News NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM’S


The Natural History Museum made waves this New Year’s Eve, with 700 guests celebrating ‘Under the sea’- themed festivities inspired by the Hintze Hall’s newly-installed blue whale skeleton.


The evening saw celebrations of oceanic proportions organised by Amy O’Brien, Senior Event Coordinator, in partnership with Guilty Pleasures who provided DJs and live entertainment. Guests turned out all kinds of fancy dress to kick the evening off in style.


In the lead up to the clocks chiming midnight, attendees had the chance to make their own underwater-themed headwear and could dance the night away alongside the presence of live performers in the venue’s silent disco. During highly competitive games of Musical Bingo, guests battled it out marking off songs played in Museum-themed rounds to win a range of prizes from the shop. Revellers also engaged with the latest ‘Massaoke’ craze sweeping the nation,


‘UNDER THE SEA’


NEW YEAR’S EVE A ‘SHORE’ HIT


a mass participation karaoke sing-along with crowds guided by big screen lyrics.


White Light enhanced the spaces with lighting and audio elements to create an immersive experience for the partygoers with atmospheric soundscapes throughout to help bring the nautical theme to life. Dappled water effects washed over the ceiling and architecture and the Museum galleries were beautifully lit in shades of blue and green to complement the ‘Under the sea’ party environment.


Three exhibitions Whales: Beneath the surface, Venom: Killer and cure and Wildlife Photographer of the Year were open for


party guests to enjoy exclusive private viewings.


In-house caterers Benugo provided drinks, including ocean-themed cocktails, and light refreshments throughout the evening.


Robert Wetherell, Head of Venue Hire and catering explains: “This year has seen a once-in-a-generation transformation of Hintze Hall and been incredible for showcasing the versatility of our event spaces. This ‘Under the sea’ celebration draws a hugely successful 2017 to a close, and we look forward to further enhancing our offering to events clients for 2018.”


BEACON ENCOURAGES OPERATORS TO PREPARE IN ORDER TO PREVENT A ‘DRY’ JANUARY


Beacon, Britain’s leading purchasing company, recently discovered that 44% of Brits are now drinking less when going out than this time last year. Furthermore, according to CGA Strategy, January is the worst performing month in terms of on- trade sales, with two thirds of 377 licensees reporting their sales suffered as a result of Dry January in 2016 .


According to Beacon’s supplier, Molson Coors, January has become a difficult period for operators as a result of healthy lifestyle choices and the increased popularity of Dry January, with one in five consumers now taking part according to CGA Strategy. What’s more, insight from AB InBev has found that 21,000


26 JANUARY 2018 WWW.VENUE-INSIGHT.COM


drink-led venues have closed in the last 10 years, suggesting a changing landscape in the out-of- home drinking market.


With this changing environment in mind, Kelley Walker, Purchasing Manager at Beacon, considers the drinks market and shares her advice on how operators can uphold sales in a traditionally difficult month.


Try January


As an alternative to expanding your non- alcoholic offering, instead of focusing on Dry January, one of our suppliers Matthew Clark is supporting Try January. This involves flipping the concept on its head and encouraging consumers to try something different in January, rather than not drinking at all.


“What products are selected for this is entirely up to the operator, but it can be effective in a range of ways. Operators can encourage the use of more premium and unusual soft drink mixers, allowing them to up-sell products. Another option is offering a wine of the month, perhaps a product with a lesser-known grape variety. Staff can be utilised to promote these products, encouraging consumers to try something new, rather than avoid drinking completely.


“Overall, Dry January doesn’t have to mean a dry month for operators, as long as they prepare and consider alternatives. It can provide the opportunity for operators to trial different products and seek to maximise sales through different avenues and tactics.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52