Summer Social 2023

Background

Summer Social is London’s biggest Sports, Fitness and Lifestyle Festival – combining the worlds of sports and music to create an inclusive and engaging experience for festival-goers, sports players and fitness fanatics.

Set across both Richmond Athletic Ground and Old Deer Park, Summer Social draws a crowd of up to 8,000 attendees. The event brings together teams of Rugby, Netball and CrossFit enthusiasts for a day of competition and celebration.

This event launched in 2016, and 2023 marked its return for the 6th consecutive year.

The Fair has been working with the Summer Social team since 2018 and, following years of successful event production, we were asked to produce Summer Social in 2023, with We Are OPS providing Operation and Health & Safety services alongside.

Challenge

Unexpected train strikes posed logistical challenges, prompting the need for a swift adjustment to our egress plan to accommodate attendees and ensure their safety

Following multiple years of successful festival production, one of our main goals for Summer Social 2023 was to exceed the high standards set by previous editions – ensuring that each year is more memorable and enjoyable than the last!

8 days on site
Health & safety management and consulting
Event liaison team chairing
Safety Advisory Group attendance
Event Safety Management Plan & other safety documentation delivered
Premises Licence application and the licence was granted
Event Liaison Team Chair & management

Results

Delivery

CAD Site Design: Careful consideration of the event layout to optimise the experience for both sports and music enthusiasts
Supplier Procurement: Using our existing relationships with the best suppliers to provide essential services and equipment
Production Management: Overseeing the coordination of all aspects of production, from sporting events to musical performances
Site Management: Handling the setup and dismantling of the event infrastructure
Health & Safety Advancements: Implementing and managing health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all attendees
Security Deployment: Ensuring the safety of participants through strategic security deployment, ingress and egress planning, and crowd safety measures
Supplier Auditing: Continuously evaluating and auditing suppliers to maintain the highest standards of quality and service

Results

Over 300 teams participated in a wide range of sporting events
The return of the F45 Play Offs was a resounding success, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event
Sponsors and suppliers at Summer Social expressed their satisfaction, highlighting the event's seamless organisation and execution
Effective management across two sites
Positive feedback from the client, who is keen to continue working with The Fair