Lifestyle

Chris Sarchet Bell On His Journey To Building The Biggest U18 Event Brand In The Uk

Published

4 years ago

March 24, 2021

Chris Sarchet Bell is one of the few entrepreneurs who are proving that you can have a good time without alcohol. In 2014, he founded Shutdown events as a response to the market gap in providing entertainment for 14-17 years olds. 6 years later, he has taken that business sky-level and transformed it into the biggest U18s events brand in the whole of the UK.

Starting Small

Shutdown Events was established in 2014 in Chris’ home town, Burnley. Before venturing into the day-time event space, Shutdown had previous experience in the events/nightlife industry from hosting their over 18 events.

“We decided to try and tackle the younger market to be able to get interest from a young audience,” Chris says. “Then, once they came of age, we would be able to pass them on to our over 18s brand, Grenade.”

Shutdown quickly made a name for itself in Burnley and soon started to attract clientele from out of the town and further.

“With each event, more and more people were talking about us. Within 6 months, we branched into a second area and by month 8, we were in another 4 cities.”

It was at this stage the Shutdown team realised they had created something special.

Building a Legacy on Connection

The resounding success that Shutdown Events currently enjoys did not happen by accident. In fact, it was the result of persistent effort and never taking no for an answer.

“ I never give up,” Chris shares. “It took me 4 years before I made a penny. No matter what hurdles have been thrown at me over the last 6 years I always get back up and keep going and my determination is exactly why I am where I am today.”

Crushing Goals

Within the first 2 years, Shutdown became the UK’s largest leading U18 brand. Now, Chris and his team tour the country every couple of months, hosting events from Scotland to as far down as Newquay. Shutdown has now hosted events across 10+ cities nationwide.

“We bring together some of the biggest names in the music industry, originally we used to bring PA’s from some of the most popular reality tv shows, paint & foam parties and Co2 & confetti parties. But now, it’s all about putting on that indoor festival vibe, the biggest acts/djs we can get our hands on, huge production, including pyros, screens, streamers, and transforming venues with a huge themes, nobody is doing it like Shutdown now and that’s why our social media is constantly growing. We keep getting requests from more and more clients across the country asking us to come to a town/city near them. Because of this, Shutdown is continuing to grow and build such a high in-demand brand on a weekly basis.”

Chris has big plans and an ambitious vision for the future and growth of Shutdown Events.

“Success to me is brand recognition, hearing great feedback, being able to look after my family,” Chris says.

“ Now more than ever, the music, live events and concerts scene is bigger and more in demand than ever before, especially with the younger generation. We offer the “night of your life” for 14 – 17-year-olds before they are legally allowed to go out to events. Over the next few years, I would like to think we will be touring across 15 cities nationwide.”

Lifestyle

Delta 9 THC Drinks: The Perfect Blend of Relaxation and Indulgence

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2025

Michelle Langton

The beverage industry is experiencing a quiet shift in a world where wellness meets creativity. A new frontier in recreational beverages is emerging with Delta 9 THC drinks, offering a mindful and health-conscious alternative for those seeking a social buzz without the drawbacks of alcohol. Leading this new frontier is Floral Beverages, a company rooted in tradition but focused on modern approaches.

THC Cocktails: From Family Farm to Modern Production

What started as a multigenerational family farm in rural Indiana has become a business redefining social drinking. Inspired to offer healthier options, Floral Beverages translated its agricultural expertise into crafting beverages that promote wellness. Their mission? To provide farm-to-fridge beverages that allow consumers to enjoy life’s celebrations while skipping the dehydration and extra calories often associated with traditional alcohol.

Their approach emphasizes transparency. Each THC beverage represents a straightforward farm-to-fridge journey, with quality maintained at every step. Floral Beverages offers trustworthy and enjoyable products by staying true to their agricultural roots.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Launching a small business is never easy, and doing so just before a global pandemic brought even more challenges. Floral Beverages, a family-run company, stayed focused and self-funded through COVID-19, prioritizing smart growth while searching for the ideal product-market fit.

Their determination paid off. Their story is one of persistence and thoughtful strategy, offering hope to other small businesses facing obstacles.

What Sets Floral Beverages THC Cocktails Apart

Floral Beverages stands out in an industry often lacking transparent practices. Its commitment to farm-to-fridge traceability allows customers to trace the origins of their THC cocktails, ensuring consistent quality every time.

Their products are carefully designed, balancing scientific precision with culinary creativity to deliver drinks that mimic the effects of alcohol—minus the ethanol. With responsibly portioned THC, these beverages provide a refreshing and enjoyable alternative, catering to a growing audience seeking mindful options (learn more, here).

Cannabis Cocktails: Recognition and Excellence

Floral Beverages has already made its mark as the first THC beverage to compete in a national alcohol competition—and win. Their Modern Mule earned a silver medal at the 2023 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship, while their Margarita took bronze. These awards reflect their dedication to crafting beverages that taste great and provide a positive experience.

Drink Objectively: A Thoughtful Approach to Celebration

The company’s motto, “Drink Objectively,” reflects its focus on balanced choices. Traditional alcohol is linked to dehydration and calories, while THC drinks offer a lighter alternative. Floral Beverages allows consumers to enjoy social moments without compromising wellness, whether at a gathering or during a quiet evening at home (learn more, here).

With a foundation of quality and clear practices, Floral Beverages is set to grow. Their vision includes expanding their reach, increasing awareness, and introducing more products that align with their values. They aim to reshape the alcohol alternatives space, offering more options to those seeking mindful drinking solutions.

Delta 9 THC Drinks: A Refreshing Way to Sip and Socialize

Floral Beverages Delta 9 beverages are more than beverages—they’re carefully crafted experiences. Combining relaxation with indulgence, these drinks offer a thoughtful way to enjoy social moments. These beverages provide a new way forward for anyone interested in making better choices without sacrificing fun.

Discover the future of social drinking today. Visit Floral Beverages online and explore a variety of flavorful, health-conscious options. Cheers to a better buzz!

*Images sourced from Floral Beverages