FloVibe Festival 2018

We are super excited to be hosting the glamping, for the 2nd year running, at this year’s FloVibe Festival, from August 10th- 12th at the beautiful location of Stansted Park in Hampshire.

FloVibe, one of the first fitness and music festivals, opens up a whole new way to enjoy the festival vibe with a vast array of activities enabling you to activate your body and relax your mind.  Pick from yoga, dance, hula hooping, meditation and mindfulness, talks and workshops, as well as an outdoor spa!

Where retreat meets festival, it really is a unique and wonderful experience to be had in a gorgeous setting with like-minded people all around.

Not only do you have the festival to look forward to, but also, should you choose, Hotel Bell Tent.  Hassle free boutique camping allowing you to just drop off your bags and head straight out into the action. What an amazing way to spend a weekend in August in the beautiful UK sunshine. 

Enter our competition to win a 2 free FloVibe festival tickets, a Luxury Bell Tent for 2 AND a REN skincare hamper containing chemical free goodies allowing you to be kinder to your skin and the environment. 

With only 2 days left before the winner is announced please head to our Facebook page, and like, share and comment with the friend whom you would love to share this experience with 

Good luck – we hope to see you there!

EXCITEMENT CONTINUES TO BUILD FOR THE F1 AT HOTEL BELL TENT...

It’s been a week of dramatic developments in the world of Formula One, with spectators left dumbstruck as they witnessed the unexpected win of 18-year-old Max Verstappen in the Spanish Grand Prix, after Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg of Mercedes spectacularly knocked themselves out of the race in just the first lap, making him the youngest F1 winner in history and indicating him as a future world-champion!

As excitement continues to build for the F1 season – with the notorious Monaco Grand Prix taking place in just two weeks – we’ve been checking out all that Silverstone Woodlands, the official campsite of the Silverstone track at heart of the UK’s F1 scene, has to offer. Just 150 metres away from the world famous Stowe Corner, and with track and shuttle buses running throughout the day from 7am to 7pm to the outer peripheries of the site, Silverstone Woodlands will be going all out to ensure F1 fans and their families have a wonderful experience in a relaxing environment, complete with first-class facilities and extraordinary entertainment for all the family.

Year after year, Woodlands campers are spoilt for choice when it comes to post-match entertainment. Guests can choose to chill out with a crisp pint watching F1 highlights in front of one of the many big screens set up for guests’ viewing pleasure, take the little ones for a spin the Dodgems in the fully functioning funfair, or enjoy one of the many live music shows on offer. From acoustic guitarists in on-site pub the Petrol Head to lively DJ sets in the Big Top, there really is something for everyone. And if comedy is more your bag, Silverstone Woodlands are building on the rip-roaring success of the comedy acts of previous years by scheduling two nights with a stellar line up on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Beer enthusiasts will be able to pay a visit to the onsite craft beer village which will be showcasing the work of world famous breweries such as Brooklyn Lager and Erdinger, all just a stones’ throw away from all the mouth-watering munch, including incredible artisan street food options, as well as traditional pies and perfectly cooked burgers, and more.

F1 aficionados staying with us at Hotel Bell Tent will be able to make the very most of their weekend as we will be providing top-tier services, with a beautiful indoor bar and hospitality area, cosy night time fire pit circles, premium quality showers and toilets, a movie den, deluxe pampering areas complete with Hollywood mirrors and more. We will once again be teaming up with chef Eamon Fullalove, former head chef at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant Thirteen. As well as a truly delicious buffet breakfast, encompassing cooked and continental options, guests will also be able to enjoy snacks throughout the day and then indulge their inner gastronome with a relaxed feast each evening, as diners explore a different regional cuisine each evening.

When it comes to accommodation, it’s important to make sure your choice will be comfortable and, most importantly, hassle free. From En Suite Huts and Airstream Trailers complete with private bathrooms, to lovely yurts and bell tents to suit every budget, Hotel Bell Tent has an option that works for every group, whether you’re arriving with a group of friends, the family, or looking for something special for you and your other half.

To explore how Hotel Bell Tent at Silverstone Woodlands can help make your weekend of Formula 1 even more unforgettable, take a closer look at all that is on offer on the booking page.

THE MAGIC OF STANDON CALLING: A FESTIVAL WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Since its inception in 2005, the story of Standon Calling festival has been somewhat of an adventure.

Founder Alex Trenchard described the event’s history for the Hotel Bell Tent blog, explaining how it grew out of a simple birthday barbeque, saying: “[In our second year] we built our own stage out of wood and invited the very first bands. That first stage blew over while the headline act was playing. Thankfully we've learnt a lot since those days, which is why in 2016 we've been able to book the likes of Suede, Jess Glynne, Kelis, The Hives and Everything Everything.”

The festival is now practically legendary for its party status and its setting in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside. Nestled in the Rib Valley, its location is genuinely breath taking and partygoers can bask in beautiful greenery without having to drop off the end of the earth – revellers travelling from London and Cambridgeshire can actually be there in less than an hour!

Standon Calling holds a unique position in the festival calendar as it expertly balances the needs of those looking for a laidback but lively party, as well as families in search of something fresh and exciting. This year, some of the amazing children’s activities on offer include campfire story telling, trapeze lessons, costume parades and readings from famous children’s authors Alice Hemming and Tamsyn Murray, while a beguiling line up of electronic acts including Detroit House master Theo Parrish and world-famous Metalheadz head-honcho Goldie will appeal to the grownups. “It really is a festival for everyone,” says Alex. “We want families to have an amazing time in the day, and by night we can't wait to see everyone partying until 5am in The Cowshed nightclub. Our annual dog show on Sunday is pretty unique and eccentric too. Not to be missed!”

Music is always the centre of the show, with the festival organisers passionate about booking cutting edge acts and giving emerging talent a platform to shine. Some of the UK’s most successful stars including Florence and the Machine, Bastille and London Grammar made their debut there. Describing his musical highlight of last year, Alex says: “Basement Jaxx closing the main stage on Sunday was so exciting. So colourful and so memorable. A fabulous performance from them and a Standon Calling audience so ready to party – as always! This year I'm really excited about The Hives, Suede and Blossoms.”

Standon Calling is truly a feast for the eyes. With the festival built around a different story each year, the set design and theatrical element makes for an other-worldly space. “For 2016, we're telling the tale of the Legend of the Lost Seas. Expect truly impressive set design, immersive theatre elements, as well as an entirely unique Saturday night spectacle. Prepare to immerse yourself in the post apocalyptic pirate town that we will build. And don't forget to plan your costume for Saturday.”

For those of you hoping for some insider knowledge, when asked what tips Alex can give to make sure our guests get the very best out of their event, he told us: “Be curious. Try and seek out all the experiences Standon Calling Festival has to offer and talk to people. I like to think that Standon Calling is the friendliest festival there is.”

WE ARE NOW OFFICIALLY ON SALE AT GLASTONBURY HOSPITALITY

From a humble 30 tent site in 2008, it is with great pride that we enter our eighth year with almost triple the amount of tents at the world’s favourite festival; an event very close to our hearts…

This will be one of the concluding launches for our line-up of fantastic events we’ll be at this year; and what a launch it's been! A manic week of converting deposits into bookings for our lucky Hospitality ticket holders and ploughing through a flurry of new requests.

This week also marks the beginning of a new stage for us in the Hotel Bell Tent offices. With this year's production team filling desk spaces by the day and the imminent arrival of our amazing Project Managers (and the sun shining a bit more consistently!), excitement about the 2016 season has definitely gone up a few gears.

If you would like to book into our one of our fabulous bell tents in the Glastonbury Hospitality area, please note that you must be in possession of a Hospitality camping ticket. Check out all packages and availability by visiting the booking page.

Q&A WITH THE CREW: LIFE ON THE ROAD

In just a couple of weeks’ time we’ll be holding our annual recruitment days, to welcome on board what we are sure will be our 2016 dream team!

As in previous years, we expect to see a pattern in what drives many of our new applicants. In addition to a love of outdoor events, a significant number yearn to fulfil their dreams to travel and see the world.

In light of this, this week we’ve been chatting to three long standing crew members who have opted out of years of bleak British winters in favour of more tropical climates, all made possible by adopting a life on the road working for Hotel Bell Tent.

1) How did you hear about working for Hotel Bell Tent?

Nathan: Through family and friends who already worked for the company.

Kieran: I heard about the company through a friend who had previously been a Project Manager for us.

Natalie: I had friends working with the company. I came to visit the team at Boomtown festival, many years ago!

2) How many seasons have you now worked?

Nathan: This year will be my third.

Kieran: I have now worked five seasons, two as a crew member and three as a crew member.

Natalie: 2016 will be my third.

3) Why is the seasonal nature of this work beneficial?

Nathan: Not having as many financial responsibilities such as rent for several months, enabling you to save money.

Kieran: It allows you to spend the summer outdoors, travelling all across the UK as part of a team going to events. The money aspect as Nathan said is a big highlight as it gives you the option to travel in winter during the down season.

Natalie: It’s great to embrace the best of the UK’s summer by working outdoors and visiting some beautiful places while you’re at it, whilst freeing you to fly south to miss some of the less desirable winter months.

4) Could you describe the last year that you’ve had?

Nathan: I’ve been working in both the warehouse based in South London organising shipping and also working in the field as a Crew Manager- the work required has differed a lot in each role so I’ve gained loads of experience doing different things.

Kieran: I came back from travelling in South East Asia in April 2015 and worked in the warehouse preparing for the season, running the practical recruitment days and organising the stock. I then worked the 2015 season as a Crew Manager in the field between May and September before travelling in Central America from Mexico to Panama over the winter- just arrived back in the UK and begun preparation in the office for the 2016 season as part of the production team!

Natalie: I worked with hotel bell tent reception managing over the summer. Great season, weather on side mostly! When the season ended at the start of September I was able to compete the massage therapy course I had been studying for and next, i qualify by October. This led me to set up my business before setting off for Mexico with my boyfriend Ted in January. I have spent the start of 2016 here travelling and working as a masseuse and lapping up winter sunshine. Feeling grateful for the opportunity and beach life but also ready for English summer 2016.

5) In what way has Hotel Bell Tent permitted you to realise your travel goals?

Kieran: Working for Hotel Bell Tent as allowed me to realise my travel goals as I can make enough money in the summer to pay for my travels out of Europe in the winter!

Natalie: Travel has been top of my agenda since my first big solo trip in 2008 and since then I have always plotted new ways to see new places, saving money, scanning the map and wondering how I can factor extended adventures into my home life. Working for Hotel Bell Tent compliments such a lifestyle because you can earn and save money during high season and fly away when all the events and tents hibernate in the winter! Note - appreciation for the office and warehouse crew who keep the business functioning in the low season so Hotel Bell Tent is raring to go again when us travellers return!

7) How has working for Hotel Bell Tent helped you to progress professionally?

Nathan: Since starting at Hotel Bell Tent two seasons ago, I’ve been promoted each year which has enabled me to learn new skills and do things that I haven’t done before. These are transferable skills that I can put on my CV.

Kieran: In the five years I’ve worked here, I’ve assumed several roles within the company. I’ve progressed from crew member in 2011 to crew manager the following year. Along the way I’ve acquired key skills such as leadership and organization managed crews of more than 20 people in often adverse conditions which has boosted my confidence in furthering a career in the events industry.

Natalie: for me, working as reception manager this year has taught me a lot about leadership. As a company, Hotel Bell Tent has shown me the merits of good honest management and working as part of a team. Not only this, it has made me realise my love of people, colour, glitter, fancy dress are all useful professionally!

8) What’s in store for you, coming back to Hotel Bell Tent in summer 2016?

Nathan: This summer will be my first year as a project manager, which I’m pretty excited about! I’m going to be at T in the Park, the Isle of Man TT races as well Festibells- an exlusive high-end campsite at Glastonbury, so weather permitting it should be a lot of fun!

Kieran: In 2016 I will start my new role as Production Coordinator- assisting the Production manager where needed and filling in to manage crews. I will be running the practical recruitment days, organising the crews and helping with organising the kit.

Natalie: I’m excited to be returning for my second year as Reception Manager with a years’ experience under my belt. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

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If you are interested in applying for a position at Hotel Bell Tent this summer, please email us at info@hotelbelltent.co.uk with your CV attached and include any previous/relevant experience. Please also highlight anyone you know that has worked for us in previous years when you apply.