We’re proud to have delivered Royal Holloway Students Unions’ Summer Ball for the fifth year running. Set to a backdrop of a Grade 1 listed building and with a killer line up including Katy B, Nieve Ella, Fish56Octagon, Beth McCarthy and more, 3,500 students had a night to remember, albeit it a slightly damp one!

Ghostwriter first teamed up with Royal Holloway Students’ Union in 2019, providing a complete event solution for their end-of-term Summer Ball. The scope ranged from artist booking – spanning talent like Ella Eyre, Mabel, Olivia Deane, LF System and Wilkinson to event & site design, comprehensive health and safety provisions, and supplier & technical production across two stages at around the historic Founders Building. Ghostwriter not only handled logistics and supplier coordination (rides, toilets, staging, tech), but also managed on-site delivery, stakeholder relations, and a seamless build and break of the entire setup.

Gemma Shamah TechIOSH MIIRSM, Operations Director at Ghostwriter, said: “This year’s event saw not only record breaking ticket sales but unprecedented levels of cooperation across all stakeholders which led to a truly unforgettable and not to mention unique event! We are privileged to have delivered this prestigious event for five years now and have overcome many challenges to ensure a consistently high value event whilst minimising impact to the university and importantly, creating a fun and safe environment for the students.”

Ghostwriter’s continued involvement, has been driven by its ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver festival-grade production. With a strong track record of exceptional execution and tight budget control we have worked closely with Royal Holloway Students’ Union to deliver an exceptional event year-on-year.

This year’s event, held on the evening of Friday, 6th June 2025, introduced a fresh lineup that continued the Ball’s legacy as a highlight of the academic calendar. Headliner Katy B, known for her hybrid blend of garage, house, dubstep, and R&B, was a standout attraction. With all the technical, safety, and design elements again expertly handled by Ghostwriter, the Ball ran smoothly and kept spirits high until late into the night and back into the morning! This year saw around 700 students make it survivors photo at 6am! Quote the feat!

Thank you to our partners Cyndeo Events, the SU, Royal Holloway University and all our suppliers for helping us to deliver another safe and successful event.

Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events is delighted to announce a long-term live music partnership with AMAAD Ltd aimed at expanding Bristol’s live music offering. The collaboration centres on The Prospect Building – AMAAD’s first venue acquisition – which has undergone major redevelopment since its purchase in September 2024.

Located on the banks of the River Avon, just minutes from Temple Meads, The Prospect Building is the first venue to be acquired and redeveloped by AMAAD. Now featuring two custom-built live rooms – a 3,000-capacity Main Room and a 1,350-capacity space called Crane. The venue is poised to become a key destination on the national touring circuit.

The first live events under the new partnership will be a pair of intimate, sold-out Rough Trade out store shows with Little Simz in Crane on 9 June, celebrating her new album “Lotus.” Other upcoming shows include 2 sold-out Yungblud events, with number-one chart-topping album rockers Those Damn Crows and Joyce Manor also appearing in the 1,350 cap space. The Main Room is set to host Everything Everything and a sold-out date with Mac DeMarco with more to be announced across both spaces.

The venue is a well-positioned, large-scale indoor and outdoor events space that has quickly established itself as a vital part of Bristol’s cultural fabric. Its success is driven by AMAAD’s significant investment, strong ties to the city’s creative community, and a clear commitment to sustainability and diverse programming.

The Prospect Building is already a vibrant fixture in the city, since opening its doors on the 28th of September 2024 the venue has hosted a mix of events – from large scale club events, family focused experiences, fashion shows, and community circus events, to art exhibitions, product launches, and performances from local dance groups.

This new partnership will realise AMAAD’s long-standing vision for the venue to become a premier live music destination. A bold new programme will boost both the volume and calibre of touring artists, cementing its place on the national circuit and strengthening its role in Bristol’s cultural landscape.

In close collaboration with AMAAD, Ghostwriter has helped shape the venue’s infrastructure to support high-profile live events. The space features in-house production, L-Acoustics sound systems, top-tier lighting, a full dressing room suite, and expansive backstage facilities. Its dual-room format allows for scalability – promoters can move between Crane and the Main Room depending on ticket demand, ensuring the optimal setting for every show.

Carl Bathgate, Commercial Director at Ghostwriter, said: “We’re immensely proud to partner with a like-minded organisation like AMAAD to bring something truly new to Bristol. Having operated and promoted within the city for over 5 years, we know the 3,000 capacity Main Room fills a crucial gap in the city’s live music provision and Crane offers mid-sized flexibility with an excellent level of production; both spaces are equipped to deliver high-quality live music experiences.”

He continued: “Considering the current economic challenges, we have sought to deliver venues that offer outstanding value and flexibility for shows ranging from 700 to 3,000 capacity. Our aim is to support promoters and artists, offering competitive terms, with only 50% venue ticketing allocation and crucially no merchandise fees across both spaces, making the Main Room one of the largest venues in the UK to do so.

“This approach supports artists by allowing them to generate significantly more revenue at a time when rising costs make touring increasingly challenging. Our collaboration with AMAAD reflects a shared vision to redefine Bristol’s live music scene and create a dynamic cultural hub for both audiences and performers.”

Helen McGee, Ghostwriter’s Head of Venues, added: “We’re thrilled to partner with The Prospect Building, and I’m especially excited to work closely with Paul, Will, and the team. This collaboration between AMAAD and Ghostwriter perfectly aligns our joint commitment to deliver exceptional live music events, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we achieve together.

“Bristol is my adopted city and I’ve been involved in its venues for a long time having managed the Anson Rooms, then launching Carling Academy Bristol (O2 Academy Bristol) later progressing to Divisional Manager for Academy Music Group and working with leading venues across the UK.”

She added: “Utilising my experience to identify what promoters, artists and customers expect from venues at this level we have worked to surpass expectations whilst strengthening the bond between the community and The Prospect Building which AMAAD have worked so hard to form. I’m genuinely excited to be involved in the delivery of the next evolution of my hometown’s live music journey and I hope the residents of Bristol and further afield will be too.”

Paul Jack and Will Harold, AMAAD’s Executive Directors, said: “We are delighted with the progress of The Prospect Building so far and believe that as our first AMAAD owned and operated venue, we are redefining what it means for a venue to truly be part of its community. We endeavour to contribute to the region’s economy by utilising local suppliers when possible, focussing on sustainability and supporting local promoters and community organisations.”

They added: “AMAAD and Ghostwriter are set to position The Prospect Building as a cornerstone of Bristol’s live music landscape – offering a fresh, flexible alternative for artists, agents, and promoters looking to make a mark in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.

“We are extremely excited to work with Ghostwriter as their professionalism, experience and reputation for delivering high-quality events align perfectly with the values and atmosphere of The Prospect Building. Together, and through a collaborative approach with the wider industry, we look forward to hosting an eclectic programme of events that will enrich Bristol’s vibrant cultural scene.”

Our Commercial Director, Carl, and Head of Venues, Helen attended the inaugural SXSW London this week – an event that has already made headlines with a surprise royal visit.

On Thursday, King Charles made an unexpected appearance at the Shoreditch festival site, where he was welcomed by a moving performance from the Kingdom Choir and greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and SXSW London organisers.

As South by Southwest brings its boundary-pushing platform to the UK for the first time, it’s a prime opportunity to engage with global thought leaders, innovators, and creatives across music, technology, and culture.

Carl and Helen attended keynotes, panels, and showcases. Speaking about her first day at the event, Helen McGee Head of Venues, said: “A strong and inspiring start to SXSW this week…Started with the panel “Putting (You, Me, Bums) Bums on Seats: The Evolution of Innovative Live Performance” – a fascinating session unpacking the common challenges faced across live performance sectors. It’s reassuring to know so many of us are navigating similar issues, though also a reminder of the persistent prejudices still facing music, club, and live event sectors.

“Great to reconnect with Jonathan Harper from Paraorchestra and finally meet Josh Newington from TEG in person. We had a great conversation around venues, bookings, ticketing – and even our time in education, when I briefly taught during COVID and he was one of my cohort.”

She added: “A huge thanks to Creative UK’s Growth Programme for making this possible. Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events joined their 2024 cohort, and their continued support has been instrumental – including access to opportunities like SXSW London If you’re working in the creative industries and considering applying, I highly recommend checking them out. Applications for the next cohort close soon!

“A great first day – looking forward to what the coming days bring.”

As a company that thrives on innovation and collaboration, we’re excited to be in the room for this landmark event and to explore how the SXSW spirit can further energise our mission.

Stay tuned on our socials for updates, insights, and takeaways direct from SXSW London.

We’re thrilled to share that our Finance Director Victoria Smith, founder of Gig Lab, has been shortlisted for DBACE 2025 – the Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs!

This year, DBACE received an incredible 538 applications from talented entrepreneurs across the UK. After a thorough and competitive selection process, 20 outstanding creative social enterprises have been longlisted – and we’re so proud to see Victoria and Gig Lab among them!

Victoria’s work embodies the spirit of creative entrepreneurship that drives real impact in communities, her passion for grassroots music venues knows no bounds and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

📅 Finalists will be announced on June 12.

For more details and to see the full longlist, sign up for updates: dbace.org

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news – Gig Lab has been named Start-Up of the Year at this year’s Thinking Digital Conference.

Held at the stunning Glasshouse International Centre for Music, the event brought together some of the UK’s most exciting tech minds, innovators, and entrepreneurs for a two-day celebration of bold ideas and transformative thinking. And what an event it was.

Our Director, Victoria Smith, pitched her idea for Gig Lab at TusPark Newcastle Eagle Labs alongside nine outstanding innovators. Thanks to the incredible energy and support of the audience, she was voted through to the final round. She pitched again—this time at the full conference at The Glasshouse alongside the brilliant Aled Roberts of Deaken Bio and Rachel Boyd-Moss from The Offset Greenhouse.

To then be announced as the overall winner of the Thinking Digital Start-Up Competition was an unforgettable moment – one filled with pride, gratitude, and more than a little disbelief.

Victoria said: “It was an honour just to stand on stage with such inspiring people, let alone be voted the winner. The support from the audience and the wider North East community has been overwhelming.

“Huge thanks to the other finalists, Rachel Boyd-Moss and Aled Roberts who were an absolute joy to share the experience with. Supportive, inspiring, and kind to the core.

“And to everyone who voted, clapped, nodded reassuringly, or came up to say you were excited about Gig Lab, thank you! This win means the world. It proves people get the importance of grassroots venues, independent spaces, and building tech that truly supports them.”

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the organisers, judges, and everyone who voted, as well as a massive shout-out to the other finalists and all the startups who brought such passion and creativity to the competition.

The North East is alive with innovation, and we’re proud to be part of such a dynamic, driven, and supportive community.

Watch this space – Gig Lab is just getting started.

Ghostwriter Consultancy and Events is hitting the road this week as our team of in-house promoters heads to Brighton for The Great Escape Festival 2025.

Known as one of the UK’s most exciting festivals for emerging music, The Great Escape is a hub for discovery, networking, and industry insight – and we’re thrilled to be part of it once again.

Our promoters will be connecting with artists, agents, and fellow tastemakers across the city’s legendary venues, seeking out the next big thing and championing talent.

Whether it’s new music, fresh ideas, or future partnerships, The Great Escape is a vital stop on the live music calendar — and we’re proud to be part of the mix.

Follow our socials this week for updates straight from the South Coast. See you in Brighton!

A heartfelt Happy 120th Anniversary celebration to our wonderful partner venue – Liverpool Olympia.

A​ cherished gem in Liverpool’s cultural landscape for decades, and designed by the legendary Frank Matcham – the venue has welcomed generations through its doors. From Houdini to the Beatles and unforgettable performances to iconic live music events, it’s a space filled with history, heart, and the shared spirit of creativity that brings the city together.

Ghostwriter was delighted to programme a special pair of shows with Liverpool legends Shack hosting their reformation gig on Friday 25th April and acclaimed British rock band Embrace headlining a milestone event on Saturday 26th April also featuring an incredible line-up with special guests The Bluetones, The Real People, and Rats.

Carl Bathgate, Commercial Director at Ghostwriter, said: “Liverpool Olympia is more than just a venue – it’s a living, breathing part of the city’s cultural fabric. To see it thriving 120 years on is both inspiring and a testament to its enduring significance.

He added: “We’re honoured to work alongside such a historic landmark and look forward to watching its remarkable legacy continue to grow.”

From the grandeur of its early theatre days to the pulse of modern live entertainment, Liverpool Olympia continues to bring people together. We’re so proud to work alongside such an inspiring venue – here’s to 120 years of unforgettable memories, with many more to come.

One of our proudest moments? Bringing the whole Team Ghostie together from across the country for not one, but two amazing company days. It was a rare and energising chance to connect, collaborate, and celebrate everything we’ve been building.

A huge highlight was welcoming the incredible Jeni Smith, Network Strategist and founder of NetKno, who joined us to share her expert insights and contagious energy.

Our very own Director, Victoria Smith, also stepped into the spotlight, joining panels of powerhouse talent – first at the Tech Services Showcase at Proto in Gateshead, sitting alongside James Hanson of Layers Studio, and again at the North East BIC’s Enterprising Sunderland Celebration at the Stadium of Light. It’s always an honour to share our journey and especially to shine a light on exciting projects like Gig Lab, which also featured on BBC Radio Newcastle and in NE Volume.

We also had a blast exhibiting at VentureFest, powered by UMi and Innovation SuperNetwork. There’s nothing like the buzz of innovators, creators, and disruptors coming together.

Of course, no Ghostie gathering is complete without incredible food. We took every opportunity to raise a glass (or a slice) with the brilliant people who make up our team: Carl Bathgate, Victoria Smith, Gemma Shamah, Richard Maides, Helen McGee, Joe Roberts, Ade Dovey, Molly Doyle, Karen Lillycrop, Jasmin Choy, George Egerton and Ashleigh Powney.

We’re beyond excited for what’s next. Collaborating with so many passionate people across the country is what drives us and it was amazing to bring everyone together for two impactful and insightful food-filled days.

Here’s to bold ideas, brilliant teams, and a future filled with creativity.

#TeamGhostie

Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events, a leading business in the events and music industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Helen McGee as Head of Venues.

The former Divisional Manager (Operations Lead) at Academy Music Group (AMG) has an extensive background in event management and venue operations and brings a wealth of experience to the company, where she will lead the venues’ operational strategy as Ghostwriter expands its venue partnerships, consultancy and promoting business.

With a career spanning more than 30 years in the live entertainment industry, and a stellar track record of venue and area management, Helen has expertly managed the operational success of multiple leading venues throughout the UK, overseeing key areas such as financial planning, performance monitoring, licensing, and liaising with local authorities.

Her ability to develop and implement company policies and best practices, from building maintenance and ticketing to event risk assessments and technical operations, demonstrates her deep understanding of the live events industry.

Helen’s strategic thinking has been integral in both maximising existing revenue streams and identifying fresh opportunities for growth. She has proven success in future-proofing businesses by staying ahead of trends and navigating the nuances of different venues and cities. Moreover, her leadership in staff recruitment, training, and development, including mentoring future leaders, highlights her commitment to fostering a collaborative, high-performance team environment. Helen’s expertise will be invaluable in driving innovation and operational excellence for Ghostwriter.

Helen worked alongside Bristol City Council in the establishment of the Nighttime Panel prior to the appointment of the Night Time Economy Advisor, and with London’s City Hall to support the formation of the Safer Business Network board. She has also worked with Festival Republic, the UK’s leading festival and event promoter, renowned for its flagship events, including the Reading and Leeds Festivals. With her analytical foresight, Helen is set to further enhance Ghostwriter’s stellar reputation for delivering exceptional events, and as a Trustee of the Music Venue Trust, she shares Ghostwriter’s commitment to supporting grassroots music venues.

Carl Bathgate, Ghostwriter Commercial Director, said: “This is an exciting time for Ghostwriter and Helen’s appointment is indicative of that. As we expand into new markets and announce additional venue partnerships we are confident that Helen will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our venue strategy. Having previously worked alongside Helen at AMG I am more than aware of her capabilities, focus, analytical approach and unrelenting passion for venues and delivering fantastic artist and customer experiences. I’m delighted to welcome Helen to the Ghostwriter fold as an invaluable addition to our senior management team.”

As Head of Venues, Helen will work closely with the business’s clients to identify unique and strategic venues that align with their brand vision, ensuring that every event is a resounding success. She will also oversee venue partnerships, negotiating terms, and implementing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of Ghostwriter’s clients.

“I’m excited to be joining Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events as their new Head Of Venues.” said Helen. “I’m looking forward to bringing my expertise in operations and management to enhance the experiences offered to clients, and to be working in such a supportive team environment. Their commitment to supporting grassroots venues and independent businesses within the industry is second to none, and I can’t wait to see where we go next.”

Finance Director at Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events, Victoria Smith has been recognised by Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards for her game-changing software platform, which will revolutionise the live events sector. 

The North East entrepreneur and mother of two is one of 50 women trailblazers chosen by Innovate UK to drive forward their business idea, benefitting from a £75,000 grant and one-to-one business coaching to help scale-up their innovation. 

The 37-year-old was inspired to develop Gig Lab after seeing first-hand the challenges that venues and promoters face in the live events industry. From time poverty and complex logistics to disconnected systems, these hurdles often hold back independent venues from reaching their full potential. Gig Lab is her answer to these challenges; a transformative software platform designed to simplify event planning, streamline operations, enhance visibility and empower venues to focus on what really matters: creating unforgettable experiences for their audiences.

Victoria has always had a passion for live events, starting her career at 16 as a Box Office Assistant at Sunderland Empire. Her years working across the country for industry leaders like Live Nation, MAMA, and Academy Music Group taught her invaluable lessons in operations, strategy, and financial scrutiny, providing a solid foundation for her career.

Over time, she felt a pull back to her roots and independent venues where she spent her teenage years soaking up the sense of community and creative energy. Inspired by the freedom and agility of grassroots spaces, she embraced the chance to work in a world where decisions are made for the love of music and local culture, not just profitability. It’s this passion for championing creativity, emerging talent, and the unique spirit of live events that drives everything she does today.

Victoria, said: “I’m incredibly honoured to win the Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Award and humbled to share my recognition alongside such incredible women developing scientific and medical innovations.

“This award isn’t just about me, it’s about the incredible team at Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events, whose expertise and passion have been the foundation of everything we do. I’m fortunate to work with such a talented group of individuals who share my vision of empowering independent and grassroot venues, and I couldn’t have achieved this without their dedication and support.

“The timing of this award feels especially significant with Sunderland recently being named a Music City, a recognition that highlights the city’s vibrant culture and its commitment to supporting the creative industries. Relocating Ghostwriter from Oxford to Sunderland has been a game-changer for us, opening up opportunities we couldn’t have imagined. With the backing of North East BIC, Innovation SuperNetwork, Creative UK, and Sunderland Culture, we’ve been able to maximise this award and move forward with Gig Lab in a way that’s truly transformational.”

Debbie Simpson, Innovation Adviser at the North East BIC, said: “Working with Victoria has been an immense pleasure, and she truly deserves the Innovate UK award. From our very first meeting, her passion and deep expertise in the events sector were unmistakable. This groundbreaking platform is set to revolutionize event management, with its impact resonating across the entire industry and beyond.”

Wayne Bryant, Senior Innovation Manager, Innovation SuperNetwork powered by UMi, added: “It’s fantastic to see Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events recognised by Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards. Through the Innovate UK North East Digital Technologies Launchpad programme, we’re proud to have supported them to collaborate, commercialise, and attract finance to their game-changing software platform Gig Lab.

“This award highlights not only Victoria’s vision but also the strength of the North East’s growing digital innovation cluster. By connecting Ghostwriter with Layers Studio to develop the platform locally, we’re fostering collaboration that drives regional innovation forward. This is a well-deserved milestone for an exceptional team transforming the live events sector.”

The software is being developed locally by the team at Layers Studio, keeping innovation grounded in the North East. Victoria added: “We’re also proud to collaborate with the University of Sunderland’s Arrow Innovation Project, which is providing cutting-edge academic support to enhance the platform’s AI capabilities. Being part of this vibrant community, in a city that’s fully embracing its identity as a Music City, has been transformative for Ghostwriter. Sunderland’s focus on championing creativity and fostering collaboration has created the perfect environment for innovation to thrive.”

Mike Jurowski, Business Development Manager, Arrow Sunderland Innovate and Grow, added: “In today’s digital driven world, live events play a vital role in bringing people together to relax, socialise and have fun, as well as delivering economic benefit to the artists, venues and local communities.

“In the live events space, Victoria stands out as an inspirational leader with a clear vision to enable more independent venues to deliver more, great live events. Victoria’s passion and enthusiasm for what she does is clearly evident, and the award of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award is richly deserved. The University of Sunderland are delighted to be supporting Victoria and the team with the development of Gig Lab, through the Arrow Sunderland Innovate and Grow programme.”

Paula Harrison, Director at Layers Studio, said: “We’re over the moon to see Victoria recognised by Innovate UK. Collaborating with brilliant local businesses is something we’re truly passionate about. It means we can help tackle global challenges while proudly showcasing the talent and creativity of the North East. It’s amazing to be able to say that this game-changing software is being designed and built right here in the North East, empowering grassroots venues and putting our region firmly on the map.

Nick Malyan, Chief Executive of Sunderland Culture, which also contributed a grant to the development of Gig Lab through its Unlock programme added: “We are delighted that Victoria has been awarded Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Award for her excellent work developing Gig Lab. The platform promises to make a real difference to grassroots music venues everywhere, not just in our city and it’s fitting that the concept was developed here in Sunderland, as the newest member of the global Music Cities Network.”

Kristian Foreman, Lead Programme Manager, North East, said: “Creative UK has supported Gig Lab through the DCMS-funded and North East Combined Authority supported Create Growth Programme, where they’ve receiving mentorship and business support to grow and prepare for investment. We’ve witnessed first-hand Victoria’s commitment to putting in the work and seeking out the contacts to make Gig Lab a success, and it’s gratifying to see that work recognised with this award. With Gig Lab, Victoria has identified a problem in the live events sector and created an innovative solution that should work for the benefit of venues and musicians alike. We’re proud to have Gig Lab in our exhibition at the Investment for Growth: The Big Creative UK Summit, where we showcase the Creative Industries to an engaged investor audience.”

The Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards received 1,452 applications from women founders across the country, along with up to £3.75 million in funding to support them in developing inspiring solutions to pressing societal, environmental, and economic challenges.

Victoria encourages music venues and promoters to register their interest in Gig Lab at www.giglab.co.uk