The client 

Softwire are innovators and passionate problem solvers in both software engineering and digital design. They specialise in the delivery of software consultancy and bespoke, custom-built software solutions along with offering expert software development training.

The brief

Softwire value their employees. They work hard and, with that, they play hard. From large office parties to company retreats, they invest in their staff and were looking for a way to continue these soft benefits during the pandemic. Having postponed their annual retreat abroad, they came to us with the idea of creating their own festival.

This wouldn’t be just any festival, this would be a Softwire festival. A three-day event for staff and their families to come (over 400 guests in total), unwind and celebrate their successes. Softwire approached us to assist with additional support in bringing the festival together and managing the production of the event itself. 

Softwire wanted an event that would suit the breadth of their team and their varied experiences (some non-existent) of festivals and for it to be as inclusive as possible. The company knew that by asking their staff to invest three days into the event, it had to be right.

It was a challenge we were proud to be a part of.

If you know us, as both a business and as individuals, you know we love a festival, so the opportunity of working with their in-house event team in bringing this unique event together was something that we relished in.

The main event

Held over three days on a beautiful blank canvas just outside of Cambridge, we worked alongside the Softwire team to create an event that would suit everyone. 

The first point of call was accommodating the team. With over 180 individual bell tents, each with the luxury of a bed, duvet and welcome bag, the site became a temporary glamping site, around which we built a welcome team that was ready to greet the guests and help them with any questions and be a port of call throughout the weekend.

Utilising Cambridge’s vast array of amazing street food trucks, a wide selection was provided throughout the weekend, giving people a varied choice, each day. Utilising the latest technology and ordering apps they pre-booked with ease, taking away any need to queue and wait. 

From an entertainment perspective, we introduced some of our thoughts and trusted suppliers to help provide a wide variety of activities for people to get involved in. 

The best bit? That the Softwire team took it upon themselves to devise some activities such as their very own escape room and a scavenger hunt. This combined with the vast array of other entertaining elements provided a festival spirit that will be remembered.

Tying this all together, we oversaw the on-site production, ensuring all parts continued to move in a safe and timely manner, problem-solve, and ensured that the affectionately named ‘Glasonbury’ festival was an investment deemed worth for the company.

The results

 • A successful multi-day festival event for over 400 employees and their families..

 • An unforgettable weekend constructed and meticulously planned with the guidance of our event consultancy.

 • All Softwire staff were able to relax, play and party as our site manager provision ensured everything was in the right place at the right time.

 • Incredible feedback both during and after the event from Softwire staff members who felt the festival was a perfect celebration and thank you for all of their hard work.

The Softwire festival is exactly why we love events. From genuine care from the directors of the company to working alongside their events team, it was a thrill to see everything come together, and for each element to be fully embraced and appreciated.  We were particularly impressed with how much thought was put in by the Softwire team to ensure every moment of the attendee's experience was considered. 

To be surrounded by such a vibrant culture meant that this wasn’t just a joy to be a part of, but also motivating to see how such a large company cares and inspires its team.