Over three days and nights in July 2022, our Deer Park, Polo Fields and wider Estate were once again transformed into an outdoor concert venue, as more than 20,000 people enjoyed performances from Boy George and Culture Club, Russell Watson and a host of stars for the Flackstock festival.
The concerts were managed by live music specialists Heritage Live, with whom we worked closely for several months in the lead up to the events, to plan the logistics and schedule.
This work included applying for premise licenses to allow live music to be played on the Estate as well as the selling of alcoholic beverages. A traffic management plan had to be devised to deal with the increased traffic in the area and detailed risk assessments completed to ensure the safety of the significant numbers of people who would be on the Estate. These, along with other operational considerations, were contained within the event management plan which was submitted to the West Berks Safety Advisory Group.
In the week leading up to the events, staff from various suppliers were involved in erecting and rigging the stage and seating for the event goers, installing sound and visual systems, marking out car parking for up to 6,000 cars, positioning food and beverage concession stands and toilet facilities, as well as creating a special VIP area for performers which could accommodate their bands, backing singers, make-up artists and guests.
Boy George and Culture Club launched the concert series on the Saturday evening, followed by acclaimed tenor Russell Watson on the Sunday, in performances which were part of Heritage Lives’ series of exclusive UK outdoor shows for 2022.
On the third and final day, Englefield Estate was proud to work with Giles Cooper Entertainment, which staged the Flackstock festival, with sponsorship from McDonalds. The day of music, comedy and dance was held in memory of the late TV presenter Caroline Flack.
The Flackstock Committee said: “Holding Flackstock at Englefield House was the perfect partnership. Not only did it give us a very unique and fitting location, the team at Englefield couldn’t have been easier or more professional to work with. They went above and beyond to make the day work for us. Having our performers playing in the beautiful surroundings of Englefield made for the most special of events for everyone that came.”
With great weather across the whole weekend, the feedback from audience members and musicians was extremely positive, with many commenting on the stunning venue and atmosphere it created.
It was the first time the summer concerts have taken place in the grounds of Englefield House since 2018, when people enjoyed performances featuring Il Divo, Madness and Sir Tom Jones.
The concerts were managed by Live Nation / Cuffe & Taylor and were also a great success, helping to showcase what a unique and versatile venue the Englefield Estate is.
Cuffe & Taylor Commercial Director Jason Cotillard, commented: “As soon as we entered the driveway to the Estate we knew Englefield would be an ideal venue for our ‘Summer House Sounds’ concerts. Its proximity to major transport routes means it offers good access links for those attending and the scale of the site provides more than enough space for all the necessary facilities and services.
“However, when we are looking for a venue it is not enough that they tick all of the practical and logistical boxes, we are also looking for something unique and special. Englefield certainly offers that!"
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