A creative networking event by The Arabian Tent Company & Lara Norman at Wonderland, Sussex
In a world where most networking events unfold in conference halls filled with awkward introductions and polite small talk, PLAY stood out as something entirely different – a celebration of people, passion, spontaneity, and creative collision.
Co-hosted by Katherine Hudson, founder and creative director of The Arabian Tent Company by House of Hud, and Chef Lara Norman of Euphoria by Lara Norman, this unique event in Sussex brought together a vibrant circle of kindred spirits in a space defined by playfulness, authenticity, and connection.
“I’ve always wanted to gather the people who inspire me most into one space. PLAY was just that… no rules, just authenticity!!”
– Lara Norman
The Spirit of PLAY: Creative Collaboration in Sussex
What began as an end-of-season celebration quickly evolved into something much more profound – a living, breathing experiment in collaboration and co-creation.
Katherine envisioned a gathering where creativity wasn’t just discussed but actively shared and built upon. “The sum of the whole is always greater than the sum of the parts,” she says. “When people throw what they have into the ring and allow it to manifest, that’s where the magic happens.”
At its heart, PLAY is about the power of people coming together. It’s a reminder that we weren’t meant to build alone – that true creativity flourishes when communities connect and collaborate.
And as the day unfolded, that truth became beautifully evident – when moments of laughter, conversation, and spontaneous connection filled the air.
The Hosts: Creative Visionaries Behind PLAY
Katherine Hudson – Founder and Creative Director of The Arabian Tent Company by House of Hud
Known for her exquisite luxury event design, Katherine transforms spaces into environments that encourage connection, imagination, and wonder.
Lara Norman – Founder of Euphoria by Lara Norman
A chef with a philosophy rooted in chasing dopamine through the palate, Lara crafts sensory culinary experiences that blur the line between art and nourishment.
Together, they brought PLAY to life – alongside Adele Sharp Events, whose expert coordination ensured every moment flowed effortlessly.
The Venue: Wonderland, Sussex: A Luxury Event Setting
If ever there were a place made for PLAY, it’s Wonderland, Sussex – a festival event venue set around a lake, with sweeping views of the South Downs and an atmosphere brimming with natural magic and roaming resident peacocks.
PLAY was a festival of experiences, unfolding across every corner. Workshops and interactive sessions were thoughtfully placed in the bubble dome, Wendy house and bell tent village to encourage exploration and discovery.
Certainly, a standout highlight was the debut of The Arabian Tent Company’s Emerald Tent – lavish, dramatic, and entirely unique. This marquee transported guests to another world the moment they stepped inside, hosting a series of exhibitions and workshops.
What Unfolded: An Immersive Event
From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in a world designed to ignite curiosity and creativity. They were welcomed with a gaba-infused mocktail using the Sentia cocktail base and given sourdough pizzas from the in-house pizza oven.
Chris Fitchew curated a captivating opening ceremony that lifted everyone’s spirits and got everyone dancing, sharing and connecting with each other from the very start
Immersive workshops
Vision board sessions got people creative courtesy of Sarah Bee, while Natural Ecstasy breathwork energized and raised vibrations with Pete Jordan, Ritual of Sound Healing with Madeleine Moore relaxed and inspired. Just to the side of the main Emerald tent was a separate area accommodating Raphael Cabon’s captivating Lucid Dreams holographic light immersion display which encouraged introspection and imagination while Count Dracula (aka) Jack Norman lured guests into the Dome to experience an immersive glimpse of Land of Limbo! Whilst on the front lawn, white-coated mad professors encouraged people into Roze Laboratories Time Machine!
Artistic showcases
In addition, beautiful art and jewellery was displayed by some of the most talented creators, including Ava & Azar which invited guests to explore beauty in all its forms.
Culinary delights
Michelin star-style goat curry samosas and wild garlic ‘garlicitos’ by Thirteen Restaurant and ‘Echoes of the Amazon’ demonstration and talk by Nick Rapson – the top Latin chef on MasterChef UK who passionately demonstrated and educated in his unique blends of Venezuelan and French techniques. Whilst outside in the courtyard Oysters with an array of unusual toppings (who knew passionfruit and jalapeno chillies were so delicious on oysters!) Incredible mini deserts were served up by Trigo.
The food was nothing short of euphoric with vibrant flavours and edible artistry were shared with abundance and joy!
Musical Entertainment
The musical entertainment was hosted in the secret party barn, where Laura Westcott performed a sound-scape ‘Metamorphasis’ to provide an ephemeral transition from day to the evening’s fun. After which guests were treated to a night of live music from Steve Norman, founder of Spandau Ballet & Bongo beckett jam sessions. Then the aptly themed (for Wonderland) “Almost Alice” impressed the crowd with a captivating original performance. Gramski amazed everyone with his quick witted and hilarious Improv rapping with his group ‘Made-Up’ after which DJ Ky Mossman took to the decks playing an eclectic and uplifting selection of tunes to keep everyone’s spirits high until late.
Equally throughout it all, Just Luxury Cocktails kept spirits high and mouths watering with an ever-flowing stream of beautifully crafted and served drinks. Their bar became a gathering point of its own – serving up vibrant, artful cocktails with serious panache. Who knew you could have your own face printed on your expresso martini! We didn’t before we met Just Luxury Cocktails who served us drinks as photogenic as they were delicious!
As a result, this wasn’t just a party. It was a creative networking experience – where collaboration sparked effortlessly, ideas collided, and friendships formed.
The Future of PLAY: Building a Community of Creatives
As the final embers of the evening faded, one thing was clear: PLAY wasn’t a one-off event – without doubt, it was the start of a movement.
The Arabian Tent Company and Lara Norman are deeply grateful to everyone who brought their passion and presence to the experience. Now that collaborations born from PLAY are already in motion – the excitement for what comes next is palpable.
“We can’t wait to see what happens when this energy continues to ripple outward. PLAY will definitely be back – bigger, bolder, and even more magical.”
✨ Inspired by PLAY? Discover how The Arabian Tent Company can bring creativity, connection, and luxury design to your next event.
Credits:
Stalls by: 17 Layers
Food by: A Flavour of Thirteen
Impromptu Teddy Talks
Opening Ceremony with Chris Fitchew
Natural Ecstasy breath work with Pete Jordan
Roze Laboratories, Time Machine by Cob & Alice
Tarot Card with Tanith
Soul Realignment Reading by Joe Elmes
Land of Limbo by Handsome Devil Studios
Vision Board Workshop with Sarah B
Lucid Dreams with Raphael Cabon
Immersive Theatre with Monkey Television
Mixologist Workshop with The Beverage Superintendent
Ritual of Sound Healing with Madeline Moore
Musical Forms with Sama Mara
Calligraphy Workshop with Paul Crespin
Union of Sex to Heart Meditation with Kalini Jordan
Marketing Workshop with Ligia Leite
Group Harmony singing with Kate Valentine Singing Mamas
Body Rhythm Workshop with Gemski
Yoga and chanting with Katie Comer
Music by: Almost Alice
DJ Kieron Hutchins
Cocktails served by Just Luxury Cocktails
