Britannia Movers International is known for holding its annual conferences in exciting locations such as Copenhagen, Sorrento, and Reykjavik, so for the 2021 event the choice of Peterborough - lovely though it is - was a little unusual!
The conference was to have been held in the Westin Hotel in Malta, but the second COVID lockdown earlier this year forced the organising team to change their plans. Despite all the challenges around COVID, Britannia was determined to host a great event in 2021, the group’s 40th anniversary year. The key criteria were to make it a true celebration, to keep everyone safe, and to include as many members of staff as possible.
This led Britannia to the concept of an outdoor festival-style event, and Britfest was born. Organising an event on this scale was no mean feat, but the Britannia team completed the task in just four months, despite having to build the site from the ground up.
With that in mind, it was probably with a little trepidation that on 17 September around 120 staff from across the Britannia network headed to the East of England Showground. However, when they saw the beautiful marquees, bell tents and festival flags, they were quickly in the mood to get the party started.
The event kicked off with craft beer tasting in the BAR Services dining tent, followed by a screening of the movie Grease on a giant LED screen, sponsored by Mover Alerts and TwentyCi. Fish & chips and pie & mash were provided by street food traders and not surprisingly, the Basil Fry bar tent was a very busy place! The evening entertainment included a fire-breathing performance followed by a set from singer Melissa Rainbird, but the silent disco in the IFX entertainment tent was really the big hit of the night. It was so popular the DJ stayed for an extra hour because everyone was having such a good time.
The next morning dawned clear and warm, and the guests enjoyed cooked breakfasts in the sunshine while listening to the sounds of the steel band on the Reason Global main stage. Before long the site was a hive of activity, with inflatable games, walkabout entertainment, and lots of live music. Attendees took part in yoga, circus skills, welly wanging, laser clay shooting, bubble blowing and a tug of war – and that was just in the morning!
The afternoon’s live music line up had something for all tastes, with a rock guitarist, a sixties retro band featuring former Britannia shareholder Paul Delo, a high energy party band, and even a Madness tribute act. Those who needed to take some time to relax in the evening headed over to Campfire Corner - sponsored by Haywood Packaging - to enjoy toasted marshmallows and a cosy vibe; but most danced the night away at the main stage or gathered in the beer tent.
Sunday morning was all about lie ins in the beautiful glamping site, which was sponsored by web marketing company Chillibyte. Bacon sandwiches and chill-out music were enjoyed before everyone had to pack their bags and head for home.
Britannia Movers Managing Director Mark Tresler said, “We were determined not to let our 40th anniversary year pass without a true celebration of everything the Britannia family has achieved so far, and we’re pleased to have pulled it off despite all the logistical challenges. It was wonderful to see staff from all areas of the business at the event, including lots of younger team members and first-time attendees, and we’re looking forward to seeing them all again when normal conferences resume in 2022.”
Photos: Britannia MD Mark Tresler with his partner Jackie; Haywoods’ Campfire Corner; Madness tribute act, Mainly Madness.