Sometimes, it’s worth pulling out all the stops for a special occasion and this is exactly what the team at Laithwaites Wine did when they chose Englefield House for their 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Laithwaites team - whose UK Head Office is in neighbouring Theale - came to Englefield with hopes for creating a “truly memorable” festival-style celebration worthy of the history, prestige and excellence of this longstanding family wine merchants.

House and Events Manager, Peter Carson, explained: “The team at Englefield, as always, were willing to oblige. Our experienced team treat every event as unique and maintain open-mindedness and flexibility when planning.”

The Laithwaites 50th anniversary celebration was in two stages; during the day, members of the Laithwaites family were joined by an exclusive party of guests for a sumptuous three-course VIP lunch at Englefield House. After lunch, guests were invited to explore the gardens, which were in full bloom, before heading down to the Deer Park for the evening festivities.

The evening event took on a festival vibe and over 800 Laithwaites employees came together from across the country in full party mode.  

Entertainment surrounding the festival stage included archery, laser clay shooting, mini golf, inflatable games and fun fair style stalls. The selection of food on offer was as broad as the entertainment and included a hog roast, burgers, German sausages, Mexican tacos, pizzas and English cheese platters.

Guests partied into the night with a silent disco, a karaoke bus, and live music from the Rick Parfitt Junior Band, and the evening concluded with a jaw-dropping firework display over the lake and deer park.

John Kemp, UK Customer Insight & Innovation Manager at Laithwaites Wine, said: “We simply could have not chosen a better place to celebrate 50 years. Estate staff were great, immensely helpful and flexible, and with those little touches such as the idea of leading the guests down into the Deer Park after lunch, made the event extra special.

“I do hope we can come up with another excuse for a party and return.”

Pictures and video courtesy of www.penguins.co.uk.