As 500 revellers still recover (myself included) from what was
the most anticipated weekend of the year for us IAS'ers, it's safe
to say that the IAStival was well worth the wait - and the
inevitable hangover that resulted!
Dubbed 'the ultimate employee training exercise' to put the
team's creativity to the test (not just an excuse for a party
honest!) - it's safe to say our lot more than delivered.
Camping (confession - in my case a luxury mobile home), a drinks
tent with every form of alcohol under the sun (a Scot's dream), a
programme packed full of excellent performers, a main stage fit for
Glastonbury, free BBN cocktails, silent disco's, mushroom walks,
free drinks vouchers (unlimited in my case - perk of being the
MD!), sun - yes sun, a load of IAS'ers, friends, family, clients -
the IAStival was always going to be a success - despite the best
efforts of one local to have us closed down and was politely told
to "**** off".
But for me, it was fantastic to see a number of our staff get in
on the act performing alongside the likes of Turin brakes, my lads
Emelle & The Sunshine Underground. Special mentions must go to
our very own Tamsin Whalley who packed out the acoustic tent, DJ
Ben Echo, and seeing Jez (or should I say Bez?!) roll back the
years to relive his more youthful days.
I never thought I'd see so many people dancing along to Elton
John (well not the real one), but our look-a-like pulled the crowds
in and at one point even had a conga line going to his rendition of
'Dont let the sun go down on me' - unbelievable.
Another highlight that sticks in the memory was the genius idea
of having a silent disco to combat the sound curfew. Taking off
your headphones and seeing those you work with everyday prancing
around like idiots with no music, certainly was a spectacle! I have
to mention my lads who absolutely smashed it and made me the
proudest dad on earth seeing them perform on stage. Over the course
of the weekend - they, with the Fifth Ring posse certainly proved
that us Scots definitely know how to party.
On a more serious note, I am completely blown away by what our
guys & girls managed to pull off - they have made me the
proudest boss. I for one believe in karma and it was no coincidence
that we enjoyed the best few acres of weather in the whole of
Northern England.
You reap what you sow and you guys and girls can look forward to
many good harvests.
Signing off gushingly, Rob.
One more note - don't throw away your wellies just yet - we may
well be doing this all over again!
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