Ghost Ships of Doncaster

Ghost Ships Halloween Parade

Location: Doncaster, Barnby Dun, Bramwith, Stainforth

Dates: 2023 – 2024 – 2025

As the lead organiser for Ghost Ships, I created a visually stunning and logistically complex event that brought together art, performance, and community engagement. This one-of-a-kind floating parade showcased over 30 illuminated boats along a 5-mile stretch of canal, captivating thousands of spectators who lined the towpaths for the ethereal night time display.

To bring this vision to life, I coordinated with a variety of groups and individuals, including the Canal & River Trust, local councillors, drone pilots and businesses. The event required meticulous collaboration with boat owners and their crews, alongside a dedicated team of over 20 volunteers. Together, we managed every aspect, from the initial creative vision to the safety logistics and traffic management, ensuring a smooth experience for all involved.

Marketing the event was a delicate balance, designed to generate interest while maintaining a sense of intimacy and locality. This involved strategic partnerships with local media, including the Doncaster Free Press, to deliver safety guidelines and manage crowd expectations effectively. Using analytics, we tailored our promotional efforts to align with community needs, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable event. 

 

With viewing points stretching over multiple locations, safety was a top priority. My responsibilities included coordinating marshals at each viewing area, planning for night-time navigation through locks and bridges, and ensuring accessibility for emergency services. The event’s complexity required precise planning, quick problem-solving, and strong leadership to manage the challenges of a live event along the canal at night.

The event sees up to 6,000 viewers along the 5 mile stretch of canal.

The R&R Project

The Crown: Multi-Staged Live Music Nights

Location: The Crown Theatre, Middlesbrough
Dates: 2012 – 2014

I organised and hosted a series of monthly live music events at The Crown, an iconic old theatre in Middlesbrough. These events featured a diverse lineup of performances, combining university music groups, local bands, acoustic acts, and other performers to create a vibrant, multi-stage experience. Over the course of more than a year, the nights consistently drew over 300 attendees, highlighting their success in bringing together the local music scene and student community.

The nights fostered collaboration across multiple music genres and communities. By working with university societies and local talent, we created a unique platform that supported both emerging and established performers. This not only elevated the cultural landscape of Middlesbrough but also gave students an opportunity to showcase their creativity.

Running alongside these live music nights was Nu Underground, a monthly dance music event. To further amplify the reach of these events, I featured highlights on our CVFM radio show, providing an additional platform to celebrate the talent and energy of these nights.

Circus Electronique

Circus Night: Multi-Staged Live Music & Performance Event

Location: The Crown, Spensleys, Empire – Middlesbrough
Dates: 2010–2014

I organised a series of unique circus-themed nights hosted at The Crown, an old theatre steeped in history. These monthly events combined live music, theatrical performances, and circus acts, creating a vibrant, multi-stage experience. By blending university music groups, local bands, acoustic performers, and professional circus acts, we transformed the venue into a dynamic, immersive environment. Each event drew over 300 attendees, becoming a cornerstone of Middlesbrough’s live entertainment scene.

The circus nights stood out for their theatrical flair, featuring indoor fire performers, stilt walkers, aerial artists, and interactive elements. These additions elevated the event, setting it apart from traditional live music nights.

By working with local and university talent, these events fostered community engagement while offering a platform for emerging artists. Running alongside Nu Underground, a dance music event, the circus nights attracted a diverse audience and broadened the cultural offerings of the town. Highlights of the events were also shared on our CVFM radio show, further promoting the performers and creating lasting connections.

Circus nights epitomised creativity, blending artistic disciplines to deliver a unique experience. These events left a lasting legacy, both for the performers and the audiences, by showcasing the power of collaboration and innovative event planning.

Nu Underground

Nu Underground: Resident monthly nightclub events

Locations: Various venues across Middlesbrough, including the Crown,  Spencleys Emporium and The Keys
Dates: 2011 – 2015

Nu Underground was a monthly music night that began during my time at university and evolved into a thriving event series hosted at some of Middlesbrough’s most notable venues. It brought together a diverse lineup of student and local DJs, music producers, and performers, showcasing talent across genres in a professional setting.

The event served as a significant launch pad for many performers, several of whom have gone on to achieve national and international recognition, playing at prestigious festivals such as Boomtown and Glastonbury. Beyond being a platform for artistic expression, the event provided valuable opportunities for participants, many of whom found work as DJs, event staff, or within related creative fields, giving them hands-on experience and exposure in the industry.

The success of Nu Underground lies not just in the vibrant nightlife it created but also in its ability to inspire and nurture a generation of creatives, leaving a lasting impact on the local music scene.