The client 

Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies, applying their cutting-edge science to create solutions with their customers that make a real difference to the world around us. They are a FTSE 100 company, have been leaders in their field for more than 200 years, and employ over 15,000 staff worldwide.

The brief

After completion of a major project, Johnson Matthey wanted to thank their team for all of their hard work which led to its success. An invitation-only event was proposed for 1000 staff members and their families for a celebratory day of food, fun, and entertainment.

The brief was to make use of the space that everyone was already familiar with (the Royston office car park!) and to provide an overall experience that would appeal to those with and without children.

The main event

Using a blend of The Crane Event magic and the fantastic insight from the client on their previous events, we created an outdoor family festival!

We curated a wide selection of entertainment that catered for all. For the family-friendly activities, we organised educational elements utilising local charities and museums, arts & craft workshops, interactive sporting activities, funfair side stalls, and even a visit from three Disney Princesses! Live bands across a range of genres got the event pumping and DJs provided the soundtrack to everyone’s day.

There was food and drink aplenty as we arranged for Cambridgeshire’s finest food trucks to supply a festival of delights to cater for all tastes and diets. They served throughout the day and a token wristband was utilised to ensure quick and speedy service.

Using the company car park that was in operation just the day before, we erected an event village with marquees, staging, lighting, AV, seating, and toilets. We managed all health, safety, and security aspects with a solid Event Management Plan, detailed risk assessments, and presence from St John’s Ambulance.

Taking the admin burden away from the client, we led the invitation and registration process, providing regular updates on the number of RSVPs. By managing this process, we were able to collate key information (e.g. dietary requirements and arrival times) which would inform the flow of the event and ensure a smooth entry process.

After carefully planning all of the moving parts of this family-friendly festival our directors (Justin and Jemma) were on site throughout: from set-up, to the live event, and on to pack-down. They were supported by a full event team: comprising of ‘happy to help’ staff and HQ area specialists to ensure every guest's needs were met.

The results

• A successful family festival with 1000+ employees and their families in attendance.

• An event that was inclusive to all through a wide variety of activities and entertainment, sourced from local suppliers to support the community.

• A safe and secure outdoor event on the company’s property was delivered with low impact on the working site and its operating car park.

• Wonderful feedback both during and after the event from staff members who felt the festival was a great celebration and thank you for all of their hard work.

We adored creating this event, with its blank canvas, multiple moving parts, and smiling faces throughout! The success of the day was summed up by the last family to leave. Their child was crying and when we asked if we could help, we were simply told “she just doesn’t want the day to end”.