Together, they are offering intensive training in event and production management, which includes budgeting, health and safety, lighting and sound management, and technical training.

Following the training, participants will be given a budget to put their new found skills to the test. They will be tasked with organising two of their own ‘pop up’ events in unusual locations around Southwark.

Gary Beestone Ltd aims, through this project, to provide access and links to opportunities that will help participants either forge a career in events management or give them the confidence to set up their own events. Participants are mentored throughout the practical part of the training and are encouraged to be ambitious and enterprising, with the aim of putting on some spectacular events.

The company provides creative production and event management services to a wide range of high profile theatrical and event producers including the Greenwich & Docklands International Festival, Menier Chocolate Factory in SE1, Ambassador Theatre Group, Qdos Entertainment and Events for London.

Director Gary Beestone said before the launch: “I am really excited about the prospect of working with an enthusiastic and diverse group of young people on an opportunity where they can train and develop their skills while creating exciting events for real audiences. The applicants that have been selected from the taster sessions all have a passion and commitment for events and I can’t wait to get started working with them.”

This project is supported by the 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund, a scheme funded by the London Development Agency (LDA) and managed in partnership with Arts Council England. The 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund awarded £1.2m of grants over two years with award grants ranging from £25,000 - £50,000 to projects across London. These could be anything from multi-media skills gained through a film project, to set design or set construction skills gained through work in a theatre.

www.garybeestone.com