On your marks, get set….Venture’s events season is go!

7th May 2019

After months of planning and preparation, Venture’s events season officially kicked off with a bang – or rather, with a single shot from the starter’s gun.

It was our pleasure to support three very different types of event, including entering our fifth season with Salisbury Race Course and making our debut at the London Marathon!

On our marks for Salisbury Racecourse

To mark the start of the 2019 events season, Salisbury Race Course held its annual Family Day. With gates open from midday, the highlight of the day was the “City Bowl”, one of the oldest races staged anywhere in the UK. The family-themed event also included lots of free entertainment for younger visitors, including inflatables, face painting, fairground ride and a ‘Crazy Creatures’ tent.

It is the fifth season Venture has handled security for the racecourse, with a 50-strong team including security officers, car park attendants and event stewards, ensuring every area of the event ran smoothly.

Set for Salisbury's St George's Day celebrations

The annual St. George’s Day celebration and family fun day, organised by Salisbury City Council, takes place in the Guildhall and Guildhall Square. Visitors were invited to enjoy medieval music making, workshops, Morris Dancers, puppet shows, and to visit more than 20 food and craft stalls, throughout the day.

Venture was delighted to return for a second year, to provide security for the community event.

All go for the London Marathon

Meanwhile, in the capital, a team of 27 security officers from Venture were thrilled to be in position at the finish line of the world famous London Marathon. With around 43,000 participants taking part in this year’s race and thousands of supporters, onlookers and media outlets lining the course, the security operation in place was huge.

Venture’s team were responsible for looking after the area immediately after the finish line, where participants were presented with a medal and goody bag.

According to Paul Howe, Venture Security founder and MD, it was a fantastic experience for all involved:

“We’ve provided security for many types of sporting events over the years, but this was in a whole other league. The atmosphere was amazing, with all the cheering from the crowds and it was also very moving to see the tears of relief shed by race entrants as they crossed the finish line.

“From the elite runners, through to the different races taking place for those with a range of abilities and the amateur runners who crossed the line en masse, it was fantastic to see so many individuals successfully making it round the course.

“There were many memorable moments, but one that really stands out is the noise of the medals. As the participants came through, they would be handed a medal by stewards, who had a number of them hung across their arms. The medals would gently tap against each other, combining to make a noise like a giant wind chime. It was quite something.

“Having taken part in the marathon myself back in 2010, it was an interesting (and very different) experience to see it from the other side. A long but very fulfilling day all round.”

For more information about Venture's Event Security team, please call us for an informal chat on 01264 391538.