ROB - WE ARE THE FAIR

  1. Who are you and what do you do at The Big Weekend?

I’m Rob Dudley and my role at The Big Weekend is Event Safety Advisor.  This involves working with the organisers in advance and during the event to develop, implement and manage site safety for all of the attendees, contractors, performers, suppliers, sponsors, activity organisers and traders who make up the Big Weekend.

  1. What is your occupation outside of The Big Weekend?

I’m Director of Safety for We Are The Fair, an award-winning Production Management company.  So I essentially perform a similar role at a host of other events and festivals up and down the country.  Shows such as Gottwood Festival, Bournemouth 7’s, Moseley Folk Festival and Lambeth Fireworks, to name just a few.

  1. How has that changed due to Covid-19?

Dramatically.  All of the events we were scheduled to be working at for early to mid-summer 2020 have been postponed.  Either to next year or much later this year (although those that have postponed until later this might have to be postponed again – probably until next year).  As a result, we’re obviously working from home rather than being out in the field working on site.  We’re still working with our clients on their plans for next year, as well as continuing with more office-based tasks such as applying for Licences.

Photo from John Scott

  1. How has your life changed due to the current situation? For good and for bad?

I’ve never been a fan of working from home, so that took some getting used to.  One of the things I enjoy most about my job is the balance between office-based planning work and then being out on site delivering live events.  Obviously now it’s entirely (home) office based.  I do get to spend more time with my dog though, so that’s a positive.

  1. What do you look forward to the most after this?

Being back outside, working on a range of different events.

  1. What is your favourite moment or memory from The Big Weekend?

I’m the person on site who gets to say “go” to launch the fireworks on Friday night.  That’s good fun.  I also enjoy sampling the wares from the French Market.

  1. How much are you looking forward to The Big Weekend 2021?

Very much so.  I can’t wait to get back to Parker’s Piece and get involved in The Big Weekend again.  I’m sure after a year off, the public will be really crying out for The Big Weekend!

To find out more about Rob and We Are The Fair click the below: 

Click below to see more Behind-the-scenes @ the Big Weekend Interviews