---
title: "Freelance Performers / Artist Spend for Empire Theatre Shows"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05feda"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05feda"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05feda.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05feda.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL"
published: "2026-01-02"
---

# Freelance Performers / Artist Spend for Empire Theatre Shows

Buyer: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05feda

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05feda)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05feda.json)

## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000087-2026 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 2 Jan 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 21 Aug 2025 |
| Contract period | 30 Sep 2025 - 31 Jan 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £33,974 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL |
| Locality | DURHAM |
| Post town | Durham |
| Postcode | DH1 5WB |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLC North East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear |
| ITL 3 | TLC41 Durham |
| Local authority | County Durham |
| Electoral ward | Framwellgate and Newton Hall |
| Westminster constituency | City of Durham |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | ENTERTAINERS SHOW PROVIDERS |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

### Codes

- 92300000 - Entertainment services

## Release History

- 2 Jan 2026 at 16:28 - Award - UK7 - Contract Details Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000087-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000087-2026
  2nd January 2026 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- http://www.durham.gov.uk/
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05feda. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05feda.json.