It’s always strange looking back at the summer season. The earlier events all seem a very long time ago now! And here in the ZooBells office we’re already planning for Summer 2020 – it never stops.
2019 was our busiest season to date. Every year we add events to our schedule, as well as growing the boutique camping offering in our repeat events. The demand for glamping is showing no signs of slowing down. Events we started out at with just twenty tents three or four years ago are now one hundred tent jobs or more. With the staycation proving more and more popular, whether because of Brexit concerns or climate change giving us unusually hot summers, people are spending more on their festival experience. Which of course is good news for us glamping companies.
We kicked the season off in style this year, with our first visit to the Isle of Man, all the way back in May. The ZooCrew created a pop-up canvas hotel at the most dangerous road race in the world- the TT motorbike races. At the same time back in the office, the last of the seasonal crew recruitment was underway along with Glastonbury planning, where we create not one, not two but three glampsites. Alongside sites that we create for our long-trusted partners Ziggu Camp and Middlewick Farm, we also have our own ZooBells Powder Room just outside Gate D. Here we create a snazzy accommodation village with over one hundred bell tents and yurts complemented by a bar, restaurant and fire pit housed in our Giant Hat Tipis. ZooLoos join us and install their luxury flushing toilets, hot showers and pamper area, with beauticians, massage therapists and glitter artists on site too.
After Glasto we had a very small lull where all the Project Managers returned to the office finalising their events for the season. But by mid-July, the office was deserted again with four crews out on the road, many not seeing their own beds again until the end of August.
From Ramblin Man Fair in the Brecons to Neverworld in Kent, to Boardmasters in Cornwall to Lost Village in Lincolnshire, the ZooCrew travelled to all corners of the country. The crew braved some terrible weather – mainly at Boomtown and at the sadly cancelled Boardmasters but overall we had another great summer. The general consensus when working was bring both waterproofs and sunscreen, as who knew what the weather would do!
It’s not just music festivals though. We’ve seen several birthday parties and weddings this year, as well as some sporting events. We require a 25 tent minimum but apart from that we’re not fussy! Our last event of the year was a trip to France to create a home from home for Richard Branson, who was supporting his son and nephew who organise the extreme sports Strive Challenges to raise money for Big Change, a not for profit organisation to drive forward innovative education projects.
Meanwhile, back in the Zoo Offices, Director Ben, assisted by Events Co-ordinator Hannah, were busy planning our grand move to new premises 10 miles away. New purpose-built barns will store our precious bell tents for the winter, while a fantastic new office will keep the team snug and warm during the long winter months.
Sleep in style
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