5 MINUTES WITH...
OLIVIA MCLEAN MANAGER, BREWIN DOLPHIN BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL
Te Borders Book Festival, in Harmony Garden, Melrose, from 16 to 19 June, will play host to some of the biggest names in books, entertainment and politics. But, as festival manager Olivia McLean explains, there is more to it than just books.
Recent past: I’ve worked in free- lance event management for the past few years, starting with the London Olympics in 2012 and more recently at Glasgow 2014, Ride London, Sport Relief, Great Run events and BBC at the Edin- burgh Festivals. I had previously worked for
Cancer Research UK delivering their hugely successful Race for Life; a 5k/10k running or walk- ing mass participation series for women. Over 50 events organ- ised, 10 different cities, three different countries and numbers ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 taking part. It was phenomenal the way people came together; laughing, crying and showing that they were all there to beat cancer no matter how quickly they ran the course. I still have great contacts from organising those events and for the first time ever, took part in the brilliant Glasgow Race for Life in 2015 with some friends from school. It was harder than managing any event!
Before that: My first full time job out of university was with one of the UK’s biggest and best music promoters, DF Concerts and Events Ltd. Brought in to help at a month long event in the SECC, I stayed on for two and half years, getting involved in massive shows such as Robbie Williams, Bon Jovi, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and, still one of Scotland’s best showcase events, T in the Park. Although perhaps not as glamourous as it sounds, I did have the privilege of seeing some fantastic artists and performers, while also working with some greats. I am still very lucky to get involved in some of DF Concerts and Events fantastic projects including the BBC @ Te Edinburgh Festivals in August.
Now: Now I work for myself, seek- ing out new challenges and get-
Glasgow 2014 and the Ryder Cup, we should be used as the bench- mark for future mass scale events. A friend and previous colleague has been developing the food and drink aspect of events for a few years now and has, alongside others, completely changed how organisers and their audience members value food and drink of- ferings at events. Tis has led to a new and incredibly successful part of the food industry, with quality, local street food now immensely popular. It’s these successful and driven people that will keep Scot- land at the top of this industry.
ting involved in some great events such as the Borders Book Festival. Something that has grown arms and legs over the years, it is brilliant to see such a breadth of talent come to a place I call home and for all of these shows to be available to anyone who wants to come and see. Melrose is a stun- ning backdrop to a book festival which now not only brings the best in the literature world but hosts a fabulous venue for artists, theatrical performances, delicious local and drink and even Scottish Opera in an artic lorry!
Audience: Te Borders Book Festival has always had a loyal and positive audience. With the introduction of a new food and drink festival site it is now increasing its profile each year and we are starting to see people realise that there is more to book festivals than just books. Personally, I am delighted to be able to produce an event that is now attracting audience members from three right through to the 93 years-old, and hope that it car-
ries on providing innovative and interesting elements to encourage more people to attend.
Base: My husband and I built a house in a rural setting, near Melrose in the Scottish Borders, where our living space is a wall of glass looking directly onto the Eildon Hills; a stunning view. Although it would be sensible for work purposes to live nearer to a city, we can’t give up the outside living nor the tranquil life we are creating for our kids. However we’re already seeing the benefits of the Borders Railway both in terms of business travel, but also for visitors coming to events in the Borders.
Evolution: I think as a country experienced in delivering events on the international stage, we will continue to develop innovative ideas, leading on many elements of the industry. We are being watched and studied by the world and with the hugely successful delivery of mega events such as
Best moment: Every event that I have been involved with has had its best moment. From deliver- ing the last event of the Com- monwealth Games in Glasgow to watching Snow Patrol from the side of stage at T In Te Park, to being onsite for 30 days straight at the BBC at the Edinburgh Festival, it all has a best moment. Anyone who loves being in the back- ground of events will understand that despite the very long hours and not always being the most glamourous, the adrenaline from seeing your plans in action are the best moments you can have.
Is Scotland the Perfect Stage? Scot- land has already shown that it is one of the world leaders in putting on successful, legacy events. Te year of Homecoming in 2014 with all the events staged across the country alongside, the obvious biggies proved that we are on the main stage and showcasing to the world. I would like to see this continue and for these big inter- national events to return alongside supporting all of the successful and loved annual events. Utilis- ing the expertise and facilities in Scotland will support the needs and desires of potential events and hopefully we will see another 2014 in the future.
42 | EVENTSBASE | SUMMER 2016
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