The 6 biggest challenges of equipment transport

Stagefreight’s varied client list means we take on plenty of different equipment transport jobs. That’s why we’ve decided to round up some of the things we’re entrusted with—including a few you might not expect!

1. Band stage equipment

stage with overhead lighting

The key concern with band stage equipment transport is protecting it in transit. Lighting equipment is a big area of concern, since it can be very delicate. We also need to think carefully about when we’ll load (and unload) the equipment, as we need to set up the equipment as quickly as possible when it arrives.

You can learn more about what we transport in our A–Z of band stage equipment. It has a detailed rundown of what ‘band stage equipment’ means in practice.

2. Specialist stage equipment

people jumping
Pepperland had its performers (and audiences) jumping for joy.

As you might expect, most stage equipment has something to do with sound or lighting. However, from time to time we need to transport something a bit more unusual.

One of our previous clients was Dance Consortium, who used a unique trampoline floor during their Mark Morris Pepperland production tour. This floor needed specialist assembly (and disassembly) and we also needed to load it strategically with the show’s costumes, lighting and audio equipment. Our organisation skills really came to the fore, as we had to drive straight to Edinburgh after the Bradford leg was completed.

You can read more about our work on Dance Consortium’s Mark Morris Pepperland tour in our exciting behind-the-scenes Pepperland case study.

3. Art exhibitions

cans stacked in a pile

Theatre and music events are the things we’re best known for, but we also transport goods for corporate events. A recent example comes from the Clayton Cardiff hotel, who needed help with goods for an art exhibition! The exhibition featured art pieces made from recycled items, and required careful transport as a result.

We’re always open to specialist requests for corporate events, so don’t be afraid to get in touch. We love outside-the-box ideas (though we ensure the goods stay inside the box during transport).

4. LEGO

lego buildings

Yes, you read that right; LEGO sculptures are a frequent component of corporate event trucking. They’re a popular choice for marketing conferences, brand launches and a whole range of corporate events. They come in all shapes and sizes, too; we’ve seen sculptures using anywhere between 10,000 and 800,000 pieces! We’re very careful when it comes to loading and unloading these plastic masterpieces, and we keep loose bricks and bare feet far apart. We’re professional like that.

For an example of the sort of stuff we transport, check out these amazing sculptures created for the Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

5. Specialist transport jobs

BFG going to Primrose Hill

But LEGO isn’t even the weirdest thing we transport. As you can probably guess we’ve moved some weird and wonderful items, but one recent job took the biscuit (or rather cake, in this instance).

A previous job saw us working with Mr Kipling and Michelle Sugar Art; these two had teamed up to launch a new Roald Dahl cake range. As part of the launch, the two had created a 7-metre tall sculpture of the BFG, made from 7,500 cakes! Our job was to get the sculpture to the top of Primrose Hill in London’s Regent Park. The task took three days to complete, as well as some innovative thinking. Luckily, no cakes were harmed in the process.

Read more about our adventure in our BFG case study.

6. Timing

person holding stopwatch

Although we’re responsible for lots of different stuff, our jobs all have one thing in common—a strict focus on timing. Our transport jobs cover live events, theatre tours and corporate events and just like the entertainment industry they have to run like clockwork, since the show can’t go on without the stage equipment.

Besides planning the most efficient routes, we need to consider other challenges like unforeseen traffic problems. That’s why all our drivers get specialist training in planning routes and taking a proactive approach to solving unforeseeable travel challenges. As such, our team never misses their cue and arrives on time, every time.

We’re also trained to drive in an eco-friendly manner. Read more about our eco-friendly stage trucking fleet for details.


Your carriage awaits

We hope you’ve found this overview of our equipment transport informative! We’ve faced some interesting challenges as part of our event transport services, and we look forward to plenty more in the year ahead.

Wondering if we can help you with your own transport needs? Take a closer look at our Services page to get a more in-depth look at what we offer. You can also call us directly on 0113 797 898.

A Year in the World of Event Transport

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 our 2018 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

Stagefreight trailer Northen Ballet wrap Victoria wide shot

Stage production Pepperland celebrates 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 2018 Fare 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’s Victoria was 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 team helping out

Stagefreight’s team is a pretty personal one, and we like to highlight some 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

row of trucks under bridge

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

sheep looking down

Charity music festival Ramfest has come to an end after 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. Motorcyclist Steven 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 voted Fleet 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.

blue truck outside theatre
Our 35th anniversary truck outside Plymouth’s Theatre Royal.

Festive Event Transport Projects

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 on the 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 our Services page, or call us now on 0113 797 898.

 

The Best Local Pantomime Shows for 2019/2020

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 and 2017.

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 the Link4Life 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.

You can learn more about the performance by visiting the Place Telford website.

Snow White at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool

Friday 13th December—Tuesday 24th December 2019

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!

You can book tickets now by visiting the M&S Bank website.

Aladdin at Barrow & Colne

Sunday 15th–Monday 30th December 2019 (Barrow)

Friday 3rd–Sunday 19th January 2020 (Colne)

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 at the 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 our Contact Us page. You can also give us a call on 0113 797 898.

Our eco-friendly stage trucking fleet


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 the 2019 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 our earlier 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 our About Us and Our Policies sections for more information. You can also reach us by phone on 0113 797 898.

The most iconic art exhibition venues of Europe

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!

1. The Louvre, Paris

https://www.louvre.fr/en

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.

2. Tate Modern, London

https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

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.

3. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en

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.

4. Statens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

https://www.smk.dk/en/

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.

5. Guggenheim Museum Bilboa, Bilboa

https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en

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

6. Alte Nationalgallerie, Berlin

https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/alte-nationalgalerie/home.html

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.

7. Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Brussels

https://www.fine-arts-museum.be/en

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!

8. Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest

https://en.mng.hu/

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.

9. Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin

https://imma.ie/

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.

10. Kunstmuseum, Bern

https://www.kunstmuseumbern.ch/

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 our complete 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.

Travel Events and Shows of Europe 2019


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

fishing rod resting on net next to fishing lures

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

brandenburg gate on sunny day

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

blackpool seaside tower

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

metal taps on stone wall

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!

For more details on this show, click here.


Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Fair

Thursday 4th—Saturday 6th April

mosque in daytime with clouds in sky

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!

Learn more about the event here.


Adventure Expo

Friday 5th–Sunday 7th April

canoe on still lake with trees in distance

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

wing of airplane with clouds and sun in background

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.

For further details, go to the official website.


Skipass 2019

Thursday 31st October—Friday 1st November

man riding snowboard

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

bus stop on pavement

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

cooking pot on campfire in forest

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!

Get more information about this event at the official website.


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.

Take a closer look at our Services page, or call us today on 0113 797 898.

Meet more of the Stagefreight drivers


We’ve introduced some of the team in a previous article and it grabbed people’s attention.

So, we thought it was time to introduce more of the team.

Read on to meet more of the great Stagefreight drivers.

 


Name: Allan Spencer

Allan Spencer has been driving for 23 years and stage trucking at Stagefreight for the last 18 years.

He’s the lead driver for Northern Ballet theatre tours and has been in this role for the last 2.5 years.

Allan Spencer Stagefreight Driver

Northern Ballet tours

On average he’s on tour with Northern Ballet for 9 months of the year and leads a convoy of six to nine trailers across the UK.

The latest production was The Nutcracker that featured a stunning reindeer sleigh prop. And he’s excited about 2019’s brand new Victoria production.


Experience

In-between his Northern Ballet stage tours, Allan helps out with event transport jobs across the UK and Europe. One of the more unusual jobs was transporting some snowmen and elephants for an ice show at Blackpool Tower.

Over the years, he’s become well travelled across Europe. He’s been to Istanbul, Marrakech, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Berlin and many more popular European destinations. He also speaks a bit of German, which comes in handy on trips to Berlin.

When asked about destinations that defied expectations, Allan said he was pleasantly surprised by Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Allan recommends St. Petersburg as a holiday destination to anyone, as it’s such a fantastic place.


Advice to young drivers

His tip to young drivers is to get a role with an entertainment transport specialist like Stagefreight. Stage trucking is one of the best jobs Allan has ever had.

There’s a great variety to the jobs, a lot of positive energy as clients are excited to see you and ready to unload the props. There’s always a warm welcome for Allan when he arrives at the theatre destination. As there’s often repeat tours with clients, Allan says that you can really get to know the client you’re working with. And if you get stuck in with the job you can be an extension of their team. You quickly become part of the crew.

 


Name: Chris Wilkinson

Chris has been driving a Stagefreight transport truck for just 1 year, but already it’s the best job he’s ever had.

His main focus during the last year has been on corporate event transport. He’s not just been helping the Stagefreight corporate clients with their transport needs, but he’s also helped to set-up for the events too.

This can-do attitude and super-helpful approach has put Chris in high demand with the corporate event clients. Some of our top clients have asked for him to be their driver on future conferences and events too. That’s great feedback for a driver who’s new to the event transport scene.

Chris Wilkinson Stagefreight Driver


The first trips

Chris has jumped into the deep end of the corporate event transport world, but is enjoying every minute of it.

In just 1 month he went to Madrid twice, and was pleased to be in the city centre as on his off-days he was able to explore this brilliant city.

He was also in Munich last winter, and got the chance to look around the German market near the airport, while he was there.

Chris’ very first trip though was to Ravenna, Italy. It was a 9-day trip with Opera North’s Kiss Me Kate Tour.

Find out more about this theatre transport tour in our case studies.

This trip to Italy was a first for Chris and a first for the Opera North team.

 


Sport events and music tours 

He was also on the team of the Boardmasters Festival back in August 2018. The annual festival near Newquay in Cornwall is an exciting event that combines live music with surfing, skateboarding and BMX competitions.

Since being a Stagefreight driver Chirs has also toured with some big music names. For a month and a half he helped out on a music tour for one of America’s most popular solo artists.

It’s all go for Chris though as 2019 promises to continue with the exciting event transport jobs. He’ll soon be completing corporate event transport jobs in Copenhagen.

 


Name: Paul Garfit

 

Paul Garfit is the lead driver for English National Ballet. He’s been driving for about 17 years and has been part of the Stagefreight team for roughly 12 years.

stagefreight driver Paul Garfit

 


Experience

He’s a very experienced lead driver, as he’s previously also been Northern Ballet’s lead driver.

Paul has worked in other transport industries, but came back to theatre transport as he really enjoys the challenge of theatre transport jobs.

 


English National Ballet tours

A typical English National Ballet tour consists of 6 trailers. Paul typically tours the UK with the team. He likes all the venues he’s been to when touring with English National Ballet.

But if he had to choose (and let’s face it, I specifically asked him to do just that), his favourite venues are in Edinburgh and Canterbury.

He likes Edinburgh due to the style of loading bays and he likes the challenge of Canterbury.

As Canterbury has a medieval style centre, driving in this cathedral city requires some good skills.

Edinburgh is not only a good venue, but has a great crew too who are really fast when it comes to unloading and loading.

Paul is currently on tour with English National Ballet’s “She Persisted” – one show with three bold works on and by women.


Advice to young drivers

Paul’s advice to young or new drivers is to never underestimate the focus you need when driving.

Always take your time and observe. Check and double check when driving. Beware of going into autopilot when on route as anything can happen.


Name: Ash Bateman 

Ash joined the Stagefreight team back in 2018 as a sub and became a full-time driver in May 2019.

He’s been driving for over 17 years and was previously driving across the UK in the general haulage and recycling sectors.

Ash has been getting stuck in across a variety of event transport jobs including music, theatre and corporate.

Ash Bateman Stagefreight driver


Music Tours in Europe

Being part of a 20 truck convoy across Europe was an eye-opener and quite a highlight for Ash, especially Russia and the Ukraine.

Previously Ash had mainly been to Iraq and Afghanistan as a driver in the army, so this tour offered more countries to add to the list.

The band Ash was doing the music transport for is up there as one of the music legends. Despite being in their 70s, they still know how to rock!


Advice to young drivers

Ash’s advice to young drivers is to always listen. If you listen to the task and what you’ve been asked to do you can’t go wrong.

Ask for clarification if need be, but if you do as you’re asked you’re offering great customer service.


And if you’re keen to get on the road as a driver yourself, get in touch to enquire about our latest vacancies.

If you’re in the entertainment business yourself and you need a reliable transport expert, we could be just the ticket.

View all our transport services on our website.

Or give us a call us on 0113  238 0805 right now to discuss your tour or event.

Most popular event transport routes of Europe

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

Brevik event truck route Stagefreight

Lisbon

  • 25 hours
  • Between 1,547 and 1,667 miles / 2,490 – 2,682km

Lisbon event transport route Stagefreight

Barcelona

  • 18hours
  • Between 1,120 and 1,164 miles / 1800-1866 km

Barcelona map of popular stage trucking routes

Paris

  • 8.5 hours
  • 480 miles / 772.5 km

Paris map of most popular routes of Europe Stagefreight

Monaco

  • 17-18.5 hours
  • Between 1,000 and 1,134 miles / 1,609 – 1,873 km

Monaco route of popular transport routes

Rome

  • 21-22.5 hours
  • Between 1,281 and 1,384 miles / 2,061 – 2,227 km

Rome map of most popular Europe event transports

Madrid

  • 20.5-21 hours
  • Between 1,261 and 1,274 miles / 2,029 – 2,050 km

Map of Madrid for popular Europe event transport routes

Vienna

  • 18.5-19.5 hours
  • Between 1,108 and 1,145 miles / 1,783 – 1,842 km

Vienna route for Europe transport map Stagefreight

Ravenna

  • 19-20 hours
  • Between 1,106 and 1,189 miles / 1,779 – 1913 km

Ravenna map of most popular Europe transport routes

Geneva

  • 13-13.5 hours
  • Between 805 and 817 miles / 1,295 – 1,314 km

Geneva event transport route Stagefreight

Frankfurt

  • 11-12 hours
  • Between 669 – 673 miles / 1,076 – 1,083 km

Frankfurt route of most popular Europe transport routes

Sarajevo

  • 15 hours
  • 1,468 miles / 2,362 km

Sarajevo event transport map by Stagefreight

Athens

  • 36 hours
  • 2,172 miles / 3,495 km

Athens map of stage trucking routes Stagefreight

Moscow

  • 34 hours
  • 1,988 miles / 3,199 km

Moscow popular event route of Europe for stage and theatre

Istanbul

  • 34 hours
  • 2,082 miles / 3.350 km

Istanbul route of event transport map

Bergen

  • 29 hours
  • 1,495 miles / 2405 km

Bergen stage trucking route Stagefreight

Ankara

  • 39 hours
  • 2,362 miles / 3,801 km

Ankara map of most popular Europe transport routes


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.

Give us a call on 0113 797 898 to discuss.

Or take a look at our latest case studies to see what kind of stage transport we do.

12 Unusual Events of 2019


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. 

For more information on tour dates, head to the official website.


2. Air Guitar World Championships

empty guitar case on pavement

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

Yorkshire pudding on plate with beef and vegetables

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!

For more details on 2019’s event, head on over to the official website.


4. The WOW Black Light Theatre Show

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!

To book tickets for this event, visit this page.


5. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling

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

dressage

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 Dance is 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

crown in glass case

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.

Visit the official website for more details.


8. The Fête du Citron

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 Musical has 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

pile of pills

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

person speaking into tin can

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.

For more details, including pricing options, go to the official website.

 


 

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.

Learn about our complete range of services here, or call us on 0113 797 898 to discuss your next event today.

A year in the life of event transportation services


As 2018 is coming to a close, our team in event transportation services are getting a bit nostalgic. Providing event transport throughout the year is serious business, but we’re a cheerful group and like a bit of fun and banter in-between the hard work we all put in.

We usually look towards the next event transport job, but we thought it would be nice to take a breather and have a look back at the year that was (or as good as was in any case).


Ballet Day  

The year began with paying tribute to one of the most popular art forms of the event industry -ballet!

We proudly support Opera North, Northern Ballet, The English National Ballet and the Birmingham Royal Opera – just to name a few – with their ballet tours across the UK and Europe.

We felt it was fitting for us to take part in all the positive messages about ballet that were happening on the Twitter-verse and beyond.

ballet day stagefreight tweet


Beast from the East

A bit of a surprise – and minor hiccup – to our event transportation services was everyone’s favourite 2018 snowstorm that wouldn’t leave, the aptly named Beast from the East.

It was alright for some of the team though, as they were touring around Europe’s warmer climate like our own Ian Lowe, who was managing the Joan Baez music tour transport. More on his far too sunny pictures later on.

We and our friends at Universal Live firmly believe teamwork is the dream work, so we tag teamed it to free some of our trucks! That was snow mean feat…

stagefreight and Universal Live Beast from the East post


BBC Radio Leeds came for a visit

In April, we had some local visitors come for an exclusive behind-the-scenes view. We showed BBC Radio Leeds’ morning presenter, Richard Stead, around the warehouse and showed him some of our trucks too.

Richard and his producer, Jamie, were surprised by how much planning and prep is involved in our event transportation services.

It was nice to show BBC Radio Leeds around and we enjoyed swapping planning stories with them.

BBC Radio Leeds at Stagefreight collage


We introduced you to more of our drivers

You may have seen our driver profiles across our social channels. We often share what a great job our team does, as they’re a modest and shy bunch.

But we thought putting a face to the hard work would be a nice gesture to really show what a great job the team does throughout the year.

Stuart Stagefreight Driver Profile

There will be more driver profiles to come once we can get ahold of the team again. They’re a bit busy with transport jobs this time of year.


Our urban trailers

There’s a misconception in the event transport world that all truck trailers are the same. However, our very own Chris designed Stagefreight’s urban trailers.

Urban trailers have the same capacity for equipment and props as our standard trailers, but they also have a more agile size for city roads and urban loading bays. It’s a win-win design that we’re very proud of.

Find out more about our urban trailers here.

urban trailers by Stagefreight


Italy trip with Opera North

It was a big year for the Kiss Me Kate tour team of Opera North and for the Stagefreight team.

In a world first, Kiss Me Kate took part in the annual Ravenna Festival in Italy.

The city of Ravenna champions the arts every year and it was a great honour (and well deserved) for the Kiss Me Kate team to be invited to join the festival for the first time in 2018.

It’s also a credit to the brilliant performance that the team completes every show. We were thrilled to help out with this tour.

Kiss me Kate scene _ Photo_ Tristram Kenton
©Tristram Kenton 05-18
– used with permission

This first outing in Italy for Kiss Me Kate was undoubtedly a triumph for everyone involved. Find out what was involved in the transport side of things in our Kiss Me Kate Ravenna tour case study.


Ramfest 2018

Every year we team up with Halifax businesses and charities to put on Ramfest – a fun family festival full of games and music that also raises money for local charities.

The music is a mix of new and well known acts that always delight the crowd, as there’s such a positive atmosphere on the day.

Ramfest 2018

If you’ve not had a chance to join us at Ramfest yet, keep your July free for 2019 as we’ll be celebrating 10 years of Ramfest!


BFG cake

We pride ourselves in being able to handle event transport of any size, shape or form. But a first – even for us- was the PR campaign we supported Michelle Sugar Art and Mr. Kipling Cakes with.

Back in July, a 7 metre tall sculpture of the popular Roald Dahl character, the Big Friendly Giant, needed to get from Kent to Primrose Hill in London by dawn.

BFG arrives at Regent Park
BFG arrives at Regent Park

Over 7,000 cakes that couldn’t be touched had be taken from Michelle’s studio to Regent Park. Not a problem for our team.

Watch the video of how our Ant gets this amazing sculpture from A-Z.


Europe highlights

Our team gets around Europe quite a bit. We supported Lenovo UK at the annual IFA (Consumer Electronics Unlimited) conference in Berlin with their Tech Life ’18 event.

Lenovo UK in Berlin
Lenovo UK in Berlin

The lads on a music tour in Berlin took a moment to take this brilliant picture outside of Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

Power stance anyone?

Stagefreight Drives at Berlin Olympiastadion

Then there was time for some sunshine in Malta, before a corporate event in Paris was calling.

Stagefreight truck in Malta
On tour in sunny Malta
Stagefreight truck in Paris
Corporate event in Paris

Curious about the other places we complete transport jobs in?

Have a look at the most popular Europe routes of 2018 (coming soon).


Trucks of Insta

Back in September, we ventured into the world of Instagram!

Be gentle with us; we’re more in tune with Google Maps than the world of hashtags.

We’re hoping to shake things up (in a good way) with our Trucks of Insta.

Stagefreight Instagram image

Are you following us on Insta yet?



New trucks and trailers

It’s been a great 2018 all round and we’ve not just added people to our team, but more trucks and trailers too.

Here’s a quick lowdown of what’s been added to the team:

  • 16 additional trailers
  • 6 tractor units
  • 26 tonner
  • 18 tonner
  • And our very first curtain trailers

As you can see we’re well prepared to take on more event transport jobs in 2019.

Stagefreight trucks tractor units


Joan Baez’s farewell tour continues

The famous and highly popular Joan Baez continues her farewell tour and we had a quick catch-up with the music tour driver, Ian Lowe, to find out how it’s been going.

Back in August Ian and Joan were in sunny Spain and had 58 performances behind them in 39 cities and towns. A total of 32,705 km completed alongside three amazing crew members, Chris Howlett, Sean Baddams and Steve Baddams.

Stagefreight truck in Spain
Pitstop to enjoy the sun in Spain

Ian’s highlight remained working with the legend, Joan Baez, who in his words is the most approachable person ever.


We got featured! 

We’re also quite pleased that some of our transport jobs caught the attention of our trucker community.

Did you know that Trucking Magazine and Truck & Driver both featured the BFG cake transport job we did on behalf of Michelle Sugar Art and Mr. Kipling cakes?

Trucking Magazine article

Truck and driver article image

Just don’t tell our Ant, as the fame might go to his head.


What does 2019 have in store for event transport?

The show must always go on and we’re excited to get started with 2019!

Whether you’re after event transport, music tours or theatre tours, our team is ready to get you there in a fast and reliable style.

Give us a call on 0113 797 898 to plan your event.