House PR re-appointed for BBC Countryfile Live’s second year

House PR has been signed up by BBC Countryfile Live to manage a PR campaign around the four-day live event, which made its debut last year.

Taking place in the grounds of Blenheim Palace from 3 to 6 August, the event showcases the best of the British countryside and offers live arena shows, hands-on activities, animal displays, debates, food and drink, and retail.

House PR was appointed without a pitch after the success of its campaign for the 2016 event, which, it says, drove a “huge volume of ticket sales”.

The new brief is to both drive sales for Countryfile Live and handle all event media output across broadcast, national and local outlets.

Working closely with the event organisers, House PR plans to enhance the value of having household name presenters at the show with John Craven, Matt Baker, Adam Henson, Tom Heap, Anita Rani, Ellie Harrison and Charlotte Smith due to attend.

The event is produced by SME London Ltd under licence from BBC Worldwide.

Tom Clarkson, SME’s marketing director, said: “Having worked with House PR for the inaugural event last August, we’re delighted to be working with them again. While last year our focus was very much on announcing the event with a bang, our aim this year will be to take Countryfile Live to the next level by cementing it as Britain’s best day out in the countryside for all the family.”

Ginny Paton, MD of House PR, added: “House PR has a long history in supporting successful live events. We know how to squeeze every last bit of collateral out of a show or an event. It’s a joy to be working once again with such a successful event as Countryfile Live – and to be reappointed based on the results we delivered last year is really gratifying.”

In October 2016, House PR was acquired by W, as part of an ambitious expansion strategy that has already seen the company open offices in Singapore and Amsterdam.