The corporate summer party is officially back – but not as we knew it. 

The corporate summer party is officially back – but not as we knew it. 

In 2025, it’s all about meaningful moments over boozy blowouts, with catering, entertainment, and experiences all getting a major upgrade. 

As companies continue to rethink how they engage employees, foster culture, and reward loyalty, the summer party is emerging as a key moment in the corporate calendar and a powerful tool in the HR and internal comms toolkit.

From Perk to Purpose

The pandemic years reshaped how and where we work – and what employees value. One of the biggest shifts? The importance of real, in-person connection.

This year, the question from leadership isn’t “Should we host a summer party?” – it’s “How do we make it meaningful? 

With retention, morale, and cultural cohesion now key drivers, the corporate summer event is being taken seriously.

As a result, event planners are looking for venues with character, flexibility, and a strong sense of purpose — spaces that can deliver not just a great day out, but meaningful experiences that reflect a company’s values and leave a lasting impression on attendees. 

A great example is the iconic warship HMS Belfast at London Bridge, which provides an unusual events space where 50 to 350 guests can celebrate and enjoy panoramic Thames views.

Family-Friendly is In

One of the biggest trends this year? The rise of the family-friendly summer party. 

With hybrid working becoming the norm, employees’ personal and professional lives are more intertwined than ever. Inviting partners and children is a natural extension of that – and it makes sense. 

Expect to see dedicated kids’ zones with crafts, face painting, and roaming entertainers; silent discos with multiple channels for all ages, mini-festivals featuring family activities, garden games, and chillout spaces; and shorter daytime formats to suit a broader range of guests and avoid overindulgence.

These events are less about excess and more about shared experiences – creating memories that link positive emotions with the workplace. 

Ideas for family friendly venues include Twycross Zoo, where you can host a full-scale Family Fun Day.

All-Day Drinking is Out

While prosecco towers and beer kegs haven’t disappeared entirely, 2025 sees a noticeable shift in drinking culture. The emphasis is now on inclusivity, moderation, and wellbeing. 

Lime Venue Portfolio venues are leading the way with elevated low- and no-alcohol offerings. Jo Austin, Sales Director of Lime Venue Portfolio, says: “We’ve seen a clear shift towards premium alcohol-free options – botanical spirits, craft no-ABV beers, and mocktail mixology stations. Wellbeing zones with outdoor space, massage chairs, healthy snacks, and hydration points are also becoming a summer staple.”

The move towards daytime events and earlier finishes is also helping promote better work-life balance. To enhance delegate wellbeing, why not take advantage of the outdoor areas and beauty of Knebworth House in Hertfordshire? Host between 50–500 guests in its beautiful barns, courtyard, or gardens, or up to 10,000 guests on expansive event lawns. Alternatively, opt for a rooftop terrace at M Shed, Bristol where up to 500 guests can savour spectacular views of Bristol Harbourside.

Summer Catering Gets a Glow-Up

Food continues to be a key moment of delight and in 2025, guests are expecting more than burgers and buns. And choosing the right venue partner that can offer exceptional food and experiences is crucial. 

This year’s catering trends include Sustainable BBQs and global street food villages featuring plant-forward menus, locally sourced produce, and low-waste operations, which Lime Venue Portfolio has been ahead of the curve on since launching its Meetings for Change menus in 2021. 

In fact, many of our menus are now vegan, vegetarian or plant-forward. Many menus are also carbon-labeled, putting the power into the hands of organisers to create lower-carbon menus and delegates to make sustainable and meaningful choices at events. 

We also believe in using fresh, seasonal products and strive to ensure that 80% of ingredients on our menus are British-grown. All the chicken and milk we serve is Red Tractor assured. 

Our mission is to provide sustainable and legendary experiences through premium food and beverages. 

If street food is your thing, why not explore IWM North in Manchester, which is perfect for 500-person street food events on the Quay Side overlooking MediaCityUK, or seated dinners for 300 indoors.

Experience Over Extravagance

If there’s one consistent theme this year, it’s intention. The best summer events in 2025 aren’t just parties – they’re reflections of a company’s values. 

Whether it's sustainability, inclusivity, or well-being, brands are using summer celebrations to reinforce their culture in meaningful ways.

By investing in thoughtful, shared experiences, businesses aren’t just rewarding teams – they’re building connection and community. 

And choosing the right venue partner matters more than ever to achieve this. 

Lime Venue Portfolio offers access to some of the UK’s most iconic and unexpected venues — backed by expert teams and the award-winning catering and hospitality. 

Jo Austin added: “Our venues are designed to support today’s event goals — whether that’s delivering on sustainability, offering inclusive experiences, or simply providing something a little bit different. 

“From family-friendly festivals to elegant rooftop receptions, our spaces — and the teams behind them — help turn ideas into unforgettable events.”

And to raise a glass to summer 2025, Restaurant Associates Venues are offering a complimentary glass of sparkling wine per guest for qualifying events. The offer is available for evening parties, receptions, or dinners taking place between 1st April and 30th September 2025, for groups of 50 or more guests.

Let this be the summer where purpose meets celebration.