Award

Freelance Performers / Artist Spend for Empire Theatre Shows

DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

02 Jan 2026 at 16:28

Summary of the contracting process

Durham County Council has completed a procurement process for the provision of freelance performers and artistic talent for Empire Theatre shows. This contract was awarded to Entertainers Show Providers Ltd under a direct award procurement method, which operates below the competition threshold, making it an exclusive process due to the unique nature of the artistic works involved. This contract is classified under the entertainment services category, with a primary focus on facilitating cultural events within the United Kingdom, particularly in the region of UKC14, Durham. The contract commenced on 1st October 2025 and is scheduled to conclude on 31st January 2026, reflecting a gross contract value of £40,768.80.

This procurement process offers substantial opportunities for growth within the entertainment sector, specifically for SMEs specialising in performance arts and entertainment services. It is ideal for businesses adept in providing unique artistic performances capable of drawing audiences and enriching cultural experiences. The single-source, direct award ensures specialised providers have the space to showcase their unique services without having to compete in a broad tender process. Businesses that can deliver distinguished and tailored entertainment solutions, particularly in theatre settings, are well-suited to leverage such procurement opportunities to expand their offerings and reach.

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Notice Title

Freelance Performers / Artist Spend for Empire Theatre Shows

Notice Description

Payment to Entertainers Show Providers Ltd for Freelance Performers / Artist Spend for Empire Theatre Shows. Please note this is a Direct Award permitted under PA23 due to it being a public contract which concerns the creation or acquisition of a unique work of art or artistic performance.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05feda
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000087-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services


CPV Codes

92300000 - Entertainment services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£33,974 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
21 Aug 20256 months ago
Contract Period
30 Sep 2025 - 31 Jan 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
zoe.embleton@durham.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
DURHAM
Postcode
DH1 5WB
Post Town
Durham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC41 Durham
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
County Durham
Electoral Ward
Framwellgate and Newton Hall
Westminster Constituency
City of Durham

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ENTERTAINERS SHOW PROVIDERS

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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