The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 44: Aug/Sept 2019 | Page 21

CHRISTMAS PARTIES CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK IS COMING TO SWINDON Christmas New York style will be the festive theme for an inaugural party experience coming to the MECA in the town centre this December. Sam Steadman, Pete Cottell and Talula Ley are the team behind the Christmas extravaganza. They are already well known across the South West for their spectacular festive experiences for business teams, charities and organisations, regularly attracting thousands of participants. Their events, organised under their company banner Hype Agency, in Bristol and Cheltenham, which have been running for 20 years and can attract upwards of 20,000 guests every year. For the first time, the team are coming to Swindon. Pete, senior marketing executive, said, “Swindon has long been on our radar as a fantastic place to offer our Christmas experiences. I have my own connection with the town as my great grandfather and his brother owned Cottell Clock Makers shop in Regent St (where Ernest Jones is now) and my father grew up in Swindon. “It made sense to us to come to the town in 2019 and work with the team behind the MECA to offer a festive experience for business owners, charities and organisations across Wiltshire. “We also believe in giving back so for this inaugural year we will be supporting the Brighter Futures project as part of our 2019 fundraising.” Hype was originally created in 1999 and later was sold to another company and began to specialise in themed parties, particularly around Christmas. Today Hype is run by trio Sam Steadman, managing director, Pete Cottell, senior marketing executive and Talula Ley, sales and events coordinator. Sam said,“When I joined as MD, the business was already well established for putting on popular corporate Christmas parties in Bristol and beyond. However I felt there was far more to be achieved and I could use my background in event organisation, musical theatre and as a fundraiser for a mental health charity, to make my vision a reality. Swindon is the next step for us.” Hype’s Christmas events provide a different experience for work colleagues and friends to celebrate and raise money for Swindon charitable project Brighter Futures. Their Fairytale of New York themed parties are running from Monday December 9 to Sunday December 15. For information and to book places visit: www.hypeagency. co.uk/venues/Swindon-meca Book your Christmas party from £32.00 per person Price includes a delicious three course varied selection of locally sourced food. Available from November 18th to December 23rd in the Library, which seats up to 16 or the Garden Room which seats up to 60, Please contact [email protected] for further details 01666 822344 www.oldbellhotel.co.uk THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 21