For one glorious day on 11 July, the live events industry came together at the Backup Village Fete to raise much needed funds for supporting those working in the industry when they need it most. This year’s event smashed all expectations, raising a record breaking £56,300 on the day. Even the weather could not resist a day out, as un-forecast sunshine made a welcome appearance for the duration of the event. “The Parish of Backup has its own micro-climate,” laughed Vice Chair of Backup and Mayor of the Parish Fete, Lee Dennison.
The Backup Village Fete is the natural evolution of KartFest into a more inclusive and engaging day out for the industry. Ten years after the first racing helmet was donned, straw hats are now a key item of apparel.
Since the event’s inception, the charity has benefitted from extraordinary donations and the industry has enjoyed the opportunity to share ideas, catch up, and enjoy some good-humoured competition on the Daytona kart track at Surrey’s Sandown Park.
The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Backup Village Fete headline sponsors 5Star, Nexo, d&b audiotechnik and Epson. Decadent facilities were provided by Epson for the first time in the brand-new Manor House, an exclusive area with excellent views of the racecourse, a private DJ and even a pool.
There were also a plethora of Fete stalls, each with entertainment and fun activities with the prime stall locations flying the flag as Backup Partners ETC, Neg Earth, Unusual, Chauvet, Christie Lites, TSL and 5Star. The catering was excellent once again, with food trucks offering pizza, curries, wrap and ice creams, plus coffee courtesy of d&b audiotechnik.
Underlying the fun and games was a true community feeling, and this was no more in evidence than when Piers Shepherd, Backup Chair, gratefully revealed that John Simpson, Backup Chair from 2016 to 2022, had made a legacy donation that would provide support and stability for years to come.
The Haybales were upgraded to Pirelli tyre stacks this year, thanks to a hay shortage, and put to good use by the industry’s finest thinkers. Talks were held throughout the day with panels on important topics.
Expertise was offered by a range of panellists and Backup was proud to welcome back fellow industry charity Music Support and representatives from a range of industry initiatives including the Music Industry Therapist Collective, Roadies in Recovery, Engendering Change and The Power of Events, to the tyre circle.
The Mental Health panel was hosted by Piers Shepperd (Backup Tech & Wonder Works) with panellists Tamsin Embleton (MITC), Mig Burgess (ABTT & Backup Tech), and Hannah Brinkley and Joe Hastings (Music Support)
The Addiction and Recovery awareness panel, hosted by Stew Hume of TPi, featured panellists Hannah Brinley of Music Support, Joanne Croxford from Roadies in Recovery, Jess Allan of Backup Tech, and Tamsin Embleton of MITC.
Fastest Karter, Martin Fullard, started his afternoon hosting the ‘Will the Next Generation Please Stand Up’ panel, discussing the future of our industry with students Amelia Sully and Martin Locket, panellists included Fay Share (FF15) and Rick Stainton of TPoE.
Neurodiversity – Continuing the Conversation was a session hosted by Jess Allan (Backup Tech) with panellists Tamsin Embleton (MITC), Mig Burgess (ABTT & Backup Tech), and Sarah Cox (Engendering Change).
In true industry fashion, meticulous preparation was rewarded, with many prizes up for grabs throughout the day. Best Dressed Fete Stall went to Christie Lites, Best Fete Stall Activity went to 5Star, Best Dressed Fete’r was won by Woo Architects and Best Cake was deservedly won by the amazing work of 22 Live, despite some blatant bribery attempts from other entrants. The final Backup Parish Council award was the Best Veg award, cheekily attributed to Leisuretec, but actually supplied and designed by the Sennheiser UK team.
The fastest case in the 5Star Flight Case Relay was pushed over the line by Roger Harpum, for EM Acoustics. As Roger collected his golden rosette, looking on, in no particular order, were fellow team-mates from Brit Row, CHAUVET, Core Pro Audio, ETC, GLP and Woo Architects.
Laser pheasant shooting took place in the far end of the field, allowing attendees to practice their sharp shooting skills. None were sharper than Elliot Brush from TAIT, who took the Best Shooter prize at the end of the day.
All awards and prizes were handed out by chief prize giver and resident Morris Dancer, MediaLease Director and Backup Trustee, Paul Robson.
Karting carried on throughout the day, with teams competing in a gruelling three-hour race, complete with pit stops, refuelling and the occasional sin bin for bad behaviour. The race is a much-loved competitive outlet for the industry, with 32 teams being entered. This year that competitive spirit may have got the better of Brit Row, who were awarded the Driving Miss Daisy invisible trophy of shame by Daytona staff, for the worst driving ever seen at the track!
The most anticipated award of the day is always the Simpson Flyers award for the winning kart team, named in memory of John Simpson and crafted by Lamp & Pencil from reclaimed pieces of industry goodness. 2024 was no exception and excitement was high. Thanks to strategic use of the golden rosettes, Core Pro Audio held the trophy aloft, with second place being taken by CEG, and third by d&b audiotechnik.
The MediaLease, fastest lap was awarded to absolute ringer Martin Fullard, who raced for Backup team ‘Chairman’s Dirty Half Dozen’ and in a previous life karted professionally and managed the Daytona Kart track for seven years.
Amazing raffle prizes were donated from many of Backup’s sponsors. There were 34 in total, with everything from headphones to hampers up for grabs. A silent auction offered exclusive lots, with a custom flight case from 5 Star Cases, Epsom projector, Spirited Away theatre tickets, golf at the Belfry and a gigantic five litre bottle of Green Room Gin all available for bidding.
The sought after Chauvet DJ bar was eagerly awaited in the raffle and won by a generous attendee with a gigantic fist full of tickets.
The Backup Village fete raises money for Backup Tech to help the industry’s most vulnerable members when they need it most. Attendees had a fantastic time and also raised an enormous amount of money that will allow Backup to continue its work supporting our industry colleagues.
