At the back end of last year, Events in the Sky was looking for an agency to work with ahead of bringing its world-renowned experiences to Southampton in Autumn 2017. Carswell Gould took up the challenge and together we welcomed 1,200 foodies from all over the South to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience to dine in the sky over the city.
Over a 10-month period, we were tasked with filling seats for breakfast, lunch and dinner events, as well as maximising media coverage - culminating in the event itself. From taking breakfast show hosts, weather presenters, journalists, producers, photographers and cameramen up in the sky to gaining outstanding print, online and broadcast coverage for both the event organisers and restaurants, Carswell Gould over-delivered on our goals to make Southampton's first dining in the sky event a successful and memorable one.
We’ve had an incredible time in Southampton. Everything has been just right, from the weather to the reaction we’ve received. Our restaurant partners were all amazing, and the meals they served were of the highest quality. Feeding over 1,000 people in the sky is no mean feat, but the teams have all been brilliant and kept the spirits high in Southampton! We contracted Carswell Gould to approach and engage all our restaurant partners, as well as handling the PR. I'm indebted that we were recommended to work with Carswell Gould and it was a pleasure to work with the entire team. The agency did an amazing job for us, which is reflected in the astounding figures achieved."
Dale Agar, Organiser of Events in the Sky
Carswell Gould achieved incredible coverage for Events in the Sky's six-day run, including:
- TV reach: 1,832,000
- Radio reach: 864,206
- Print reach: 624,915
- Online reach: 1,928,365
- Social reach: 1,420,814
- Media partner eshot reach: 72,000
The full roster of restaurant partners saw the following establishments serving food and drink in the sky:
- Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa
- The Jetty
- Mettricks
- Tapas Barcelona
- Beresfords restaurant, Balmer Lawn Hotel
- Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa
- Kuti’s Brasserie
- Supermarine
- Sprinkles Gelato
- Orange Rooms
Throughout its duration, Southampton in the Sky saw its fair share of celebrations: guest Elissa Corrigan from Winchester blindfolded her boyfriend, celebrity personal trainer Justin Lord, and surprised him with a birthday trip up in the sky, while Southampton Councillor Satvir Kaur also celebrated her birthday at 100ft. The final flight even saw a couple who had travelled all the way from Leicester to get engaged over dinner, while suspended above the Southampton skyline.
By developing a media partnership with regional radio station Wave 105, we were able to maximise our broadcast coverage - and even hosted breakfast show news presenter Michael Coombes for an hour-long Facebook live video, available to watch back here.
With all the excitement going on, team Carswell Gould was able to take to the sky and invited 20 clients to join us for breakfast suspended 100ft over the city - donned with Biggles-style aviator hats and goggles to look the part!
