Gatecrasher

What. A. Guest I've got for you to finish series one of the Gatecrasher podcast.

Simon Lycett shot to fame after arranging flowers for the smash-hit film 'Four Weddings And A Funeral'. He's worked on so many iconic events it was impossible to narrow it down to just one, so today you're in for a treat as we get to gatecrash a whole heap of events.

Loved by celebrities and Royals alike, Simon is known for always delivering the highest levels of passion and creativity.

Simon is ultra-enthusiastic and it was a joy to talk to him about how flowers bring events to life. 

In this episode we chat about:

• Creating full-on florals for Sir Elton John
• Using flowers to transport you to another place
• Breaking the rules with Victoria Beckham
• The joy of filling your boots and loving your job

THANK YOU if you've listened to the Gatecrasher Podcast during series one, and for giving me the chance to share the incredible stories of the people behind events.

The world premiere of James Bond's No Time To Die was no ordinary event. After being pushed back 3 times due to the pandemic, when it finally arrived it felt like the symbol of normal life resuming as we waited to see not just how Daniel Craig would bow out but also whether the film would generate the return to cinema that the industry so badly needed.

Such was the hype that it warranted a rare joint royal attendance by Charles, Camilla, William and Kate who stepped out onto the red carpet to meet the stars from the film, including 007 himself.

On the podcast this week my guest Lucy Noble, Artistic Director at the Royal Albert Hall, talks about the logistics and pressures of hosting a star-studded, glittering film premiere when the eyes of the world are watching.

We also chat about

• Getting up close and personal with stars
• What happens behind the glamour
• How to create an electric atmosphere
• Why timing is everything

Follow Royal Albert Hall here: https://www.instagram.com/royalalberthall/

And follow me here:  https://www.instagram.com/evolveevents/

On the podcast today we’re going behind the scenes of the second biggest street festival in the world and one of the most electrifying outdoor events you can ever experience.

It’s a celebration that encourages cultural unity.

"There's not many other events when you can see so many different people from different backgrounds, ethnicity and religion essentially at ease with each other."

Over the years Notting Hill Carnival has become a mainstay of British culture and even features on a list of the top 100 British icons. Not bad for an event that grew out of a small community gathering.

Taking us behind the scenes of this larger-than-life event, is CEO Matthew Phillip, as Carnival gets ready to return the streets after an enforced break of three years.

In this episode we talk about

• The role events play in bringing people together
• How to keep events authentic
• Why constant planning and refinement matters
• Perception & reality

Dealing with last minute changes can be one of the most challenging parts of hosting events.

“Two days before we got a call saying, they’re not going to let you put anything on fire. And we were like, it’s literally the most important part of the entire event.”

Our guest this time, Alana Buckley shares her experiences as the host of Diner en Blanc, an event that's cloaked in mystery. It's the pop-up picnic party that's become a global sensation, attended by over 100,000 guests; an event so good people are prepared to bring their own table, chair, crockery and food to meet in an undisclosed location.

Responsible for bringing this now iconic event to London, Alana shares the challenges she faced along the way in applying her own vision.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Utilising FOMO to create audiences and connect people
• The satisfaction of pulling off a complicated event
• Plus how street food is changing events catering for the better

Hosting an event at Hampton Court Palace means your guest are literally walking in the footsteps of Kings and Queens, enjoying once in a lifetime experiences.

So no wonder Prince Harry chose it as the venue for his Sentebale Charity Concert; an event that required planning to an inch of its life and even then, tested the team to be flexible and find workarounds.

"At the last minute Prince Harry’s schedule moved. We suddenly had to change ALL the timings."

But what's it like working at such an extraordinary space? To find out what’s involved in pulling off prestigious VIP events I speak to Liz Young, Head of Events and Commercial Services at the Historic Royal Palaces. She chats about:

· The pleasures (and perils) of planning parties in palaces

· How trusting your team is key to staying calm

· Why VIPs and social media can enhance your event

· Working with Princes and paparazzi

“I didn’t really have doubts. The more positive you are, the more positive things happen around you”

How do you put on the biggest marathon in the world during a global pandemic?

This was the challenge Event Director Hugh Brasher faced in 2020 as he worked out how to adapt the London Marathon to ensure the event could continue at a time when it was needed the most.  In this episode we discuss;

• Why nothing is impossible
• The need to be agile
• The future of mass participation sporting events
• Making events more inclusive

Gatecrasher. Your backstage pass to the most iconic events ever staged.

This podcast is for those curious about events, either working professionally in the industry, hosting their own event or who just enjoy a good spectacle. Anna Peters from Evolve Events chats to the people behind the scenes to reveal their secrets about creating extraordinary events, like The London Marathon and Notting Hill Carnival. The stories and advice shared can be applied to any event, big or small, inspiring you to create your own events with big ambitions.

Gatecrasher. Your backstage pass to the most iconic events ever staged.