This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

06 Aug 2026 at 13:17

Summary of the contracting process

Essex County Council is seeking tenders for the orchestration of Essex Music Tours, a longstanding programme aimed at providing valuable performance and cultural exchange opportunities for young musicians. The procurement process is at the tender stage with an open procedure, inviting submissions until 4th September 2026. The contract encompasses services within the event and hotel accommodation industries, and aims to facilitate international tours by the Essex Youth Orchestra and partner ensembles. Key locations involved are within the UK, specifically the region coded as UKH3, with contract execution spanning from 5th October 2026 to 4th October 2029, with possibilities for renewal. The procurement's gross value is set at £1,260,000, underlining its significant scale and potential impact in the arts sector.

This tender presents outstanding business growth opportunities for companies specialising in event management and logistics, especially those with experience in coordinating international travel and large-scale youth events. Companies that can deliver high-quality event services and hotel accommodations are encouraged to participate, as the emphasis on technical ability and social value will be critical for the quality assessment. The open procurement method ensures transparent and competitive bidding, making it accessible to a wide range of providers who can not only meet the operational needs but also contribute to the cultural enhancement of the programme. Businesses adept in cross-cultural engagements and capable of managing complex logistical challenges will find this a particularly rewarding opportunity.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Essex Music Tours

Notice Description

Orchestral touring has been an established part of Essex Music Service's programme for over 60 years, with previous destinations including Poland, Budapest, and Prague. These tours provide young musicians with the opportunity to perform in prestigious concert halls and participate in renowned music festivals, thereby raising artistic standards, building confidence, and fostering cultural exchange. In addition to performance opportunities, EMS places strong emphasis on the cultural and educational value of touring. Programmes have historically included visits of significant historical and educational importance, such as Auschwitz in 2015, supporting the development of global awareness and cultural understanding. The Essex Youth Orchestra is the flagship symphony orchestra within the whole GEMH partnership and comprises of 65-75 advanced players (Grade 7+), performing a broad orchestral repertoire, including works by composers such as Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. The orchestra will be accompanied on tour by either the Essex Youth Symphonic Wind Orchestra or the Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra, which participate in tours on a bi-annual basis.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: There are 4 contract extensions, detailed below: Extension 1 Maximum duration: 1 year and 0 month Value ex VAT: PS 150,000 Extension 2 Maximum duration: 1 year and 0 month Value ex VAT: PS 150,000 Extension 3 Maximum duration: 1 year and 0 month Value ex VAT: PS 150,000 Extension 4 Maximum duration: 1 year and 0 month Value ex VAT: PS 150,000

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06ddea
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074792-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services

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


CPV Codes

55110000 - Hotel accommodation services

79952000 - Event services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,050,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,050,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Aug 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
4 Sep 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
4 Oct 2026 - 4 Oct 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ESSEX 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
CHELMSFORD
Postcode
CM1 1QH
Post Town
Chelmsford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Delivery Location
TLH3 Essex

Local Authority
Chelmsford
Electoral Ward
Moulsham and Central
Westminster Constituency
Chelmsford

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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