As a remote-first company, we believe it’s essential that we stay connected, even though our amazing team is spread across the UK. That’s why we love hosting multiple get-togethers each year, giving everyone the chance to meet up in person. Our annual Summer and Christmas parties are a highlight, where employees and their families come together for some fun and quality time.
This year, we decided to take things up a notch with our very own festival: FuturFest! Picture this—Nordic-style bell tents, luxury bathrooms, and a pamper tent (yes, with electricity!) for a camping experience minus the hassle of leaky tents and sleeping bags. We brought the festival vibes with live music, games, sports activities, a chill-out zone, face painting, and delicious food. With a range of activities on offer, everyone could pick and choose how to spend their time, making FuturFest a relaxed, 'do it your way' and opt-in experience.
Me and my partner found FuturFest incredibly accessible making us able to enjoy the festivities to the full!
Tom Roberts, Senior Programmer
Alongside karaoke, a tug-of-war competition, and live music, we also created plenty of quieter spaces for people to chat, play board games, or roast marshmallows by the fire. A standout moment of the weekend was the D&D PowerWash Simulator-themed one-shot adventure, The Muck Menace, brilliantly hosted by our Game Designer, Federico D’Apote.
To give back to the local community near our festival, we organized a raffle with gifts generously donated by both employees and FuturLab. From a 3D-printed, hand-painted powerwasher crafted by Junior Programmer Jordan Lewis, to cross-stitch art and homemade jam, our team went all out to make the raffle extra special. Our CEO, Kirsty Rigden, who is currently on maternity leave, joined in the fun by visiting FuturFest with her family, and kindly donated a Steam Deck! We’re thrilled to share that the raffle raised £569 for a local food bank, and we couldn’t be prouder of our generous and talented team.
FuturFest was a lovely chance to unwind and to hang out with and get to know colleagues we aren't often able to chat to! All in a relaxed and comfortable setting, with optional activities to take part in.
James Butlin, Lead Programmer
We’re also excited to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for the Health and Wellbeing Award at the gi.biz Best Places to Work Awards 2024! A huge part of this recognition is thanks to our incredible People Team, who are dedicated to ensuring everyone at FuturLab feels supported and happy. Events like FuturFest are a perfect example of how we celebrate our amazing team and all their hard work. Special thanks go to our Studio Welfare Manager, Hayley Blundy, who made FuturFest happen and was able to check off a major career milestone with its success!
FuturFest exceeded all my expectations! It was a wholesome, fun filled weekend and I had such a great time. Seeing people meet in person, many of them for the first time, and bonding was really special. As the organiser of our company events, I sometimes struggle to immerse and enjoy myself but collaborating with Bumble Tents and Events gave me the reassurance I needed to relax a little and get into the swing of things.
Hayley Blundy - Studio Welfare Manager
FuturFest was a great way to celebrate the hardwork of everyone at FuturLab and give people a well-deserved break with their families. We can’t wait to get together for our Christmas party in just a few months’ time!
