GL events UK was approached by Reed & Mackay, a corporate travel management company that specialises in delivering the exacting requirements of high-performance professionals.

The firm sought assistance from GL events in the curation of a bespoke travel programme, created on behalf of a leading American firm of international lawyers. A party of more than nine hundred lawyers would travel to the UK, where they would enjoy a tour of London and a private tour of Hampton Court Palace, culminating with a gala dinner on the historic palace’s East Front Lawn.

As preferred suppliers of temporary structures to Hampton Court Palace, GL events brought the benefit of its close relationship with the Palace’s events and operations team to this project. We would construct an elegant one-off party venue for the evening; perfectly equipped for fine dining, presentations, dancing, champagne and superb views, all set against a backdrop of beautifully landscaped gardens and a glittering pyrotechnical display.

Our solution comprised of a 20 x 110m structure, topped with an elegantly curved eclipse roof. We installed glazed panels along one length of the venue, offering a vista of the Palace lawns, along with a large decked patio, which was completed with glass handrails and accessed by glazed doors set into a further glazed side, affording views of the Palace itself. Within, GL events delivered a contemporary, serene theme, featuring pale sky blue linings, a classic chequered dancefloor and raised stage, complete with power and a range of lighting solutions.

Behind the scenes, our structure incorporated a generous cloakroom and large kitchen and service areas, with premium guest washrooms. Finally, we laid a red carpet across the lawn, which led guests from the Palace to their evening’s party venue.

Installing infrastructure for this event was not without challenges. Hampton Court Palace is a unique, popular, and sensitive venue, and is open to the public; calling for close collaboration and planned coordination in partnership with Palace staff. Trackway was installed to ensure protection of the lawns, while construction took place within a barricaded safe zone, off-limits to visitors and tourists during the day. The resulting event was a resounding success and led to a beautifully elegant evening which was the jewel in the crown of a sweltering summer’s day.