ONBlackheath Festival

Continental Drifts have worked with ONBlackheath Festival since 2011, writing the initial license application and feasibility study for the event. We then went on to programme and manage the family area in 2017, and then took over the overall event management and production of the full two-day event in 2018 and 2019.

Born out of a desire to stage an event that would celebrate this stunning part of London, ONBlackheath was created as the perfect festival for unwinding and putting a smile on your face, showcasing the best in local and international artists, serving up amazing food, and offering a world of fun for younger visitors. Headliners have included Jamiroquai, Grace Jones, Paloma Faith and Squeeze.

Since 2018, Continental Drifts have managed all aspects of event production including writing Event Management Plans, attending Council Safety Advisory Group meetings, health & safety, site design and supplier & staff procurement. We provide a full artist advance service for three stages including technical and hospitality rider management, artist accreditation, scheduling as well as stage and artist management onsite. We also manage staff and supplier accreditation including the build and break H&S induction. Non-Food Traders also fell under our remit, using our online application system, we procured all traders, managed payments and looked after them onsite.

Continental Drifts worked with TFL, Lewisham Council and our security team to produce an ingress and egress plan including pedestrian routes, road closures and the taxi-rank. We provided full site management from build to break and were the main production contact for all teams including ticketing, finance, press, marketing, health & safety, access, sustainability and promoters and designed the event site and schedule with everyone’s needs in mind.

As well as production, we programmed and managed the Family Playground booking acts for the family stage such as Mister Maker, Andy Day and the Odd Socks, Sooty, Science Museum, Basil Brush and Comedy Club 4 Kids. Along with family activities including arts & craft, sports, Flying Seagulls stage & circus skills and science workshops. We advanced all artists and supplied stage and area managers.

Photo Credits:

Landing photo, 1st and 2nd – Matt Eachus

Photo 3 – Sarah Koury