Oliver James Associates OJ Fest Brand Festival

The summer party is a staple in the social calendar of our recruitment client, Oliver James and a true annual highlight for their team of over 200. Having outdone ourselves on this event year-on-year and with numbers growing, Clive set the bar high for 2015.

Following a full scale national venue search, Clive sourced the perfect location, set on the breath-taking grounds of Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire. For our theming and design, we needed something cool, fun and energising. So, with the help of a massive production team, we built ‘OJ Fest’! Our design team created an event brand and a bespoke event website that created a buzz within the company whilst keeping the event details under wraps.

As the event neared, guests were given their branded festival pack with an itinerary and luggage tags. Finally, the day arrived and guests were boarded on coaches departing from Olivier James’ Manchester and London offices towards the top secret destination.

Meanwhile, the production team spent two days and nights installing an electrifying festival setup, no holds barred. This included Giant Hat Tipis with fire pits, hay bales, vibrant furnishing and lazy boy beanbags, top spec lighting and sound, dance floors and games tables.
This could be a difficult one to top next year… but not for Clive!

As the coaches arrived, breakfast rolls and refreshments were served on the sunny balcony with the main camp just out of sight. The group were then guided into the impressive grandeur of Eastnor Castle.

Kicking off the weekend with an inspirational talk from the company’s Directors, the motivational atmosphere was heightened by a talk from surprise guest, athlete and Olympic Gold Medalist, James Cracknell OBE. His talk on his sporting achievements and rebuilding his life after a collision involving a truck left the audience awe-inspired.

And then, the fun began… The groups were split into teams with bespoke printed team shirts and fancy dress. Making use of the grounds and building relationships between the London, Manchester and Amsterdam offices, the teams worked together to complete a two-hour scavenger hunt enjoyed by all – except for perhaps the individual who took an unexpected plunge into the lake…

The final stop of the hunt finally lead the group into their very own Glastonbury style campsite where a barbeque buffet awaited and the winners were awarded with champagne showers. Then the guests were let loose to enjoy the sunshine, with an ice cream van, pic ‘n’ mix stalls and an open bar. If that wasn’t enough, we also brought in a bouncy castle, henna artist, face painters, electric shishas and a magician.

Later in the evening, we opened up our vintage caravan photo booth and served up dinner with a pizza van, hog roast and paella popups. As if that wasn’t enough, we  brought in captivating fire performers, shot girls for added fun and an Ibiza worthy DJ to keep the party going.

After an incredible night, 11 rooms were reserved for our VIPs in the luxury of the castle, whilst the majority of the group lived it up in our custom built campsite with beautiful bell tents on the grounds of the estate, complete with luxury facilities and security.

Bringing OJFest to life, Clive accomplished a flawless event where the element of surprise delighted and enthralled guests throughout the day and into the night.

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