GL events UK win best temporary structure at the Festival Supplier Awards

GL events UK is thrilled to have been recognised for our outstanding work in the events industry, winning the Best Temporary Structure award at the Festival Supplier Awards. This award celebrates our team’s incredible dedication and hard work in designing and delivering a temporary theatre for Dartford Borough Council, when the Orchard Theatre had to close unexpectedly due to structural concerns. 

Our team pulled together to deliver an incredibly successful project, creating a state-of-the-art temporary theatre which received an outstanding reception from both our client and the general public.

Jason Culverwell, Head of Technical and Production Management at Trafalgar Entertainment, commended GL events UK’s dedication and precision, emphasising how impressed he was with the team’s approach.

In October 2023, structural issues in the roof of The Orchard Theatre forced an immediate closure. As a major economic and cultural hub, the theatre serves a large catchment area and supports local businesses. Recognising the urgency of the situation, Dartford Borough Council allocated funds to commission a temporary theatre, ensuring that performances could continue without disruption.

With our extensive experience in theatre and performance spaces, we secured the tender and faced a tight deadline, with the first show scheduled to open in just six weeks.

One of the biggest challenges was the tight timeline—with a third of the theatre’s annual revenue generated during pantomime season, delays were not an option. We had to make quick, informed decisions, working closely with stakeholders to meet the deadline. 

Further complicating the project, the chosen site turned out to be a floodplain. For two weeks, our team battled adverse weather, working 12-hour days in the rain while coordinating with groundworks contractors. As Principal Contractor, we oversaw the entire construction process, ensuring the theatre was built to the highest standards.

Our goal was to create a familiar trusted environment for audience and performer. During the design phase of the project, we meticulously planned every aspect of the theatre’s layout, considering the experience of audience members, performers, and backstage crews. The structure featured a proscenium arch and professional lighting trusses, capable of supporting nearly 30 tonnes of equipment. Access routes were optimised for guests, as well as for backstage crew. A roller-shutter door enabled easy unloading of show trucks directly onto the stage. With state-of-the-art sound and lighting control, we ensured a high-quality performance environment.

Managing the council’s budget responsibly was a top priority. We ensured that public funds were spent wisely, balancing guest experience with cost-effective solutions. Insulated linings in the walls and roof helped reduce heat loss, and we implemented an innovative power system, utilising battery cells to minimise generator usage, reducing noise and fuel consumption. Real-time power monitoring allowed for efficient fuel planning and cost control. 

The battery cell system powered essential functions such as fire alarms and emergency lighting, while generators were programmed to shut off between 11 PM and 7 AM, reducing environmental impact in the urban setting.

The temporary theatre, named Orchard West, has been a huge success within the local community adding another revenue stream for local businesses.

Congratulations to all the winners at this year’s Festival Supplier Awards! We’re beyond proud of our team, whose dedication and talent led to an incredible win. Their hard work, creativity, and determination truly paid off, allowing us to deliver an outstanding event space despite the challenges. This project highlights our ability to innovate and collaborate, ensuring live performances continue to bring joy to audiences across the UK.