Ep.39 Grants, Growth, and Gigs: The Future of Purple Turtle

With Neil Goulding

Episode Description:

In this episode, Neil discusses his role at the Purple Turtle, which includes managing event bookings, promotion, and social media marketing. He provides insights into how he structures his day and handles the diverse responsibilities of his position.

The conversation explores the unique characteristics of the Purple Turtle, emphasising its significance as a Reading fixture and its diverse offerings, including bands, comedy, and club nights.

Neil also shares two exciting developments at the Purple Turtle. First, securing an Arts Council grant for audience development and marketing, which will enable them to bring in a wider variety of music and artists, and invest in a two-camera AV system. Second, the Turtle’s expansion to include another medium-sized venue space.

The importance of the Purple Turtle’s contribution to the local community is discussed, from its free-entry philosophy to its support for local artists and events.

Throughout the interview, Neil offers valuable advice on various aspects of event management, including the funding application process, choosing bands, promotion strategies, and connecting with audiences. He emphasises the need to adapt to the evolving entertainment landscape and the challenges of attracting and retaining an audience.

Purple Turtle website: https://www.purpleturtlebar.com/

Purple Turtle Social Channels:

Dowload The Purple Turtle Live Music App:

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Episode Time Codes

00:00 Introduction

00:25 Greeting

00:46 Introduction to Neil

01:08 What Neil’s schedule looks like

01:58 Neil’s background

02:33 How Neil ended up at the Turtle

03:05 What is different about The Purple Turtle

04:00 The Turtle’s impact in Reading

04:33 What makes the Purple Turtle stand out from other bars in Reading

05:58 Successful in securing Arts Council Funding

09:42 Planning permission granted for new venue

10:53 How Neil chooses the bands

12:48 How Neil promotes events at the Purple Turtle

15:11 What works well for Neil on socials

16:06 The Purple Turtle helps the local community

17:26 What challenges has Neil faced since he started

17:55 Tackling the challenge of attracting audiences

18:38 What Neil likes about working at the Purple Turtle

18:58 Final thoughts

20:08 Getting annual events in place

Videos

Purple Turtle's Funding Application Success

Expanding the Purple Turtle

Challenges | Increasing audience attendance

Promoting events at The Purple Turtle

Key takeaways

The Importance of Diversification in Events and Venue Management: Neil emphasises the Purple Turtle’s success through its diverse offerings. This diversification caters to a broader audience and ensures there’s something for everyone, which is a valuable lesson for any business in the entertainment or hospitality industry.

Leveraging Grants and Funding Opportunities: Neil’s successful acquisition of an Arts Council grant highlights the importance of exploring funding opportunities. He provides advice on the application process, emphasising the need for thorough preparation and aligning with the funder’s criteria.

Adapting to Changing Audience Behaviour: Neil discusses the challenges of attracting and retaining audiences, especially in the context of the cost-of-living crisis and changing entertainment habits. He highlights the need to adapt marketing strategies, utilise social media effectively, and consider factors like free entry to encourage attendance.