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Events & Activities Countywide

Durham County Council

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

07 Sep 2026 at 16:22

UK4 - Tender Notice
Planning

11 Jun 2026 at 16:33

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Durham County Council is seeking suppliers for countywide events, attractions, entertainment and community engagement activities across County Durham. The requirement supports the Pride in Place programme and may also cover other Council-led events and activities. It is divided into four service areas: entertainment and performers; event management; large-scale event services; and event support services. Work may range from supplying individual performers, activities, equipment or infrastructure to planning and delivering major festivals, civic celebrations and other public gatherings. Services include event production, technical delivery, crowd management, site coordination, stakeholder engagement, temporary structures, security, traffic management, medical support, branding and wayfinding. The procurement is for services, with opportunities suited to both commercial suppliers and voluntary, community or social enterprises.

The procurement has reached tender: Durham County Council invited offers through an open procedure. It will establish an open framework, with call-offs made by direct award where only one supplier can provide the service or through further competition where several can. Questions had to be submitted by 21 September 2026 at 12:00, and offers by 2 October 2026 at 12:00. The planned award decision date was 12 October 2026, with the contract period running from 13 October 2026 to 13 October 2029; one lot allows extension to 31 July 2030. The estimated value is £300,000 excluding VAT (£360,000 including VAT) for each lot. Evaluation is 60% quality and 40% price, based on relevant experience, planning and delivery approach.

This opportunity suits event companies, performers, production specialists, venue and infrastructure suppliers, event managers, technical contractors, security and stewarding providers, transport and traffic-management firms, medical and welfare providers, and community or cultural organisations. Businesses can bid for the service area matching their specialism, including entertainment, event management, major-event delivery or operational support. Strong evidence of relevant experience and a credible approach to planning, coordination and delivery will carry more weight than price. Depending on the lot, suppliers may need capacity to manage complex events, multiple stakeholders, contractors, public safety requirements, technical infrastructure or multi-day operations. Staff assigned to the work must be DBS checked, with certification supplied before mobilisation. SMEs and VCSEs are specifically suitable.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Events & Activities Countywide

Notice Description

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.

Lot Information

Entertainment and Performers

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 comperes 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

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

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

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

Planning Information

PME - for Events and Activities within the County Completion of PME form should be returned via OPEN www.open-uk.org

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06b36c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/084576-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

CPV Codes

79952000 - Event services

92300000 - Entertainment services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£300,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£300,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Sep 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
2 Oct 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
13 Oct 2026 - 13 Oct 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Durham County Council
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
DURHAM
Postcode
DH1 5WB
Postcode Area
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
TLC14 Durham
Local Authority
County Durham
Electoral Ward
Framwellgate & Newton Hall
Westminster Constituency
City of Durham

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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