we pride ourselves on our quick turnaround skills, and we can plan the most cost-effective and fuel-efficient route to any venue.
If you think we’re a good fit for your next event, conference or exhibition, take a look at ourcomplete range of transport services. Already have an event in mind? Call us on 0113 797 898 to speak to one of the team directly for expert advice on event haulage.
Did you know that Stagefreight also provides transport for sporting events? We’re proud to offer transport for such popular activities, and we’re big fans of sport in all its forms. That’s why we’ve decided to take a closer look at the diverse sporting scene in the world today.
UEFA Europa League Final
Wednesday 29th May
Football fans can enjoy a thrilling match between Chelsea and Arsenal later this month. This year, the UEFA final takes place in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.
Fans will be able to enjoy all the football action in the Baku Olympic Stadium. Completed in 2015, the stadium has seating for almost 70,000 sports fans. It was first used for 2015’s European Games, and will see further use during UEFA’s 2020 matches.
Outside of the stadium, Baku has many interesting features. The city has expanded rapidly over the last few decades with many modern hotels and buildings, including the famous Flame Towers. It also offers the walled old town Icheri Sheher; designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it contains the Shirvanshahs Palace, which dates back to the 15th century. As official event transport partners for the match, we can’t wait to see this city up close!
The Tour de France
Saturday 6th July
This three-week bicycle race is one of the world’s most important (and famous) sporting events. The first Tour de France was organised in 1903, as a way to increase sales for a French newspaper called L’Auto. It has run almost every year since then, with the route and selection of riders expanding over the years.
2019’s race will begin in the Belgian capital of Brussels, in tribute to Belgian cyclist (and five-time winner) Eddy Merckx. From there, the 3,460km race passes through Colmar, Pont du Gard and Toulouse before ending in Paris.
This year’s route is particularly mountainous. Highlights include the Val Thorens ski resort, as well as the Col de Galibier and Cold’Iseran mountain passes. The latter is especially famous as Europe’s highest paved road, ensuring an exciting race for all the participants.
176 riders across 22 teams will be competing; Welsh cyclist Geraint Thomas—who won last year’s race—is among their numbers. Runners up Tom Dumoulin and Chris Froome will also have a shot at the prestigious yellow jersey. Other competitors include Thibualt Pinot, Vincenzo Nabal and 30-time stage winner Mark Cavendish.
The Tour de Yorkshire
The Tour de Yorkshire has become one of the UK’s biggest professional cycling stage races. It was inspired by the 2014 Tour de France, which departed from the West Yorkshire city of Leeds back in 2014. A dedicated Yorkshire bicycle race launched the following year, and has been a huge success for the region.
This year’s route started and finished in Leeds, winding its way across Yorkshire in the process. Cyclists visited 150 villages, towns and cities along the route, including Doncaster, Barnsley, Ilkley and Scarborough. The men’s and women’s courses also covered more than 800km between them.
Yorkshire’s hilly landscape makes it a particularly challenging route for cyclists. That didn’t stop about 250 cyclists from competing in the event; athletes came from all over the world to take part, with the likes of Germany, the Netherlands and South Africa all represented. Team Ineos cyclist Chris Lawless won 2019’s race, marking the first time a British cyclist has done so.
The Tour de Yorkshire has dramatically increased Yorkshire’s popularity. Last year’s race—which was broadcast in 190 countries—boosted Yorkshire’s economy by £98 million, while a record 2.6 million spectators attended 2018’s race. We expect to be watching the Tour de Yorkshire for many more years to come.
The MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix
Friday 9th–Saturday 11th August
Motorbike races take place around the world, but one of the most exciting is the Austrian Grand Prix. Taking place in Spielberg, Austria, the event brings together motorcyclists on one of Europe’s biggest tracks.
The Red Bull Ring is over 2.5 miles long, with nine hair-raising turns to challenge racers. It’s actually in its third incarnation; the original was built in 1969, and remodelled in 1977. The track later fell into disrepair, until it was reopened in 2011; today, it hosts both MotoGP and Formula One races. Italian motorcyclist Andrea Dovizioso holds the current circuit record.
The Austrian Grand Prix itself has also had a rocky history. The first one launched in 1971, and ran until 1997; however, it was cancelled the following year thanks to low spectator numbers. Fortunately the event was resurrected in 2016, and continues to be popular today.
The main race runs on Sunday the 11th of August, with free practices and qualifying races before then. We at Stagefreight are especially interested in motorbike racing at the moment; we’ve been sponsoring the talented Steven Procter, who is racing in the Manx Grand Prix later this year! We’ll be discussing him in more detail very soon.
NFL at Wembley and Tottenham
6th October, 13th October, 27th October & 3rd November
For our friends across the pond, football is a very different kind of ball game. If you’d like a taste of something a bit different, the NFL are bringing American football to the UK later this year.
American football fans can enjoy four different matches with eight teams, including the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Tottenham Hotspur games are the first NFL games to be played at the new stadium, which opened earlier this year. There have been just 28 American football games in London since 2007, making this a great opportunity for American football fans!
The Palio di Siena
2nd July & 16th of August
This event is Italy’s most famous horse race, taking place twice a year in the Tuscan city of Siena. Dating back to the sixth century, the race sees ten jockeys competing in a fast-paced, thrilling contest in the piazza del Campo.
Participants in the race are chosen from Siena’s 17 districts, or contrade; seven are given a place if they didn’t compete in the previous race, though three are chosen randomly. Interestingly, the jockeys don’t bring their own horses to the race. Instead, the organisers assign each contrada a horse before the race begins.
To win the race, jockeys must complete three laps around the piazza del Campo. There are half a dozen trial runs before the main event, as well as a parade featuring historical costumes. The race itself lasts about a minute and a half; jockeys ride without saddles, and it’s not unusual for horses to lose their riders in the process!
The Mud Olympics
Not all of Europe’s sporting events stretch back centuries. A new kid on the block is Germany’s Mud Olympics, which runs every two years in the town of Brunsbuettel.
The Mud Olympics take place on the mud flats at the mouth of the river Elbe. Athletes come to participate in events like football and volleyball, with varying degrees of success. Other highlights include the Rubber Boot Toss and sledge racing, using sledges suitable for the mud flats of the area.
The Mud Olympics launched in 2004 to raise money for cancer patients and their relatives. Since then, the event has raised over €330,000 via tickets and entry fees! Over 40 teams compete in the games, with contestants coming from Germany and its neighbouring countries. Look out for the next Mud Olympics in 2020!
Dreamhack Rotterdam
Friday 18th October–Sunday 20th October
Over the last few years, esports have exploded in both prestige and popularity. Later this year, the South Holland city of Rotterdam is hosting an exciting festival dedicated to the medium!
Billing itself as the world’s greatest digital entertainment festival, Dreamhack Rotterdam will host a range of esports competitions, cosplay competitions and a dedicated area for video streamers. The highlight of the event is an open tournament for Counterstrike:Global Offensive, a popular online shooter with 11 million players per month. With a grand prize of $100,000, expect fierce competition amongst the contestants!
With other attractions like giveaways, contests and meet-and-greet opportunities, Dreamhack reflects the changing face of the modern sports scene. You can learn more about the festival at the official website.
WWE Live in Europe
Tuesday 12th November—Wednesday 13th November
World Wrestling Entertainment runs some of the world’s most popular pro wrestling matches. Though it rose to prominence in the USA, the wrestling stars visit Europe on a regular basis. You’ll be able to see their latest European matches very soon.
So far, two European dates have been announced. On Tuesday the 12th of November, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, Alexa Bliss and many more wrestlers will appear at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. On Wednesday the 13th of November, Roman Reigns, Xavier Woods, Charlotte Flair and many others will appear at the Hallenstadion in Zurich. More dates will be announced nearer the time.
There’s no end of exciting sporting events to look forward to this year; whether you’re interested in the main events or the more unusual ones, there really is something for everyone to enjoy! If you’re thinking of putting on your own live event—indoors or outdoors—Stagefreight are the event transport provider you need.
Our talented team of drivers are experts at transporting materials for live events. We know how essential timing is for events like these, and we’ll ensure everything arrives right on time. If you have any lighting or acoustic specifications, we’ll offer advice and even help build the stage with your team. We can also support you during exhibitions, and we’ll handle documentation and paperwork if you’re travelling abroad.
For many people, comedy shows are no laughing matter. They’re the perfect opportunity to see some of the best comedians in the world, and you want to find one that’s just right for you.
With our experience in event haulage, we know a thing or two about a great comedy show.
Whether you want to see some old favourites or you’re planning to put your own show on the road, we’ve rounded up some of the best comedy events Europe has to offer.
Mount Olymprov
Tuesday 4th–Saturday 8th June 2019
If you’d like some sunshine with your silliness, you may want to consider Mount Olymprov.
This Greek comedy festival, now in its fourth year, takes place at the Alpha.Idea theatre in downtown Athens.
This year’s show features performers from across the globe; countries as diverse as Greece, Bulgaria, Australia and Ireland are all represented in this year’s lineup.
There’s an impressive selection of shows to look forward to.
The Bat! is a 12-person improv show that takes place entirely in the dark, while Just Play! takes inspiration from objects borrowed from the audience. Meanwhile, Connected—by The Challengers—aims to highlight the connections that bind all of us together.
If you fancy having a go at improv yourself, a dozen different instructors are available for coaching sessions during the festival itself.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to take a break from the improv, join the other festivalgoers on a trip to the island of Agistri. With plenty of plantlife, sandy beaches and a tranquil atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to unwind.
This annual event bills itself as the single biggest celebration of arts and culture on the planet.
It runs every August for three weeks in Scotland’s capital, with thousands of performers from around the world taking part.
As you might expect the Edinburgh Fringe has a diverse range of shows to enjoy, including dance, opera and standup events.
However, the Fringe has a particular reputation for quality comedy shows, with plenty of top talent for patrons to choose from
Old favourites like Al Murray, Reginald D Hunter and Milton Jones are all attending this year’s Fringe, as well as newer faces like Henning Wehn & Adam Kay.
If you want to try something a little different, there are plenty of other options to choose from; shows such as Improvabunga! offer a more unpredictable comedy experience, while others like Daliso Chaponda look at the weird world of disgraced historical figures.
Whatever your tastes, there’s something for everyone to look forward to!
Looking for something surprising and unexpected? Look no further; this festival celebrates improv comedy in all its shapes.
The Barcelona Improv Grouptakes suggestions from their audience to create a freeform, one-of-a-kind experience. Their work takes theatrical improv to a new level, with the joy of discovery and emotional depth its primary motivation.
The Big If 6 festival, hosted by the group, offers improv shows and workshops for all improv fans.
Although this year’s lineup has yet to be announced, last year’s festival featured a diverse selection of performers.
Highlights included British musical soloist Phil Lunn, London long form group “Do Not Adjust Your Stage”, and international group “True Story”.
There will also be a comprehensive programme of workshops if you fancy a go at improv yourself.
To learn more about the Improv Group, and get the latest updates on this year’s show, go to the official website.
Utrecht International Comedy Festival
Friday 6–Saturday 7th August 2020
This event is the biggest comedy festival in The Netherlands, attracting comedians from several different countries.
Next year’s show will mark its eighth year in operation, and there’s plenty for comedy fans to enjoy.
Comedians at the festival come from places like The Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, the UK and Canada.
This ensures there’s plenty to offer both foreign visitors and local comedy enthusiasts. 2019’s show featured local talent like Berit Companjen, Yunus Aktas and Patrick Meijer, while the likes of Tamar Broadbent, Lauren Pattison and Maisie Adam represented the UK.
If you’ve got a hunger for some good food alongside your comedy, have no fear; the festival’s Food Street offers a variety of food trucks with international cuisine to savour!
If Edinburgh isn’t too practical for you, you might want to consider the Leicester Comedy Festival instead.
Founded in 1994, the festival celebrates British comedy while supporting new talent.
The festival has only gone from strength to strength since then; this year’s show ran for 19 days, and featured over 870 events across 72 venues.
Some huge names made an appearance at the festival, too; stars like Jo Brand, Johnny Vegas, and Zoe Lyons were in attendance, as well as the likes of Sarah Millican, Jason Manford and Rich Hall.
If you’re looking for something more family-friendly, 2019 saw the launch of the first UK Kids’ Comedy Festival. This was a programme of shows, workshops and events aimed at children 12 and under.
Although 2019’s show has come to a close, 2020’s show is still on the horizon. Look for more information about the show at the official website.
This unusual festival takes place at the Mayrhofen Ski Resort in Austria.
Co-founded by Marcus Brigstocke (who’s appeared on QI, The Now Show and Live at the Apollo) and Andrew Maxwell (Mock the Week, Love Island), it’s a great way to enjoy some top comedy in truly gorgeous surroundings.
Brigstocke and Maxwell were in attendance at this year’s show, and joined by top comedians like Terry Alderton and Zoe Lyons.
There was also plenty of new talent on display like former bouncer Emmanuel Sonubi, and Altitude newcomers Naz Osmanoglu and Abigoliah Schamaun.
And with an extensive ski area surrounding the festival, this is one event that’s tough to beat!
This London festival is dedicated to comedic talent from across Eastern Europe.
Consisting of several smaller shows throughout the year, each one offers a diverse cross-section of European talent.
Countries as diverse as Turkey, Finland, Serbia, Italy and Croatia are all represented, making this an excellent way to expand your comedy palate.
Comedy Borschevents bring together about half a dozen comics from across Eastern Europe, all of which perform in English for your benefit.
However, last year’s festival boasted several solo outings as well.
Romanian standup Victor Pãtrãşcan ruminated on nationality, immigration and half a dozen other topics, while Radu Isac took things in a silly direction with the show “Good Excuses for Sociopaths”.
2020 shows are due to be announced, but you can count on next year’s show being as dynamic and diverse as the last one. For further details, visit the official site here.
Has this comedy festival roundup tickled your funny bone?
Want to put on a live event of your own?
Bring the house down with our professional event haulage service. We’re dedicated to getting you up and running on time, every time.
We know that when it comes to live events, the pressure is really on.
That’s why our experienced lead driver takes control of trailer planning, ensuring everything arrives when it’s supposed to, and by taking the most cost-effective route.
Our drivers can even assist with lighting choices and help build a stage with your team.
As well as long tours, we can provide transport for one-off shows too.
Whether you want to put on a pop-up event, make a last-minute venue change or add to an existing lineup, Stagefreight are ready to help you out.
If this sounds like something for you, browse our services, or call us today on 0113 797 898.
Take it from our expert team of event transport pros.
There’s nothing like a good holiday, and there’s no end of shows dedicated to tourism, travel and travel technology.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at travel shows that have tourism in their sights.
Alpe-Adria
Wednesday 30th January—Saturday 2nd February
This fair—now in its 30th year—focuses on tourism, camping and caravanning and takes place in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. (Don’t worry; it’s actually very easy to pronounce.) Visitors to the show can see dozens of exhibitors from countries such as Slovenia, Austria and Croatia.
Exhibitors, meanwhile, can compete for the Jakob Award. This is given to the most innovative tourism company in the Alps-Adriatic region, with the most recent award going to a company working in sustainable hunting, fishing or wildlife observation.
The show is a great opportunity to learn about new trends and exploit media coverage (through both national and international channels).
It certainly seems to be popular with the people attending; in the most recent poll, 87% of attendees said the fair met their expectations. 95% intend to visit the next one as well.
Although this year’s fair has ended, you can look forward to next year’s fair at a similar time next year. Learn more about Alpe-Adria here.
ITB Berlin
Wednesday 6th–Sunday 10th March
ITB Berlin is the world’s largest tourism trade fair, with attendees from six continents. Visitors can meet 10,000 exhibitors, with the event itself covering 160,000 square metres of the Berlin ExpoCenter.
For ease of access, ITB Berlin is divided into different segments. Each segment covers a different branch of tourism such as hospitality, travel technology or social responsibility. It’s an excellent event if you want to learn about the latest tourism trends, or get some in-depth industry knowledge.
This show is open to both trade visitors and the general public, though the latter can only attend towards the end of the show.
If you miss this year’s show, don’t worry; there are many more ITB shows planned in the years to come. For more details, visit the official website.
The British Tourism & Travel Show 2019
Wednesday 20th–Thursday 21st March
Shortlisted by the AEO Excellence Awards, this show describes itself as “the leading event for the domestic tourism industry.”
Taking place at the Birmingham NEC, it’s perfect for tour operators, travel agents and other key decision makers. 3,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s event.
Prior attendees include Expedia, the Women’s Institute and Belle Vue Coaches, and 270 exhibitors from across Europe will be at this year’s show. There’s also a full programme of speakers and industry experts in attendance; this year’s topics include creating great video content, the changing face of group travel and travel trends for the over 50s.
Entry to this event is free, though booking a ticket is essential. For more details, visit the official website.
B-Travel 2019
Friday 22nd—Sunday 24th March
This Spanish show takes place at the Montjuïc Venue in Barcelona. Now in its 26th year, the show is open to both trade visitors and the general public.
If you’re coming as an exhibitor, the show offers a variety of booking options, from large complex spaces to smaller, more economical packages. The event also offers 20-minute B2B meetings; these are perfect for helping exhibitor and professionals make new partnerships.
Visitors, meanwhile, can enjoy many different attractions. 60 travel agencies will be in attendance, alongside leading cruise lines and transport companies. You can even enjoy concerts, traditional dances and travel audiovisuals to get yourself in the mood for your next holiday!
This fair, held at the Baku Expo Center, brings together national and regional tourism groups with representatives from around the world. Tourism is a particular area of interest for the country (according to the official website), making this a particularly exciting show to attend.
Visitors to the fair can meet representatives from travel agencies, hotels, airlines and health resorts. As well as Azerbaijan’s own tourism scene, you’ll be able to meet people from Belarus, Bulgaria, Thailand and the Czech Republic. There will also be a diverse entertainment programme, with an international dance festival as the main event.
Whether you want to compare products, improve your business relationships or start new ones, this is an excellent opportunity for tourism professionals!
This event takes place in the Swiss city of Lausanne, home of the International Olympic Committee. It focuses on a vast range of outdoor activities, making it a must-see for sports professionals.
5 themed zones cover almost every outdoor activity, including mountaineering, quad-biking, paragliding, canoeing and adventure parks. Visitors can also get hands-on with many different workshops; learn how to construct a survival shelter, find drinkable water, or pilot a glider in an immersive simulator!
Learn about everything that’s on offer by going to the official website.
Future Travel Experience EMEA
Tuesday 18th–Thursday 20th June
Taking place in the Turkish city of Istanbul, this exhibition brings together airlines, vendors, government agencies and other key figures in the travel industry. The main exhibition is free to attend, and will showcase products and services which help airlines run more smoothly.
Suppliers will be grouped into one of three different zones, depending on the exact nature of their business. For premium pass holders there are also five premium conferences, a gala evening and other perks and events to look forward to!
With more than 150 exhibitors and 2,000 people attending, this exhibition promises to be richly rewarding.
This exhibition is focused on winter sports and winter tourism. Taking place in the Italian city of Modena, SkiPass is ideal for tour operators, resort directors and sports instructors. It’s also suitable for people working in related areas, such as insurance.
Approximately 500 resorts—both Italian and foreign—will be in attendance, along with over 100 exhibitors of sports equipment. If you’re planning on exhibiting there will be 90,000 visitors, including members of the public. This makes the event a great opportunity to promote yourself!
With live demonstrations, performances and onsite catering, this is a great event for anyone into winter sports. For more details, visit the official website.
BTB Vienna
Tuesday 5th–Wednesday 6th November
This Austrian event focuses on businesses in the bus and tour group industries. The organisers use the event’s personal touch, relaxed atmosphere and high-grade contacts as selling points. Its main area of interest is central and Eastern Europe, making it a great choice if you want to break into those regions.
Exhibitors can choose from two different exhibition packages. Each one includes a listing in the exhibitor index, an entry in the fair catalogue and two exhibitor passes.
There is also a Big Evening Event to look forward to in the evening, letting you unwind after a hard day’s work!
Details on exhibitors and the floorplan are still to be announced, but you can get the latest developments from the official website.
SETT 2019
Tuesday 5th November–Thursday 7th November
Running out of the Parc des Expositions at Montpellier, this is a trade fair focused on outdoor hospitality. If you’re a professional involved with campsites, cafes, leisure parks or tourist beaches, this is the perfect event for you.
2017’s show introduced 200 new products, with more than 500 exhibitors and almost 15,000 visitors. Of these visitors, 70% were decision-makers.
With more than 11,000 campsites across France, Italy and Spain, this is a great opportunity to get your goods and services noticed!
Whatever your interests, you can be sure there’s an exhibition that’s perfect for you. If you’re thinking of attending a travel event or tourism show and need help getting your exhibition there, we’re the event transport pros for you. Likewise if you’re putting on a similar exhibition yourself, we’re the perfect choice in event transport.
Our team of drivers support you throughout the exhibition and work however you need them to. They’re known for their can-do attitude and for being an important part of the event team.
You can be sure that every one of our drivers will give you their very best. We can also offer branding options for exhibition trailers, and we handle all the paperwork for exhibitions abroad. Just tell us where you’re going and what you’re doing; we’ll look after the rest.
One of our customer’s frequently asked questions is “Where do you guys go?” and “Which routes do you do the most?“.
Well, as we’re nearly always on the go we had to have a bit of a think about that.
After comparing notes amongst the team, here’s a look at our most popular event transport routes of Europe.
Across all routes that’s 24,013 miles, or 38,645 km for our continental buddies. That’s not the total for a year of event transport, just for our most popular routes.
Whether you’re thinking about a career in event transport or want someone to take over your stage trucking, enjoy the maps we’ve designed.
Popular event transport routes:
Please note that hours quoted are an average. They don’t factor in ferry times and other transport factors.
The idea is to give a general overview of the routes and they’re individual challenges.
Brevik
22-22.5 hours
Between 1,210 and 1,227 miles / 1,947 – 1,974 km
Lisbon
25 hours
Between 1,547 and 1,667 miles / 2,490 – 2,682km
Barcelona
18hours
Between 1,120 and 1,164 miles / 1800-1866 km
Paris
8.5 hours
480 miles / 772.5 km
Monaco
17-18.5 hours
Between 1,000 and 1,134 miles / 1,609 – 1,873 km
Rome
21-22.5 hours
Between 1,281 and 1,384 miles / 2,061 – 2,227 km
Madrid
20.5-21 hours
Between 1,261 and 1,274 miles / 2,029 – 2,050 km
Vienna
18.5-19.5 hours
Between 1,108 and 1,145 miles / 1,783 – 1,842 km
Ravenna
19-20 hours
Between 1,106 and 1,189 miles / 1,779 – 1913 km
Geneva
13-13.5 hours
Between 805 and 817 miles / 1,295 – 1,314 km
Frankfurt
11-12 hours
Between 669 – 673 miles / 1,076 – 1,083 km
Sarajevo
15 hours
1,468 miles / 2,362 km
Athens
36 hours
2,172 miles / 3,495 km
Moscow
34 hours
1,988 miles / 3,199 km
Istanbul
34 hours
2,082 miles / 3.350 km
Bergen
29 hours
1,495 miles / 2405 km
Ankara
39 hours
2,362 miles / 3,801 km
And if you’re planning an event, as you can see we get about quite a bit and are pros when it comes to event transport.
Looking to step outside your comfort zone this year? There’s no shortage of unusual events to look forward to, and as an event haulage company, we’ve seen our share of the unusual.
Join us as we round up the shows 2019 with the rep of being unusual and out there.
1. Elton John’s Farewell Tour
As one of the world’s biggest musicians—and star of the John Lewis Christmas ad—Elton John needs no introduction.
But all good things must come to an end, even if that end is a little further off than you might think.
Launching in September 2018, the Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour is running through 2019 and beyond.
In the short term, Elton fans can see him in Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany.
But with more than 300 shows planned, running until 2021, there are plenty of chances to see Elton John in person.
Most of Elton’s 2019 shows are overseas, but he’s appearing at several UK venues in 2020.
You can see him live in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Leeds.
Of course, you don’t need to be a world-class musician to rock out.
The Air Guitar World Championships are held each year in Oulu, Finland, and have grown from a silly idea into a bonafide international event.
At the national level, official air guitar championships take place in a variety of countries including the UK, USA, Germany and Japan.
Winners of these events go on to the World Championships, where they battle the defending world champion for the title.
Judges look out for choreography, accuracy and “Airness”, making this a competition that entrants shouldn’t take lightly.
The entrants have a rock ‘n’ roll styled stage to support them and there are also extra performances to keep the crowd entertained during judging.
While we’re still waiting for details on 2019’s event, you can learn more about the event at the official website. You can also watch a stream from 2018’s event here.
3. Yorkshire Pudding Boat Race
A staple of Sunday roasts nationwide, Yorkshire puddings aren’t usually a means of transport. But thanks to a man called Simon Thackray, the village of Brawby is taking a different approach.
Each year, contestants travel across Bob’s Pond in colossal Yorkshire puddings.
The puddings are coated in yacht varnish to make them a little more seaworthy, but they’re otherwise identical to the ones you eat with your roast beef on Sundays.
Earlier races were attended by the poet Ian McMillan and soundtracked by the members of the Yorkshire Pudding Orchestra.
If you’re after something truly unusual, this event is the perfect choice!
Over the last few years, Prague has gained ground as a popular tourist destination. If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track, this theatre show could be just what you’re looking for.
The WOW Black Light Theatre Show is a dramatic dance show featuring stunning blacklight visuals.
Key details like the dancer’s faces are hidden, allowing for some truly eye-popping set pieces to take centre stage.
Each show mixes live performers with 4D effects, resulting in an unforgettable experience!
If you’re feeling a bit more courageous, head on over to the village of Brockworth in Gloucester. The local landmark of Cooper’s Hill is home to one of the UK’s oddest events.
During the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling, more than 40 contestants chase a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep incline. The first person to reach the bottom of the hill wins the cheese, but getting there is harder than it sounds.
Injuries are commonplace (amongst both contestants and spectators) with visits to the hospital a frequent occurrence. Reigning champion Chris Anderson has taken home21 cheeses, but suffered a broken ankle and bruised kidneys for his trouble.
There’s no real barriers to entry;according to the Independent, the official event was cancelled in 2009 after 15,000 spectators turned up. However, it carries on as an unofficial event, so if you fancy attending, head over on Monday the 27th of May, 2019.
6. How the Andalusian Horses Dance
If you’re a lover of horse racing, you’ve got plenty of events in this country to enjoy. If you’re after something a little different, this Spanish event might be right up your alley.
How the Andalusian Horses Danceis an equestrian ballet, accompanied by Spanish music and 18th-century costume.
The dances take inspiration from cattle herding and classical dressage, and feature complex dance moves, carriage driving and even group exercises.
The show takes place at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in the city of Jerez. If you’d like to attend, visit the official site for full details.
7. Richard II
William Shakespeare’s Richard II explores the last two years of the king’s life, and his ultimate downfall.
It’s arguably one of his more difficult plays but this year, we’re seeing an interesting twist on the subject matter.
Shakespeare’s Globe is hosting a new performance of Richard II, directed and performed entirely by women of colour.
Theatre and TV veteran Adjoa Andoh will play the title role and co-direct, alongside cast members like Shobna Gulati (famous for her appearances in Coronation Street and Dinnerladies) and Doña Croll, who was the first black woman to play Cleopatra on a British stage.
The play comes against a heightened political background—the 70th anniversary of the Windrush generation, and Brexit on the horizon—making this an especially timely theatre production.
If you’d like to see it for yourself, this version of the play runs from Friday the 22nd of February to Sunday the 21st of April in 2019, at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
Most of us are content to use lemons as a drinks garnish or pancake topping. Over in the French city of Menton, the people take them a bit more seriously.
Now in its 86th year, the Fête du Citron(or Lemon Festival) is a celebration of one of our most popular fruits. It mixes giant sculptures with lavish parade floats and illuminated gardens; everything in the festival is made from lemons, making this an event you’ll remember for years to come.
This event runs between Saturday the 16th of February and Sunday the 3rd of March.
Click here to learn more about it; we’re sure your visit will be a fruitful one!
9. Only Fools & Horses: The Musical
First broadcast in 1981, Only Fools and Horses is one of the UK’s greatest sitcoms. It shaped our language and produced a small mountain of merchandise, and now it’s getting a new lease of life on the British stage.
Only Fools and Horses: The Musicalhas been written by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan (son of the original show’s writer, John Sullivan).
It mixes material from the TV show with 20 original songs, and musical contributions from Chas and Dave.
Paul Whitehouse also stars in the show as Grandad, with Tom Bennett and Ryan Hutton playing Del Boy and Rodney, respectively.
If you’re looking for a trip down memory lane, Only Fools and Horses: The Musical could be the perfect vehicle. The show runs from Wednesday the 20th of February to Saturday the 22nd of June: visit the official Ticketmaster page to book tickets.
10. The Great Roman Games
Although the Roman Empire collapsed more than 1,500 years ago, the period still sparks our imagination. The city of Nîmes, located in Southern France, is celebrating that era with an impressive historical re-enactment.
The Great Roman Games take place in the Amphitheatre of Nîmes, which the Romans built around 70CE.
More than 500 actors and extras take part in the event, with equestrian events, gladiatorial combat and chariot racing to look forward to.
Outside the ampitheatre visitors can enjoy fancy dress parades, guided tours and children’s workshops, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This event runs from Friday the 3rd to Sunday the 5th of May. Visit the site to book tickets.
11. Social Media in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Social media isn’t just for cat photos and catching up with relatives. It’s a vital means of communication, and dozens of different industries make use of it.
That’s the idea behind this conference, now in its 11th year of operation.
Taking place in the heart of London, the conference brings together professionals from both the worlds of social media and pharmaceuticals.
Events during the conference include talks on how social media can benefit Pharma companies, the future of customer engagement and how to be a good corporate social media citizen.
There will also be networking lunches, giving you the chance to build vital business connections.
This conference runs from Monday the 21st to Tuesday the 22nd of January. If you’d like to learn more about it, head to the official website for a detailed programme.
12. Ear, Nose & Throat 2019
If we’ve learned anything as an event haulage company, it’s that there are events for pretty much anything. That’s been proved again with Ear, Nose & Throat 2019.
It’s a conference that brings together experts in ENT surgery, as well as otorhinolaryngology.
Running over Friday the 8th of February 2019 at London’s Cavendish Conference Centre, the event offers a range of expert opinion.
Speakers will discuss everything from managing paediatric neck lumps to dealing with paralysed vocal cords, making this (we assume) a must-see event for doctors in this field.
Whatever events you’re interested in, there’s something out there in 2019 for everyone.
If you’re thinking of putting on your own event—whether it’s a concert, theatre tour, conference, exhibition or something a little unusual—we’re the event haulage company for the job.
Stagefreight’s staff is known for their speed, scheduling skills and reliability. We know how to take on tasks both big and small.
Our drivers help to unload and set up venues, and have expert knowledge of transporting your tour and event equipment across Europe and beyond.
