Events & Activities Countywide

What the buyer is asking for

Durham County Council (DCC) is establishing an Open Framework for the delivery of events, attractions, entertainment and community engagement activities across County Durham. Requirements may range from the provision of individual activities and performers to the planning and delivery of large-scale public events and festivals. Initially supporting the Pride in Place programme, the Framework may also be used for other Council-led events and activities, subject to funding availability.

How this is scored

Published by the buyer. A winning response is written to these weightings, not to the question.

• 60%qualityEntertainment / Performer Experience
• 40%pricePricing Schedule

What you must already have

Conditions of participation. These are pass or fail, so check them before writing anything.

• economic

  Bidders members of staff should be DBS checked and the certification supplied to the event manager prior to mobilisation.

4 lots

You can usually bid for one lot without bidding for all of them.

• Entertainment and Performers£300k

  This lot covers the provision of entertainment, performers and audience engagement activities for a range of events, festivals, cultural programmes and community celebrations. Services may include, but are not limited to: Musicians, bands and live music performances DJs, presenters, hosts and compères Children's entertainment, workshops and family activities Street theatre, walkabout acts and interactive performers Cultural, heritage and arts-based performances Community engagement activities designed to encourage participation and involvement from residents, visitors and community groups

• Event Management Services£300k

  This lot covers the provision of professional event management services to support the planning, development, coordination and delivery of events of varying scale and complexity. Services may include, but are not limited to: Event planning and project management Event coordination and on-site delivery Programme and event content development Stakeholder and partnership management Site planning and operational coordination Health and safety planning and management

• Large-Scale Event Services£300k

  This lot covers the delivery of large-scale, complex and flagship events that require specialist expertise, significant operational planning and coordination of multiple stakeholders, contractors and service providers. Events may include major festivals, destination events, civic celebrations and large public gatherings. Services may include, but are not limited to: Comprehensive event management services Event production and technical delivery Crowd management planning and implementation Site infrastructure planning and coordination Multi-day event management and operational oversight Specialist event consultancy and advisory services

• Event Support Services£300k

  This lot covers the provision of specialist event support services, equipment and infrastructure required to facilitate the safe and successful delivery of events. Suppliers may provide individual services or integrated support solutions depending on event requirements. Services may include, but are not limited to: Stage, technical and production services Audio visual, sound and lighting equipment Temporary structures, marquees and associated infrastructure Security, stewarding and access control services Traffic management and event transport solutions First aid, medical and welfare services Event branding, signage and wayfinding Equipment hire and associated support services

Timeline

4 published dates · Europe/London

1. Tender notice published14 days ago

   7 Sept 2026, 16:22 BST
2. Clarification questions bytoday

   21 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
3. Submission deadlinein 11 days

   2 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST
4. Award decision expected byin 21 days

   12 Oct 2026, 23:59 BST

Commercial outcome and contract awards

Nothing awarded yet

Notice history

2 events · 2 releases on Find a Tender

1. Pipeline or early engagement notice11 Jun 2026, 16:33 BST055417-2026
2. Tender notice7 Sept 2026, 16:22 BST084576-2026

Documents

• Tender notice on Find a Tender