Having hosted the first ever commercial event at the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ) in January 2000, Seasoned Events was instrumental in developing the commercial events business at the RCJ and was awarded the events management and catering contract in 2007 following a rigorous tender process by HM Courts & Tribunal Services, as part of the Government’s Wider Market Initiative (WMI) programme.
WMI was a government initiative to ensure the government was making use of all property and assets and created an opportunity for the RCJ to be used beyond its function as the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Justice of England and Wales.
Seven years of successful events
Over the past seven years this has included hosting private parties, corporate events, fashion shows, wedding receptions, photo shoots and film production and Seasoned Events has marketed the venue and developed a seamless approach to the logistics of running events within the tight restrictions of the working court. Consequently the on-site events team has increased revenue year on year, doubling the annual number of events whilst receiving two contract extensions from HM Courts & Tribunals Service.
Numerous A-list events and corporate clients were attracted to the venue because of the heritage, prestige and drama of the courts. In addition, Seasoned Events applied for a wedding license which attracted private individuals to the venue at weekends for both ceremonies and receptions.
No longer practical to use for events
HM Courts & Tribunals Service has recently reassessed the use of the RCJ and decided that it is no longer practical to use the building for events due to disruption to the day to day running of this very busy court. Events also put an extra pressure on security at the court.
All existing event contracts will be honoured but no new events will be agreed.
Colin Sayers, Managing Director of Seasoned Events said “Whilst this is a huge disappointment, having hosted some of London’s most spectacular events, premiere parties and fashion shows; we acknowledge and support the decision made by the board to protect the integrity of the Royal Courts of Justice and the role it plays in today’s society.”
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