Jousting Events

HES is looking to appoint a supplier to provide Jousting shows and potentially static displays at events at various sites across the estate. The management and co-ordination of the staging of the overall event will be undertaken by the Visitor Events Team. Other events may be required within this contract at additional HES sites. The estimated value of the contract is 25,000GDP - 35,000GDP per annum. It is anticipated that there will be 4 Jousting events a year, to be held on 2 weekends. The final number will be determined after consultation with HES’s Contract Manager. The events typically take place between the times of 11:00am and 4:30pm typically on a weekend in late June/early July at Linlithgow Palace and late July at Caerlaverock Castle with the programme repeated each day. HES require a supplier who has the capability to provide a scripted Jousting show of 45minutes to 1 hour in duration, to be performed twice a day at each location. The show must be theatrical and provide entertainment. The tone must be family friendly and must be enjoyable to a wide audience from a very young age up. The supplier will be required to provide all equipment associated with staging the Jousting element of the event and will be responsible for setting up and taking down their own tournament arena. HES requires the set to be dressed appropriately, to include a ‘Royal Box’ and all props, equipment and tents must be provided by the supplier. The supplier must provide a costumed commentator for the show. The show must be scripted, and an inclusion of the draft script must be included in your submission. The supplier must provide their own PA system, which must be suitable for outdoor use and in all weathers. The PA system must be suitable for the event location and size of audience to ensure the show is audible and of clear quality. The system must be set up, controlled, and operated by a member of the supplier’s crew. Where the operator is visible as part of the show the operator must be in appropriate period costume. The show must contain a minimum of 4 knights on horseback and there must be a supporting cast of performers and foot people. It also lust include theatrical elements including music, fanfares, and flags. The supplier must have the flexibility to theme the show in different time periods. The following must be submitted for approval and sign off by the HES Contract Manager at least 2 months before the event takes place – - Music/score - Script - Set Design - Equipment list and specification - Knights names and colours - Horse details - Cast and crew lists Static displays and additional activities may also be required in consultation with HES Contract Manager. The supplier must arrange and pay for stabling for their horses as there are no facilities at HES sites for this. The supplier will be responsible for organising their own transport to and from events, accommodation, and food. The supplier will be required to participate in PR and marketing activity. The supplier may also be asked to provide images and biographies/content.