--- title: "Essex Music Tours" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06ddea" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06ddea" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06ddea.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06ddea.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL" published: "2026-08-06" --- # Essex Music Tours Buyer: ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06ddea [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06ddea) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06ddea.json) ## Summary 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. ## Notice 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 ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074792-2026 | | 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 | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 6 Aug 2026 | | Submission deadline | 4 Sep 2026 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 4 Oct 2026 - 4 Oct 2029 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £1,050,000 | | Lots value | £1,050,000 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL | | Locality | CHELMSFORD | | Post town | Chelmsford | | Postcode | CM1 1QH | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLH East (England) | | ITL 2 | TLH3 Essex | | ITL 3 | TLH36 Heart of Essex | | Local authority | Chelmsford | | Electoral ward | Moulsham and Central | | Westminster constituency | Chelmsford | | Delivery location | TLH3 Essex | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services - 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security ### Codes - 55110000 - Hotel accommodation services - 79952000 - Event services ## Release History - 6 Aug 2026 at 13:17 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074792-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074792-2026 6th August 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents - https://www.open-uk.org - https://www.open-uk.org/opportunities ## 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-06ddea. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06ddea.json.