Our client in the music industry asked us to provide a variety of ideas and venues suitable for their annual outdoor summer party. This should include a fun team building activity, preferably water-based in London or within one hour’s drive. They also needed us to arrange transport to and from their London offices, a variety of additional fun activities, a BBQ lunch, bar and music entertainment for 120 people with a wet weather contingency.
We provided several activity and venue options and the client chose to hold this special event in the grounds of The Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor. This stunning venue has its own permanent marquee in the gardens, located on the banks of the River Thames. The marquee was used for arrival refreshments, a bar throughout the day, lunch service and seating and afternoon entertainment. We arranged for a variety of fun games and activities including Swingball, Connect 4, inflatable bungee run and inflatable skittles in the gardens. We also hire two tennis courts, pre-booked several rounds of golf on the on-site 9-hole golf course and also booked a boat for small groups to make trips up and down the Thames.
The dragon boating brought a competitive edge to the day, with the staff being split into teams with branded t-shirts for several hours of racing, with a prize for the winning team. A Capri marquee was constructed as a chill-out area, with therapists offering massages plus beauty treatments including eyebrow shaping and nail treatments. We also hired picnic tables, a selection of deck chairs, beanbags and festival flags for guests to sit on the water’s edge or gardens and enjoy watching the activities.
After lunch a band performed in the marquee with Pimms being served and a variety of drinks from the bar, with a well-timed visit from the pre-booked ice cream van mid-afternoon, offering a wide range of ice creams and slush.
We had great feedback about what a fun day they had had, many people trying out new activities for the first time. And for those who prefer to watch, they enjoyed a more relaxing day watching the world go by!
