Events & Activities Countywide
Durham County Council · Local authority
In brief
Durham County Council is looking for suppliers for training and education work (North East).
It is a framework worth up to £300,000 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.
The contract runs for 3 years, up to 46 months with extensions, starting 13 October 2026.
It is split into 4 lots, so a supplier can bid for part of the work.
The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
Bids close at midday, Friday 2 October 2026.
Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.
Can I win this?
Key dates
- Questions by
- midday, Monday 21 September 2026
- Bids by
- midday, Friday 2 October 2026
How bids are scored
Entertainment and Performers
Entertainment / Performer Experience 60% · Pricing Schedule 40%
Quality matters most. You can win without being the cheapest.
Event Management Services
Event Management Experience, Planning and Delivery Approach 60% · Price Schedule 40%
Quality matters most. You can win without being the cheapest.
Large-Scale Event Services
Large Scale Event Services Experience, Planning and Delivery Approach 60% · Price Schedule 40%
Quality matters most. You can win without being the cheapest.
Event Support Services
Event Support Services Experience, Coordination and Delivery Approach 60% · Price Schedule 40%
Quality matters most. You can win without being the cheapest.
Competition
Usually high: a median of 14 bids per contract for this buyer (from 81 awards in the last 12 months).
Framework
Winning puts you on a list of suppliers the buyer can call on; it does not guarantee work. The £300,000 is the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers over the framework's life, not one contract.
What the notice says
Should I bid?
Tick what applies to you. Nothing is saved.
How to bid
- Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
- Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.
- Send clarification questions before midday, Monday 21 September 2026.
- Make sure your bid arrives before midday, Friday 2 October 2026. Late bids are usually rejected.
Lots
| Lot | Trade | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment and Performers 13 October 2026 to 13 October 2029 What this lot coversThis lot covers the provision of entertainment, performers and audience engagement activities for a range of events, festivals, cultural programmes and community celebrations. Services may include, but are not limited to: Musicians, bands and live music performances DJs, presenters, hosts and compères Children's entertainment, workshops and family activities Street theatre, walkabout acts and interactive performers Cultural, heritage and arts-based performances Community engagement activities designed to encourage participation and involvement from residents, visitors and community groups | Training, Education services, Leisure, culture and events | £300,000 |
| Event Management Services 13 October 2026 to 13 October 2029 What this lot coversThis lot covers the provision of professional event management services to support the planning, development, coordination and delivery of events of varying scale and complexity. Services may include, but are not limited to: Event planning and project management Event coordination and on-site delivery Programme and event content development Stakeholder and partnership management Site planning and operational coordination Health and safety planning and management | Leisure, culture and events | £300,000 |
| Large-Scale Event Services 13 October 2026 to 13 October 2029 What this lot coversThis lot covers the delivery of large-scale, complex and flagship events that require specialist expertise, significant operational planning and coordination of multiple stakeholders, contractors and service providers. Events may include major festivals, destination events, civic celebrations and large public gatherings. Services may include, but are not limited to: Comprehensive event management services Event production and technical delivery Crowd management planning and implementation Site infrastructure planning and coordination Multi-day event management and operational oversight Specialist event consultancy and advisory services | Leisure, culture and events | £300,000 |
| Event Support Services 13 October 2026 to 13 October 2029 What this lot coversThis lot covers the provision of specialist event support services, equipment and infrastructure required to facilitate the safe and successful delivery of events. Suppliers may provide individual services or integrated support solutions depending on event requirements. Services may include, but are not limited to: Stage, technical and production services Audio visual, sound and lighting equipment Temporary structures, marquees and associated infrastructure Security, stewarding and access control services Traffic management and event transport solutions First aid, medical and welfare services Event branding, signage and wayfinding Equipment hire and associated support services | Leisure, culture and events | £300,000 |
Timeline
- Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 055417-2026
- Tender notice · UK4, notice 084576-2026
About the buyer
Procurements
263Awards
157Suppliers it has used most for training
- Karbon Homes2 contracts
- Bella Marie Training Academy Ltd1 contract
- Bond Solon Training Limited1 contract
- Creative Kitchen1 contract
- Fast Feet Football Academy Ltd1 contract
Similar open tenders
All open training tenders- Value not stated
- £3mestimated
- £2.1mestimated
- £125kestimated
- £294kestimated
From notice 055417-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 11 June 2026, last updated 7 September 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.