With beautifully designed indoor spaces and expansive outdoor areas, Bleaklow Farm provides the perfect setting for celebrations and corporate events.

For Sophie Rodgers, founder of Derbyshire-based Luxe Events and Parties, the venue has become a firm favourite since she organised a 21st birthday celebration there earlier this year.

Sophie specialises in turning milestone occasions, corporate events and weddings into unforgettable experiences, with every detail carefully shaped around her clients’ individual style.

We caught up with Sophie to find out how she first discovered Bleaklow Farm, how the 21st birthday celebration came together, and why the venue, and the people behind it, have become a trusted partner for a number of her events.

Q: How did you learn about Bleakow Farm?

I originally heard of Bleaklow Farm via a bride. The bride had day two of her wedding at Bleaklow and all of her guests stayed over and said great things about it. However, it wasn’t until I organised the 21^st birthday party that I got to see it for myself.

Q: What made you choose Bleaklow Farm for your client’s party?

Originally, my client wanted the celebration at their home which is local to Bleaklow Farm. Unfortunately, there was poor access to the garden for a marquee for 100+ people. A number of guests were also travelling from outside the area, so we needed a venue that provided accommodation. I suggested Bleaklow Farm as an option as it had accommodation, amble parking, flexible spaces, the beautiful barn and outside areas which would enable us to fully meet her vision without compromise.

Q: What were your first impressions walking into Bleaklow Farm?

The cleanliness!  I go to so many venues that look clean and tidy, but when I start moving furniture there are sticky patches or dust and cobwebs, Bleaklow was immaculate.

I was also impressed at the standard to which it’s maintained. All of my event suppliers asked, ‘is this brand new?’  It’s obvious no expense has been spared in the décor and furnishings.

Q: How did you recreate your client’s vision for the party at Bleaklow?

My client had a mood board which is always great to create before an event. One of the things on her board was this fantastic feathered chandelier. I was able to recreate this in the barn which was transformed into a club. A lighting specialist installed lasers and haze machines and we put the DJ on the mezzanine maximising dance floor space.

Q: How did the Beyond Venues team support you in making the event a success?

One of things that really impressed me at Bleaklow Farm was the welcome pack for guests. It was packed full of locally sourced products, like bread from Chatsworth House, cakes from a Bakewell bakery, and candles from a nearby business. It was high quality and unexpected. All the guests who stayed commented on it.

Small things make a big difference.  I took milk on the first day of set up for tea and coffee for the workmen, but there was already milk in the fridge. The Beyond Venues team had thought of everything.

Q: How did the space work for the guests?

We had more than 100 guests from late teens to grandparents. They entered the house through the front lawn where they were given a glass of fizz on arrival.

Unfortunately, the weather was not kind to us the weekend of the party, so I added a waterproof structure over the courtyard area to link the barn and the main house together. This created another indoor space which we heated, added seating and projected films and pictures of the birthday girl onto the walls.

I kept the curtains closed in the kitchen so they couldn’t see the courtyard. After speeches, we opened the curtains and the guests went through to the barn. We kept revealing more and more as the evening went on.

The barn was where the music was, which left other areas of the house for guests who wanted something a bit quieter. The seating area around the fire in the kitchen /dining area was really popular with guests.

Q: Most importantly, was the birthday girl happy?

Yes definitely. We nailed her vision board so she and her family were over the moon. We always say we can achieve anything and, with the right venue, you absolutely can. At Luxe Events I always say anything is possible, but both Bleaklow Farm and the Beyond Venues’ team turned out to be amazing.

Q: What’s next for Luxe Events and Parties at Bleaklow Farm?

We’re working on a number of events at Bleaklow. More immediately is a wedding. One event the Luxe Events and Parties team is really excited about is a Traitors themed party. The barn was just made for this event!

To find out more about hosting your special event at Bleaklow Farm and working with Sophie to bring your vision to life, get in touch with the team here or call 07810155366.