A record crowd of 140,000 saw reigning Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton claim his third British Grand Prix in dramatic fashion.
That was by far the biggest operational test of stewarding and event security contractor Showsec’s involvement at the home of British motor racing after being awarded a contract to provide crowd management and event security services this year.
With more than 350,000 people pouring through the gates over a four-day period, starting with a behind-the-scenes Pit Walk on Thursday and through to the celebration party for Hamilton’s victory on the Sunday evening, Showsec put in place an crowd management operation for such a big occasion.
Richard Church, Showsec’s Midlands Regional Manager, said afterwards: “Great emphasis has been placed on giving motor racing fans the best possible customer experience when they visit Silverstone, and that was especially so in this instance. It is very satisfying therefore to hear so many glowing compliments about the occasion and to have some of them focused on our part in it.
“There is no escaping the fact that a large majority of those fans got the outcome they were hoping and praying for to crown four great days, but there were many other factors which played crucial roles in making it so memorable for them. They are committed to becoming the ultimate entertainment venue at Silverstone and we feel we are on the right track to helping them achieve that aim.
“Being our first Formula 1 British Grand Prix, we were on a fast learning curve, particularly when it came to familiarisation with the size and layout of the circuit. But we could relate to our experience of successfully delivering crowd management for many other large-scale sporting events such as the Tour de France last year.
“Certainly, this was much more than just a Grand Prix. There were so many other attractions, including live stage performances from the likes of Madness, Jocelyn Brown and Deacon Blue to make it a proper festival occasion.”
Showsec adds that it worked with Silverstone officials and others, putting in place the processes for an army of more than 350 volunteers who acted as ‘Here To Help’ Racemakers over the four days. Church was supported by his two Area Managers, Joseph Milner (East Midlands) and Ieuan Fury (West Midlands), but also praised Operations Executive Chris Senior, the Silverstone Account Manager, for his “relentless efforts”.
Church said: “It was particularly pleasing to see so many step up to the plate and take responsibility for key aspects of the operation. We have developed a strong management infrastructure, but there are many others within the workforce who have developed good leadership skills, particularly Management Development Programme Associates Jordan Milner, Morgan Rollinson and Daniella Stimson who all made valuable contributions throughout the event.”
