As the country goes back into lockdown, what's clear is that we're still some way off from the return of in-person events, meaning that virtual events are here to stay in 2021.

Life has been a bit topsy-turvy since March last year, and working from home, for many of us, has made a huge impact on the positive social interactions that come from working face to face with our team. A recent [survey](https://hubblehq.com/should-we-ditch-the-office/survey-results) by Hubble showed that 75% of workers dislike the lack of interaction that lockdown has led to and are feeling alienated from colleagues. It's more important than ever for organisations to create opportunities for teams to spend time together and relax. 

Here's where virtual events come into it. Long gone are the days where a quiz and Friday night drinks on Zoom were your only option. There are now scores of interactive virtual event options that will get your team together to let loose and build meaningful social connections. Here are a few reasons why you should be hosting regular virtual events until your team can get together and celebrate in person.

## __There's plenty to choose from
__

What's become clear is that virtual events should include an interactive activity if they're going to hold people's attention. Consider sending meal kits out to your team members and hosting a cookalong with a renowned chef (we have options from the likes of Pizza Pilgrims and Patty & Bun), or hosting cocktail classes with master mixologists, floristry lessons, candle making classes or a virtual escape room. And if you're looking for something bespoke, the team at Feast It can help find a supplier to suit your needs!

![Patty-and-Bun](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4CirIPW22JN3mb99wuD9E0/9f41b9f23e6e46bf6e0bb47235e8fe4c/patty_bun3__1_.jpeg)

## __They're a great way to build team morale
__

As we go into another lockdown, we’re all hungry for worthwhile social interactions. A high quality virtual event is a great way to boost morale in a fun way that doesn't feel forced. Team bonding can lead to increased productivity, so finding regular ways to get everyone together is a win-win situation. An article by Forbes showed that companies with great work cultures can see productivity rise by around four times, and virtual team building activities are a great way to create and sustain a healthy working environment.

## __They're cheaper than the physical events you used to throw
__

Physical events are brilliant, but they're also not cheap when you factor in all the drinks, food, venue, entertainment and more. With the majority of virtual events your costs are limited to one aspect like buying the meal for a cookalong, a cocktail set or access to a virtual escape room. Prices can start from around £10 per head, but on average you'll most likely be looking at about £30 per employee, much cheaper than a physical event. You can see the results of a 'Terrainium' building class below!

![Terrarium](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/7mQbiALZzyYzoqCAOzOw6o/89eb6e6bf3bda3bb82bf57ebc53d00fd/Obby_Terranium.jpg)

## __You're supporting independent business
__

Events businesses have been hit as hard as anyone by COVID-19, and a survey that we conducted showed that events businesses have laid off around 60% of their staff, and 85% believe they haven't received adequate government support throughout the crisis. Events are a vital part of the cultural fabric of the UK and will be a big part of the country's spiritual recovery. Supporting suppliers will ensure we’re all able to enjoy incredible events on the other side of this. 

Ultimately, you should be following the examples of Feast It clients such as Google, Amazon and Facebook and throwing virtual events for teams at least once a month, if not more regularly. If you're feeling unsure about what to do, you can read more about Feast It's virtual events [here](https://feast-it.com/event/virtual-experiences), and if you're thinking about getting one in the calendar, you can enquire through our form [here](https://feast-it.com/enquiry?tier1=virtual).


virtual 0002 851756 66c774e15d9b4ca788c36360b154b68e mv2 d 2880 1920 s 2

Virtual events are here to stay! Bring your team together when they can't be together.

Why your company should throw virtual socials in 2021

Thinking about applying for your first festival pitch? Hopefully you’ve already seen our article, [Festival Pitches | how much they cost?](https://feast-it.com/magazine/festival-pitches-or-how-much-do-they-cost) and you’re now wondering is it going to be worth it? 

Like the cost of the pitch, the amount of money you can make at a festival depends on a range of factors. But don't worry if things feel a bit unclear, our expert team have worked on hundreds of events and are here to give you a rundown of festival costs and earnings potential.

If after reading this article you want to find out the best way to win a pitch at a festival you can read our guide [here](https://feast-it.com/magazine/how-to-win-festival-pitches).

### What’s happened at past events?

![Feast It London Pride Regents Street](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5OmwIXYxibf8nAQfyutyrv/27202a121f6a0e481fdc4ce590f16b4f/London_Pride_Parade_JPM-114.jpg)
London Pride is one of the largest events powered by Feast It, and the pitch fees can be just shy of £1,000. We've seen our traders make anything between £6,000 - £80,000, a great example of how earning potential can vary.

At smaller-scale events, like the Virgin Sport Hackey Half Marathon and the BHF Ride London, pitch fees are lower and cost between £300 - £500. But, earning potential is still high, and our traders have made between £2,000 - £60,000.

### Are there any common trends?
It’s anticipated that a popular vendor at a festival will sell their products to roughly 5% of the total attendees. Using this, and the reported pitch fee, as a guide, here’s how much you could make at three different sized festivals.

__Glastonbury__
- Attendance: 200,000
- Pitch fee: £18,000
- 5% of sales: 10,000 transactions
- Gross sales (£8 average transaction): £80,000
- Cost of goods sold (33% of transaction cost): £26,400
- Net income: £35,600

__Lattitude Festival__
- Attendance: 40,000
- Pitch fee: £6,000
- 5% of sales: 2,000 transactions
- Gross sales (£8 average transaction): £16,000
- Cost of goods sold (33% of transaction cost): £5,280
- Net income: £4,720

__Vision Festival__
- Attendance: 10,000
- Pitch fee: £250
- 5% of sales: 500 transactions
- Gross sales (£8 average transaction): £4000
- Cost of goods sold (33% of transaction cost): £1,320
- Net income: £2,430

For more examples of festival operating costs, including food, staff and marketing, check out [our guide to festival catering](https://feast-it.com/magazine/a-guide-to-festival-catering).

## What influences how much you can make?
![Feast It Toshka Festival](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5dEYtxfJOfz5CPgfaB0wyL/afa81e154c78db1474d572fd3a05b7a2/Toshka.jpg)

### Selecting the right events
It might be tempting to jump straight in with bigger festivals and events, but we advise to start small and work your way up. Build up your understanding of things like operating costs, portions served per hour, and how to stand out to potential customers. Then you'll get a better idea of whether an event is worthwhile for your business, and minimise any losses.

### Pitch fees
Pitch fees are what a festival or event organiser will charge you to sell your products. Fees are charged either at a flat rate, based on commission, or a combination of both. 

Check out our [guide to fesitval pitch costs](https://feast-it.com/magazine/festival-pitches-or-how-much-do-they-cost) for a full breakdown of the factors influencing a pitch fee.

### Festival attendance
The more people attending the festival, the larger the market is for you to sell to. If you’re thinking about buying a pitch, how many people will be attending the festival is the first question you need to ask yourself. 

A quick Google might do the trick, but if not its worth reaching out to the organisers, vendors that have previously set up there or any community groups of other suppliers you may be involved in.

### Competition
If you find yourself thinking “I really want a pitch at Glastonbury this year”, then the chances are similar suppliers will be thinking the same thing. Glastonbury has around 800 traders, over 400 of which are selling food.

Always ask the festival organisers how many traders are going to be there and if you can, dig deeper on the number that sell something similar to you. It’s okay if there are a handful of similar traders but this is where experience is key. Knowing how to outperform your competitors and attract more customers will certainly help de-risk the higher pitch fees at larger events.For some top tips on how to achieve this, you can read our guide to festival catering [here](https://feast-it.com/magazine/a-guide-to-festival-catering).

### Location
The location of your pitch will have a big impact on how much you might be able to sell at a festival or event. 

Always make sure you understand where your pitch will be located before you sign the contract. And remember that pitches cost more if they're in a prime location.

### Operating cost
We've said it before, and we'll say it again, knowing your operating costs is essential to understanding if an event is right for your business. Bear in mind cost of supplies, staff, parking, travel, pitch fees and deduct these from your final sales.


Feast It Festival Image

From Glastonbury to your local music festival, here's our insight on how much food suppliers can expect to make

How much do traders make at festivals?

If you run a food or drink business, you're not alone if you dream of one day having a pitch at a world-leading festival like Glastonbury. With crowds of over 200,000 and the average ticket-holder spending £450, the opportunity for vendors at Glastonbury, and the hundreds of other UK festivals, is huge.

But how do you actually win a festival pitch? We asked our supply base of over 1000 food and drink vendors to share their experience and useful tips for any first-timers.

### Do your research
Our first piece of advice is to do your research and make sure that you’re applying for a pitch at a festival that’s right for your business. Take a look at [our articles](https://feast-it.com/magazine/festival-pitches-or-how-much-do-they-cost) about the likely cost of pitches at large festivals and events, and how much you’re likely to make from them.

![feast-it-festivals](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4IfzWfcJVLEaR1qHBlbRUW/0d9600560b60b12a2987d028e533ac2e/feast-it-festivals__1_.png)

### Know where to apply
There are two main ways to apply for festival pitches. 

__Directly on the organiser’s website__
- Leading festivals like Glastonbury, Leeds and Reading BST Hyde Park have dedicated pages on their official websites where traders can apply for pitches.

__Through festival partners__
- In some cases, festival organisers will outsource to businesses like Feast It to help curate the food and drink line up. We then send out application forms to all our suppliers, and they apply directly through us.  To apply for festivals Feast It are invlolved in, you can [sign up and create an account.](https://feast-it.com/info/become-a-partner)

### Give yourself time
It’s common for the pitching process to start in the autumn for festivals taking place the following summer. Pitching is competitive, and some of our suppliers have been up against 3,000 other traders to win a handful of pitches. Given the sheer volume of applications festivals receive, it’s always better to start the process as early as you can.

### Understand the application process

![Festival Application Process](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5KB6jh7DYlpPRubm8tJijm/136fe8a5ae8f362c4768d78f05a1e405/application_process_for_festivals.jpg)

Whether applying directly to the festival or through a festival partner, the application process is pretty similar. They’ll always want to know;

1. Your contact details and business number
2. What kind of food/drink you sell
3. The dimensions of your stall
4. How many parking passes you’ll need
5. What your electrical requirements are
6. What prior experience you have
7. How many portions you can serve per hour
8. What your stall and product looks like (make sure to have great photos)

Successful applicants will likely receive a phone call from the organisers so they can find out more about the business and run through the terms of the agreement.

Unsuccessful applicants do receive a notification, but not always with an explanation. Festival organisers dedicate a certain number of pitches and site locations to specific trader types, with hot food traders generally securing most of the spots. So you could lose out on a pitch for no other reason than a quota is already full!

In other cases, our suppliers have entered bidding wars to win their pitch. It’s not uncommon for two similar traders to compete for the same spot with the highest bidder winning the pitch.

If your application is successful, you’ll need to provide all the relevant documentation before you sign a contract, including; FSA food ratings, insurance and risk assessments 

### Make your application stand out from the crowd

__Provide good quality photos and videos showcasing your business__
- Festival organisers can have 1000s of applications to sift through, so selling yourself makes you stand out from the crowd. We’ve seen hundreds of vendors apply for festivals with stock imagery and poor marketing material which makes little impact. 

__Creat an eye-catching brand and design__
- Great branding will draw the attention of festival organisers who are looking for traders that can bring in the crowds. This applies to your logo, van and your staff uniform. Nailing this will undoubtedly help you turn a profit too.

### Build a good reputation
This may not be applicable if you’re applying to your first festival, but many of our suppliers have been asked back by festivals the following year and skip the whole application process entirely. 

To help you build a great festival rep, we’ve put together a guide to festival catering [here](https://feast-it.com/magazine/a-guide-to-festival-catering).

### Always read the contract
We strongly advise thoroughly reading the contract upon a successful application, and make sure you go through any uncertainties or questions with the festival organiser before signing. 

Only when you’re 100% happy with the terms should you put pen to paper.

### Apply through Feast It
We already have a dozen or so festivals and large public events lined up for 2021, including Lytham Festival, Pride London and numerous Virgin Sport events..If you want to be part of our supplier community, apply for a Feast It supplier [here](https://feast-it.com/info/become-a-partner).


Feast It Leeds Fest

Eyeing up a pitch at top UK festival or event? Find out how F&B suppliers across the country manage to secure them.

How to win festival pitches

Whether you've just started out in your street food venture or you want to take your business to the next level, you might be asking yourself "how much does a festival pitch cost?"

We've seen prices start from around £500 for smaller festivals and go up to about £15,000 for events like Glastonbury, so there is no definitive answer. But, our team of experts and our community of suppliers have worked at hundreds of events, and they're here to give you expert advice on what determines the price of a festival pitch.

![Feast It Leeds Fest Image](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5SX1moSi9DUfiuBz4UV8u6/57a69c1ed95d4c79264c2131d7d930fa/feast-it-leeds-fest-image.jpg)

If you find this useful be sure to check out our guide on [how to win festival pitches](https://feast-it.com/magazine/how-to-win-festival-pitches) too and remember, Feast It partner with dozens of festivals each year and we’re always looking for suppliers for events like London Pride and Lytham Festival. If you want to become part of our 1000+ community of suppliers, [apply to join Feast It today](https://feast-it.com/info/become-a-partner). 

---

## Different pricing models and ways of charging
Festival and event organisers adopt different ways of charging you to determine the cost of your pitch. Below are the most common examples:

### Fixed trader fee
Where the fee is determined by the variables such as pitch location, size and the type of product you serve. The trader will pay a one-off pitch fee to secure the spot. This is the most common way organisers will charge.

### A percentage of sales
Where organiser will ask for a percentage of your overall gross sales. For the festivals we’ve been involved in, this fee is usually around 10-15% of your sales but some of our suppliers have reported fees of up to 30%.

### A percentage of sales + fixed fee
This is perhaps the least common pricing model but arguable best for spreading the risk between organiser and supplier as fairly as possible. 

The supplier will pay a fixed upfront cost plus a percentage of the sales, usually between 3-10%. It works well since the final price is determined by what you sell but the organiser is guaranteed an upfront payment. 

---

## What influences the cost of a festival pitch?

### Pitch size
The size of the pitch will determine the cost. Smaller and cheaper pitch sizes typically start at 3x3m and are suitable for a business run from a stall or small vehicle. Bigger and more expensive pitches are suitable for a burger van or street food truck.

### Pitch location
![Feast It Hackney Half Pitch Set Up](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2vidUDLZU1lZynfV0mS3KN/5a84408d470c7f6ba63ee0401b727a93/Feast-it-hackney-half-pitch-set-up.jpg)
Event organisers will always consider the location of your pitch when determining the price. If you’re pitched in a high traffic area, like near the main stage at a festival, you’ll pay a premium for that spot.

### Your product
If your product is likely to sell in high volumes, like the more popular hot food stalls, you might be charged more for your pitch than a business selling more targeted products like smoothies. 

If you’re bidding on a pitch and the type of product you sell favours a lower pitch price, don’t be afraid to make a case for it if ever you find yourself negotiating on the cost of a pitch.

### How new the festival is
If a festival is new on the scene and building its reputation, its pitch cost will be much lower than that of a prestigious and well-known event.

Pitches are often won by bids so there’s room to haggle on price but be realistic. Work out your operating costs in advance of making a bid so you know what’s reasonable.For guidance on how to do this, you can read our [guide to festival catering](https://feast-it.com/magazine/a-guide-to-festival-catering).


Feast It London Pride Pitch Set Up

Ever wondered how much a pitch at Glastonbury will cost you? We've drawn from the experience of our suppliers to find out.

Festival pitches | How much do they cost?

If you’ve been successful in your application for a pitch at a festival, congratulations!

It’s now time to turn your thoughts to the festival itself and put yourself in the best position to make your time there a success. 

With over 100 public-facing events under our belt, we’ve identified the common trends seen from food and drink vendors that really knock it out of the park. 

If you want to be a part of some of the UK's biggest events and festivals you can apply through our partner page [here](https://feast-it.com/info/become-a-partner).

### Prepare the right amount of stock
As you gain festival experience, understanding how much stock you need does get easier. Start by preparing the amount of stock you’d need to sell to determine the festival a success from a financial perspective. So, if you need to sell 1000 units in order to make a profit, order enough stock to cover this.

Make sure you get a good idea of the number of festival attendees. It’s always worth speaking to other food vendors who serve similar products to get an idea of what they’ve experienced too. 

### Be clever with what you sell
Smaller menus make it easier to predict stock levels, putting you in a better position to make a profit. It also means the number of portions you can serve in an hour will likely increase as you become more efficient at making fewer things. Most importantly though, it will make it easier for customers to make a choice rather than move on and look elsewhere.

### Have branding and design that stands out
![Gully](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4S4iRszgUHRz6rQPV5f4z/a05f43b8d1d65d564f37c81f980e8e1c/Gully.IMG_7366.JPG)
You can read a menu from 5 meters away, but you can spot a vendor that stands out way back from the campsite. Having the best menu in the world is one thing, but if you’re not attracting festival-goers to come and have a look, you’ll inevitably lose out.

Good branding and design isn’t confined to just your logo, think about your truck, the uniform you and your staff wear, how you display your menu and  signage too. 

### Offer samples
The oldest trick in the book, and the best marketing technique, is offering samples. Even if it doesn’t work the first time around, the next time someone is deciding where to grab food from, they might just remember you and better still, bring 5 of their friends too.

### Make your prices obvious
Don’t hide your prices away. Make them clear and obvious to help passers-by make a decision between your business and the hundreds of other vendors on-site.

### Be charismatic
![Cluck Farmyard](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5sunObLOK8BxPG0J7yZP4G/dd6e8f5de408bfa068b454172039ebc4/Feast_it_Cluck_Farmyard00006.JPG)
As the old saying goes, people like buying from other people and a friendly team are undoubtedly going to create a memorable experience and encourage repeat business. 

### Use it as a marketing opportunity
Where else would you get the opportunity of a weekend of brand exposure to hundreds of thousands of people? Two or three days at a festival could potentially bring you more customers than the rest of the year combined. 

Make sure to have your social media branding on your truck and packaging. Clear and obvious branding encourages customers to capture a quick photo of your product and spread the word about your business (tagged photos are great for sparking brand awareness!). And who knows, they could be about to have their wedding and think you’d be a perfect fit!

### Always keep loose change
Most people will likely pay via contactless but you need to have a good amount of change for cash buyers. Get to the bank and exchange some notes for change but do so in accordance with your pricing.

If you’re charging £8.99, consider rounding the price up for ease. No one wants to carry 1p round with them.  

---

# 4 ways to measure success at a festival  

Once the festival is done and dusted, it’s time to sit down and establish whether it’s been a success. Success can be determined in numerous ways and this process is important to help to make your next festival experience even better. Here's our guide to determining success. 

### How much money did you make?
Did you come out in the green? If not, were there any errors in your early predictions? Consider if you got the amount of stock you ordered right, if you attracted as many customers as you thought, and if you could have done anything differently.

If you did come out of the festival turning a profit, was it by the skin of your teeth or do you now feel ready for your next, perhaps larger festival? 

If this is your third or fourth success in a row, it could be time to think about expanding and getting more trucks to attend more festivals. 

### Did you grow your brand?
![The Street Diner](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/9n6Ng7eV5yL4guPAQysFr/0ed18ddc11cd76038e12766d2d1b1079/a-guide-to-festival-catering-the-street-diner-feast-it.JPG)
The number of followers you have isn’t the be all and end all, but it’s still important for brand awareness and perception. Festivals are a great marketing opportunity and growing your social presence could be a key success factor.

You can also track how many repeat vs new customers you gained over the festival. Payment providers such as iZettle and Airslip make this possible through their POS systems and such analysis will highlight what you might be able to improve or do differently in your marketing efforts.

### Did you get it right operationally?
How close to your original estimations were you? Did you have the right amount of staff to deliver the number of portions you needed to make a profit? Were you close to your stock projections or did you fall short?

It’s only with experience that you really nail down the operations, but it’s vital you make a note and track the changes you make to see if you’re getting closer next time round.

### Did you enjoy it?
Was the festival you’ve always dreamed of what you imagined it to be? Even if you turned a profit, if you didn’t enjoy the experience, you could consider applying for something different the following year.

If you're interested in applying to some of the UK's largest festivals through Feast It, you can apply [here](https://feast-it.com/info/become-a-partner).


Feast-It-A-Guide-To-Festival-Catering

Find out what we've learnt makes a great festival vendor with top tips from over 1000 UK food and drink suppliers

A guide to festival catering

As we head towards the conclusion of what's been an incredibly difficult year, there’s a further blow that employees are facing, the work Christmas party being cancelled.

But, just because we can't meet up face to face doesn't mean we can't have fun during the festive party season. Thanks to a host of incredible suppliers, virtual events are more inventive and interactive than ever, and they're the perfect pick me up for your team!

Here's a few reasons why you should be organising a virtual Christmas Party for your company this year.

# There are some incredible virtual party options
# 
Think beyond the Zoom quizzes we all got bored of over the summer! Some great virtual options will get your team together to celebrate all that’s brilliant about Christmas parties; food, drink and enjoying each other’s company. 

Interactive cook-alongs with some of the best chefs in the country, cocktail classes with master mixologists or wreath-making classes with one the UK’s top florists are just some of the incredible options available through Feast It. Read on for more details about our Christmas party alternatives, and place an enquiry [here](https://feast-it.com/enquiry?tier1=virtual).

![Virtual cocktail class](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1LdkqSviCdPM6C8NPoeO3S/bfc95fca1e642c1d236d3237bd99f5cb/Virtual_cocktail_class.jpg)

# It's not as complicated as you think
# 
You might think shipping meal or cocktail kits to your team's homes is logistically difficult, but the reality is it couldn't be easier. Most kits can be delivered nationally, some internationally, while Feast It's curated suppliers will ensure everything arrives on time for the big day. All you have to do is pass on your team's addresses! 

# You'll boost team morale 
# 
It's no surprise that employee morale isn't exactly high right now. A recent survey by Hubble showed that 75% of workers dislike the lack of social interaction that comes from working from home, and a virtual Christmas party is a great chance to get some spirit back into your team!

![Christmas Party Cocktail Class](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4WDlUXmtMKDBCfywKcQy78/71c357a875c16230313ac62e5e41c71a/virtual_0002_851756_66c774e15d9b4ca788c36360b154b68e_mv2_d_2880_1920_s_2__1_.jpg)

# A virtual event is cheaper than a regular Christmas party
# 
Christmas party spending reached a record high in 2019, with companies spending an average of just over £100 on each employee. With a virtual event, you can book incredible classes, hampers or gourmet meal kits for significantly less.

With options like cheese and wine pairings from £25 per head, personalised Christmas hampers at £45 per head and cocktail classes for £35 per head, virtual events are not only great fun, they’re more cost-effective than a regular Christmas party.

# You’ll support independent businesses
# 

The pandemic has heavily impacted the event sector, including the fiercely independent suppliers we partner with. Booking your virtual Christmas party with Feast It will help secure their future into 2021 and beyond.

# Less can go wrong…
# 

Let’s face it, with a virtual event it’s far less likely that controversial moments are going to occur at the Christmas party this year. So bosses and photocopiers relax...

You can enquire about the country's best suppliers for your Christmas party right [here](https://feast-it.com/enquiry?tier1=virtual).


Social Pantry

Just because your team can't meet up doesn't mean the Christmas party should be off

Why your company should throw a virtual Christmas party

If you asked us this time last year how we'd be spending the festive party season, the answer definitely wouldn't have been "at home"! Things might be a bit different this year, but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy a good (virtual) party.

The concept of virtual parties exploded onto the event planning scene recently as an alternative way to get teams together at Christmas, when they can't physically be together. Our guide to virtual parties tells you everything you need to know about planning your own, and how to avoid any awkward silences on Zoom! 

Whether or not you know what type of virtual party you want to have, we can help create a bespoke celebration for your budget and party size. Let us know your requirements by submitting an enquiry form on [this page](https://feast-it.com/enquiry?tier1=virtual).

# What are my options for a virtual Christmas party?
# 
The most popular idea we’re currently seeing is to book a virtual class, where an expert will teach your team a fun new skill over an interactive video call.

People are loving virtual cook-along classes, where gourmet meal kits are sent to staff, and a chef from the restaurant teaches your team how to cook the perfect meal, or a virtual cocktail making class, a similar concept with a mixologist on Zoom rather than a chef. The highly interactive elements of these classes remove any video call related awkwardness and allow your team to enjoy the most important aspects of a Christmas party; food, drink and the company of colleagues.

Other activities include classes like wreath and bouquet making, virtual gigs with musicians or performances from comedians.

If the idea of a virtual party isn’t appealing, sending personalised gifts to your team is a great way to thank them for all their hard work. Think Christmas hampers stuffed with goodies, three-course Christmas dinner kits for them to cook at home or personalised doughnuts and brownies.

![virtual 0004 Feast It Social Pantry Hampers](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/29yp18tNPfbmMpN901dWgV/6139cc4f2a0ee9a019f99030a5079521/virtual_0004_Feast_It_Social_Pantry_Hampers.jpg)

# How do I get everything to my team, and when do I need to place an order?
# 

Some cook-along classes require your team to purchase ingredients themselves, but most involve kits with all the gear delivered straight to their doors.

Try to order kits about a week in advance of your party date, although some suppliers can do deliveries at shorter notice, so they reach everyone on time. Most kits can be delivered nationwide, with some suppliers offering international delivery. 

Any supplier you book through Feast It was selected for their reliability as well as quality, so all you need to do is fill in the addresses of staff, and your order will make it to them in time.

# How much should I spend on a virtual Christmas party? 
# 
That depends whether you’re looking to simply to send something out to your team or throw a virtual class. Meal or cocktail kits start at about £30 + delivery per person. If you’d like to have an expert teaching your team over Zoom, you can expect to pay around £150-£250 extra on top of the cost of the kits. 

Activities like wreath making, where you get all the materials delivered to you, can cost more than food classes. You can expect to pay around £90, which should still come in much cheaper than a traditional Christmas party, where the average spend is over £100 per head.

![virtual 0002 851756 66c774e15d9b4ca788c36360b154b68e mv2 d 2880 1920 s 2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2yzjn7AdjcblcCdrbWvUte/075dbbe6cb2550b04f95c54704a2c71e/virtual_0002_851756_66c774e15d9b4ca788c36360b154b68e_mv2_d_2880_1920_s_2.jpg)

# How should we host a virtual event?
# 
Zoom allows up to 100 people on a standard call and up to 1,000 with their Large Meeting add on. 

Past the actual choice of software, we recommend reaching out to your team at least a week in advance to make sure that everyone’s free (although with lockdown there shouldn’t be too many excuses) and to check any dietary requirements if you’re doing a cook along.

Personally, we would recommend getting in a host for an activity like a cook-along class or cocktail making session where it’s important to keep the interactive element of the event going.

We recommend rounding off your party with your own interactive quiz (sorry to bring up Zoom quizzes) or virtual awards ceremony so your team can feel like they’re enjoying their meal or drinks together, without any awkward silence!

![virtual 0008 cue-point-064](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/10e2KKYLMA1ha6yc8PtUJo/2c299900f2c2571ae3770cae461d06a8/virtual_0008_cue-point-064.jpg)

# What about dietary requirements? 
# 
No problem at all, just let the suppliers know and they can sort it!

You can enquire about the country's best suppliers for your Christmas party right [here](https://feast-it.com/enquiry?tier1=virtual).


Virtual cocktail class

With a traditional knees up off the cards, we explore how you can keep your staff happy this Christmas with a virtual party

How to plan a virtual Christmas party

![State of the events industry](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4PwYI5AGI4L4YBJOht9Bs3/30cc2d5d74fbf8c13ad2c8a8afa509bb/Twitter_1.jpg)

At Feast It, we've seen firsthand the effect the pandemic has had on the small businesses we work with. We recently surveyed 500+ of the UK’s best event suppliers to find out how restrictions have impacted them. The response we received was incredible. 

We’ve picked out our top takeaways and findings from the results to give you a glimpse of the state of the events industry in 2020.

![Twitter 2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/XTH6gRuIt0d0bZBZ4OTWM/b2bc74dc4e4ad7ac68294da127a9ad4b/Twitter_2.jpg)

## Impact by supplier type

With large scale events like festivals and conferences cancelled as well as wedding party sizes limited, it’s unsurprisingly marquee and tent suppliers who’ve been hit hardest, with 56% of respondents stating losses of £100k+.

![Losses by Vertical](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/3QZ4JgrzjddwofeI4qdG0x/0146de2e3cd5c60b398121468f22989f/Losses_by_Vertical.jpg)

## Impact by region

Feast It suppliers in the South East reported the highest loss of turnover with 34% of respondents stating £100k+, followed by 30% in the South West. The numbers paint a clear picture of why __61% of businesses don’t believe they’ll survive until March next year__.

![2021 survival by region](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1PP0v3o1IPbs82WqAHR9hX/89cc651a108bc241f6f398e7a58e8040/2021_survival_by_region.jpg)

![survey image 3](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1tdKLJs0CNokzo05nvLHRm/5e94afcade3116827d4798f30b2827c8/Twitter_3.jpg)

With growing uncertainty on how long restrictions will last, many events businesses are struggling to operate or can’t operate at all, with __85% stating they don’t believe they’ve received adequate government support throughout the crisis__. 

## Impact by supplier type

Without much-needed support, job losses have been inevitable. 40% of catering, marquees and tent and multiple-offerings suppliers stated they’ll lay off between 1-5 employees by the end of the year. Another 30% of marquee and tent suppliers expect to lose between 6-10 employees.

![Government support](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2kpsG5T5G1Llrop68pZIOS/bc7eaaac8a9cc365f3d746078d668224/Government_support.jpg)

![survey image 4](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/70v7HKUfNbhZZvy8wIaxFO/104c519356dfb3b3ed6801ab0d50279e/Twitter_6.jpg)

While we understand the situation is changing rapidly, a clear roadmap of how events will return would give our industry a light at the end of the tunnel. 35% of our survey respondents indicated this would help them most with their business. Having clarity, along with extended financial support, will help steer business owners into making decisions about their workforce and their livelihoods.

Adrian Luckie, founder of Mama’s Jerk, a Feast It supplier providing Jamaican-style catering, put this into perspective: “Our incredible industry has effectively been banned. We’ve been given no clear direction on how we can make it through this crisis and all that we’re looking for at this stage is clarity on how we can survive.”

While we appreciate the immediate need for our industry to play a part in saving lives, the findings of the survey are clear. There’s a genuine danger that there won’t be suppliers available to create future events and new memories for customers when the world goes back to normal. Feast It will continue to shine a light on this situation and campaign to the government to provide support for this incredible industry.


wemakeevents

We surveyed 500+ of the UK’s best event suppliers to find out how COVID-19 restrictions have impacted them.

COVID-19 impact survey

Marquees are the perfect way to provide tailored space for guests at your event. It’s not often that you have to consider hiring one though, so when it comes to picking the right choice for your event, there are a few questions you’re going to need answers to.

Below we provide answers to questions like: What type of marquees are out there? Which style is best for me? Who provides what I’m looking for? What size marquee do I need? How much is it likely to cost? What other accessories should I be thinking about? 

![Sam_Wedding_Marquee](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5lytsvFavW6mZ8AZQuvsQ3/5f2e79c7a48846e7664d7937ec9d5ef2/Sam___Natasha_s_Wedding_Day_532_websize.jpg)

## Types of Marquees, Tents and Structures

![Traditional Marquee](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/32OGBjoU9rkdt0Skep3g8/02ff3379ba979b69bed05ce797705393/Traditional_Marquee.jpg)

### __Traditional marquees__ 
Traditional marquees have several names; pole tents, soft tops (not to be confused with Big Tops or Circus Tents), or guyed marquees. The one thing they have in common is that the main structural element is the cover itself. Most traditional marquees use cotton-based fabrics as the covering, but PVC coated polyester is popular too as it’s waterproof. 

Traditional Marquess can reach a width of 120 feet but most hirers will opt for frame marquees for widths above 40 or 50 feet (12 or 15 metres). 

It’s worth noting that Sailcloth tents (similar to traditional marquees) have spiked in popularity recently. They usually have transparent sidewalls and a wooden structure, allowing more light in and giving a slightly more modern feel. 

__Pros__: They’re big (up to 120ft wide), good value, easy to erect, a classy traditional look and very breathable

__Cons__: Bigger variations require more people to erect them, so factor that into your costs

__Perfect for__: Weddings

__Recommended Suppliers__: [White Horse Marquees](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/white-horse-marquees)

![Stretch Tent](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1GMdqvlLRz6FQoMC1wKpXr/4426d42482c85e85abbd5426ce2a4baf/Stretch_Tent.jpg)

### Stretch tents 
Funky shapes in a wide variety of colours characterise stretch tents, which use a special technical fabric that is stretchy but also provides structural stability. The fabric is anchored at its corners and along its sides, and then poles of different lengths are pushed up to create the iconic shapes. There are several manufacturers of these tents and not all use fabrics that are properly water resistant, so it is important to check that the tents you’re getting won’t let the water in, although this won’t be a problem with any Feast It suppliers.

__Pros__: Cool, modern and pretty customisable

__Cons__: Sloping sides mean internal space can sometimes be restricted

__Perfect for__: Festival themed weddings, more informal parties

__Recommended Suppliers__: [The Stretch Tent Company](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/the-stretch-tent-company?), [Intent Productions](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/intent-productions?)

![Tipis](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5QlgeXW9H2lzuEGb0vUoPU/c0c7b121485c1937d4c8711ada1e4043/Tipis.jpg)

### Tipis 
If you’re after a more festival-like vibe then tipis are probably the choice for you. They commonly consist of a natural timber structure with a canvas covering and it’s these aesthetics along with their customisable and linkable nature that make them an interesting alternative type of structure. They are used widely for weddings, parties and festivals, and increasingly for smaller corporate events.

__Pros__: Super cool, very customisable 

__Cons__: Due to their shape, things like loos aren’t often built in or provided by the supplier itself so you may end up communicating with more suppliers to get the set up you want

__Perfect for__: Festival weddings, more relaxed and informal events

__Recommended Suppliers__: [Viva La Tipi](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/viva-la-tipi?), [White Bison Tipi Hire](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/white-bison-tipi-hire?)

![Glamping tents](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2XTcbgTYDmPzldfl8Fhe74/2661654990ebaca5679937738468dacd/Glamping_tents.jpg)

### Glamping tents 
The most common tent you’ll find for glamping are bell tents and their variations; lotus bell tents and lotus mahal tents. 

A bell tent is perhaps one of the most recognisable tent styles, featuring a central support pole to support the canvas, giving it it’s classic shape. The entrance is formed with an A-frame pole and its guy ropes provide stability. 

__Pros__: Luxury accommodation that you can bring to almost any location

__Cons__: We’re not sure there are any!

__Perfect for__: Festival themed weddings

__Recommended Suppliers__: [Yurts For Life](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/yurts-for-life?), [Portobello Tents](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/portobello-tents?)

![Frame marquee](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5qR0NY2v3OdVvVD4c3qBCa/203d344041b370e2d44e7f2e8d633a92/Frame_marquee.jpg)

### Frame marquees
Frame marquees are made of semi-rigid frames that provide structural stability and are most commonly made from a synthetic fabric. Frames can be made of wood, steel aluminium tubing, or box-section aluminium. 

The ones which use box-section aluminium are referred to as Clear Span structures which can be up to 50m in width. They are called Clear Span Marquees as they have no intermediate pole supports resulting in an uninterrupted internal space.

The solid frame found with this type of marquee affords you a wider choice of accessories. Doors, windows, rigid side panels and sophisticated flooring systems can all be installed as a result. If you want a marquee but don’t want your guests to feel like they’re in a marquee then this is the choice for you. Likewise, this level of sophistication and comfort means that you aren’t restricted by the weather making Frame Marquees the best choice for events in harsher conditions.

__Pros__: They’re open, allow a wider choice of accessories and are your best choice in harsher conditions

__Cons__: They have a metal structure so you’ll be paying a bit more for inner lining to cover this up

__Perfect for__: Larger events and weddings, side extensions for your house and events in the winter

__Recommended Suppliers__: [Perfect Pitch Marquees](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/perfect-pitch-marquees?)

![Saddlespan tent](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/6uKcNUAMdBkRcUrkxeR76S/d21ca7a50b7425fd592a8ef4cbe74cf8/Saddlespan_tent.jpg)

### Saddlespan tents
Some people describe a Saddlespan tent as looking like a pringle crisp. Made from tensioned PVC and supported by architectural aluminium trussing, these unusual looking tents can be used as a large marquee, stage cover, audience shelter or exhibition venue. They are available in different sizes and can be linked in a variety of ways to create large and interesting structures. Safety issues are paramount, and this type of structure like all other tents requires competent installation. MUTA has created guidance specific to Saddlespan tents which MUTA members are obliged to follow.

__Pros__: Innovative design, good acoustics, super airy

__Cons__: They’re really just a covering so you may want to go for something with more of a structure to protect guests from the elements

__Perfect for__: A stage set up at an event, exhibitions, corporate events  

![Giant Structure](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/557dc325unFzbyVvDIpuu6/c6d982927babd3a176b55df6556d5c8d/Giant_Structure.jpg)

### Giant structures 
A giant structure is really only worth considering for really large events with 100s if not thousands of guests. Generally, these are for the corporate and event industry as opposed to private hire.
They are most commonly referred to as large span aluminium frame or tensioned pole tents and are over 25m wide. It’s not unusual to find them span up to 40 or 50 metres and as a result, they usually need the aid of a telescopic plant or crane to erect and dismantle them.

__Pros__: Solid, secure and very professional

__Cons__: Like multi-deck structures, due to their size, they require a lot of planning to set up

__Perfect for__: Larger, often more corporate events. We have seen them used at big weddings too

__Recommended Suppliers__: [Key Structures](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/key-structures-ltd?)

![Multi-deck structures](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1E6KA8gA7HMGMnJ5gLDSrM/309ff90944b72ab1eafb83b165044f21/Multi-deck_structures.jpg)

### Multi-Deck structures
Like giant structures, multi-deck structures are usually more at home at large events, and you’ll very rarely see or need them for private hire. Multi-deck structures can be either double, triple or quad-level structures. The top floor is of a standard clear span aluminium frame design with the lower floors being constructed from an integral steel upright and horizontal beam system. These are specialised structures and only very few hirers are competent to deliver them safely.

__Pros__: Their rigidity and solid structure allow you to erect and furnish a space that essentially feels like a building

__Cons__: They take real planning and logistical thought and require a big team to set up

__Perfect for__: Large events with thousands of guests

__Recommended Suppliers__: [Key Structures](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/key-structures-ltd?)

---

## How big does your marquee have to be? 
Your marquee supplier will help find the right sized structure for your event. It’s no secret what the contributing factors are though; number of guests, decorations, table sizes, number of chairs needed and other things like the addition of a bar or dancefloor too. Below we’ve included a table to allow you to make a rough estimate:

![marquee_size_guide_2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4IckVLvysfXBEnhgmfgh39/5aab5d051e96cf8e767c2de0ca783e91/Size_Guide1size_guide.jpg)

## Marquee decoration guide
It’s one thing choosing the marquee itself but next come the considerations about how you’ll kit it out. A good marquee provider will have decorating options available with their offering, or at least have partners that can provide the following.

### Furniture
__Tables__

Things you’ll want to consider are the variety of shapes and sizes. Round tables are often considered more sociable but longer tables will allow you to use long benches as opposed to chairs and perhaps be more efficient with your space. Less about space, but more about aesthetics, you’ll also need to consider the style, or even if you want table coverings.  

__Chairs and benches__

A good marquee provider should have various chairs available for hire. Some with seat pads, others without and always a good variety of colours and style. Of course, choosing a decorative chair would render colour and style useless. If you’re going for a more festival vibe, then benches might be worth considering. 

__Bar__

If you want a bar but you’re on a budget, the best solution is a couple of trestle tables that your marquee supplier should have handy. If you’re looking for a more bespoke option, it’s probably worth checking out some of our suppliers here. 

### Floors, Stage & Dancefloor
__Floors__

Matting laid directly onto the ground with a membrane underneath is the most common and cost-effective option. When well laid, it looks nice too. If you want to push the boat out, you can have a solid floor with or without carpet. 

__Stage__

You’ll want to consider a stage for a band, although this isn’t essential. Some marquee suppliers will provide this themselves whilst others will partner with stage suppliers and include the cost in their quote. 

__Dancefloor__

Dance floors do take up space and will inevitably add to the cost of the hire. Always consider the space you will need to make for an area to dance but you might be able to make do without a dedicated floor.

### Lighting
We could write a whole article on the plethora of lighting available but instead here are some key things worth thinking about. 

Consider the complexity of lighting. Do you want to keep it simple or add numerous colours and effects for a little later in the night?

Do you need external lighting, perhaps near guest accommodation, or for parking or for any external features you’ve hired? 

Again, seek the advice of the marquee hirer who will be able to advise on any rigs and lights they have available.  

### Power
There are 3 main ways to provide a source of power to a marquee. Firstly you can run a cable in from a mains socket if your marquee is close enough to a building. You can also wire into a fuse board if there’s a fuse board not too far from the site. And lastly, you can run off a generator which will come in a range of shapes and sizes. If you go for the latter, ask your supplier how loud it is, you don’t want it rumbling away during the “I do’s”.

### Heating
Electrical heating is probably best for inside the marquee, you just need to make sure you have enough heaters. Heaters other than electrical ones should be “indirect”, i.e. those
with an exhaust system, that sit outside the tent and blow warm air in through flame
retardant ducting running under the edge of the canvas or through a specially made cut
out in the wall. 

### Toilets
If there are no loos near the marquee a toilet trailer or portaloos may be your best option. Some marquee providers will have these themselves whilst others will partner with loo providers. There are a wide range of styles and sophistication available, so it won’t feel like day three of a music festival!

## Estimated Costs
The cost of a marquee is based on numerous factors. You have the marquee itself and variable factors such as:

- Number of guests
- Type of marquee
- Size of marquee
- Location

And then you have the itemisation within the marquee where you’ll have to consider:

- Type of flooring
- Type and number of chairs and tables
- Lighting
- Interior decoration
- Heating
- Loos
- Bar
- Dance Floor
- Staging

With so many variables to estimate, the cost of a marquee is hard to predict, so it’s always best to start engaging with a supplier as soon as possible and provide as much detail as possible. We’ve put together a rough estimation of costs for a clear span and stretch tent marquee, depending on the size of the marquee, number of guests and some basic decoration variations. However expect to be adding at least £1000 after you take into consideration tables, seating, lighting, heating (if needed) decorations, sound and loos.

![small_clearspan_2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2Spn6ArNzV5VVozmwkatk1/760a2d23d8c52b1d87b7830064e0ae64/Smaller1small_clearspan.jpg)

![large_clearspan_2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/3BYgmymFZnNbttYz0ydV0H/fc492b0b0c430098f47663389cae7d56/Larger_clearspan_marquees1large_clearspan.jpg)

![stretch_tent_2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/6UsDrAQ6aQvTl4jknV3HxL/be165021f263ce765812add6ee319795/Stretch_Tent_marquees1stretch_tents.jpg)


Sam_Wedding_Marquee

Everything you need to know about hiring a marquee.