The Spirit of London Awards 2009

Had a great meeting with the Digital Guru’s behind the forthcoming The Spirit of London Awards. The awards are an inspirational new awards scheme for young Londoners.

The awards will celebrate young people from various walks of life whose common bond is that they are sons or daughters of the greatest city on the planet. Whether London born or adopted Londoners the Spirit of London Awards will go to young people who are a credit to the local communities whose culture and heritage light up the City by adding passion to the prestige of London life.

In its great history the metropolis has survived much conflict and trauma. Through every challenge faced the spirit of London has always prevailed. It is the people of Britain’s capital city that provide its backbone and its young people that provide its future.

Take a look at the site and consider a vote or two. 

Entertainment and the Recession...

I have been waxing lyrical of late about the fortunate opportunities that the current unfortunate economic downturn will afford our industry particularly in terms of the need for more Live Experiences closer to home and across our wonderful nation.

You see, I totally buy into the thought that consumers of all demographics will still seek out and in fact need ‘Experiences’ (more than ever!) and these Experiences are far more likely to be here at home now that we’re all feeling the effects of this economic ‘Blip’ ‘Glich’…Nightmare!!

Less money is likely to be spent traveling to Europe and the rest of the world and we Brits will be thinking ‘Less is More’ and looking to other options in terms of entertainment. Festivals and Live Brand experiences in theory should be holding their own this summer and brands should realize the factors involved and stay brave.

For examples of new and interesting things to do here at home in wonderful England, check out enjoyengland.com and then for the more culture focused check out enjoyengland.com/culture

Olympic History on the doorstep…

After taking my son to footie training this morning I made a wonderful discovery. The Herne Hill Velodrome was once a host to the Olympics it is reputed to be one of the best cycling tracks in the UK & it is the last remaining finals venue from the 1948 Olympic Games that is still in active use. 

I was informed by those in the know at the track that it would have a very important role to play in the 2012 Games, not as a competition or training venue, but as a vital grass-roots facility to develop the riders that will take part in 2012.

I was also had a long conversation with a newly converted cyclist who took me through some of the new found trends that have seen the interest in the historic venue grow over the past couple of year’s. It appears that the growth of what is known as ‘deconstructed cycling’, where road couriering meets track racing with paired down lightweight cycles with no brakes and a fixed wheel system has seen Saturday mornings at the Velodrome host up to 300 visitors, wishing to try the track.

Herne Hill of course also plays host to top quality racing, but equally important is its role as a track where children can begin their cycling careers.

It was designed in such a way that everyone, from novice to Olympic Champion, can ride it.  Bradley Wiggins started at Herne Hill, and now we have secured its future, we can carry on the search in London for the Olympic Champions of 2012 and beyond. It is a site to behold and its beautifully run down environment really manage's to transport your imagination back in time. I registered for the 1 hour training session for next Saturday morning at 9am, £4 with the use of a club bike…

Just visiting the hidden gem was a wonderful experience in itself but £4 to have a ride is irresistible.

Read All About It...

I am very pleased to announce that Sledge has joined forces with REL Field Marketing

This collaboration brings Sledge’s creative flair and digital know-how to REL’s experience, staffing capability and management of national programmes, which make it one of the UK’s largest field marketing agencies

The combination of these two award-winning agencies can now deliver not only real value, but also stand-out creativity to their customers. You can comment and see more on this story at Event Magazine.

For more info talk to:
Tim Butterill from REL  07827 083069
Ian Irving from Sledge 02087 433232

The Natural History Museum - Nature Live Events

I have always enjoyed my visits to TNHM and I am readying myself for my sons first visit. I discovered that TNHM has created a series of Live Face to Face events to allow visitors and fans of the venue a better insight into the research and development behind the Museum.

It allows the public to get face to face with the Museum's curators and researchers during the informal talks, which cover subjects from ladybird spotting and dinosaurs to bat winter survival strategies and how nature inspires fashion.

Sledge has been talking for some time about the power of Digital alongside Live Events and visitors and live web audiences can join the experts in topical discussions about the science world and explore a fascinating range of natural science subjects.