Scope
Reference
DN770978
Description
The Contracting Authority is looking to appoint an experienced and innovative organisation to partner with and help deliver the iconic Blackpool Switch-On event. The selected Supplier will play a central role in shaping and executing a dynamic, high-impact event that reflects the vibrancy and cultural significance of the Blackpool Illuminations. Proposals are expected to address and integrate the following three key objectives:
Event Entertainment and Line-Up - Curate and manage a compelling programme of entertainment that appeals to a diverse audience, including securing world class headline talent and the Switch-On Celebrity.
Production - Deliver a high-quality, safe, and seamless production to a provided specification that meets the expectations of a large-scale live and broadcast audience.
Marketing and Campaign - Design and implement an engaging marketing campaign that maximises regional and national visibility, drives attendance, and reinforces Blackpool's position as a premier UK event destination. Full details are provided within the tender documentations
Total value (estimated)
- £840,000 excluding VAT
- £1,008,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 11 June 2025 to 31 May 2026
- Possible extension to 31 May 2029
- 3 years, 11 months, 20 days
Description of possible extension:
The contract is offered for 1 year with the option to extend incrementally for 36 months (likely to be +1+1+1y). The contract extensions will be subject to contract review of delivery and performance, and budget .
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contract shall include the right to include additional purchases by agreement with the supplier for any event or services related to provision of Illuminations switch-on and any extended programme. There is no obligation or guarantee attached to this option.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79950000 - Exhibition, fair and congress organisation services
Contract locations
- UKD42 - Blackpool
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
7 May 2025, 5:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
12 May 2025, 9:30am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders should be submitted via the Council's e-procurement portal The Chest (ProActis).
The link to the tender opportunity, including all information and tender documentation can be found here:
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
3 June 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 1 February 2029
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Written submission and interview. As described within the tender documents |
Quality | 50% |
| Price | As described within the tender documents |
Price | 30% |
| Social Value | As described within the tender documents |
Quality | 20% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Competitive flexible procedure description
The procurement is being conducted under the light touch regime. Any Supplier may submit a tender in the first and only round. The conditions of participation will be assessed and Suppliers who pass these will have their tender fully evaluated. Three suppliers will be shortlisted for interview based on the highest scoring tenders.
Contracting authority
BLACKPOOL COUNCIL
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHHB-5249-RZVD
PO Box 11, Town Hall
Blackpool
FY1 1NB
United Kingdom
Contact name: Jenna Douthwaite
Email: FTSprocurementnotices@blackpool.gov.uk
Website: https://www.blackpool.gov.uk
Region: UKD42 - Blackpool
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government