Just like the British summer, PR stunts can be unpredictable, but done right they’ll stop people in their tracks and deliver a ton of coverage. PR stunts can be a risk for any brand, but the powerful marketing potential that’s up for grabs is hard to resist. So, if you’re bouncing around ideas for your own PR stunt, here are 10 of our favourite summer PR stunts to inspire you…
Corona Natural Bar
Corona wanted to celebrate the launch of their new beer recipe that uses only natural ingredients by creating a bar, serving their new product, that was also completely made from natural materials.
The key building materials used for this build were sand, cob and clay. All were used to fabricate 6 seating areas – including the furniture, a branded back wall with sand art murals and a fully-functioning bar to serve Corona product from!
Once installed, the bar ran for 5 live days and was managed by a team of hosts and waitresses, sourced by Sketch, who ensured that the pop-up bar ran smoothly. There was an online booking system for locals and tourists alike to reserve their spot to enjoy the experience and share it with friends and family.
Little Moons: House Boat
One for the mochi lovers… Little Moons went on a summer tour of the UK, giving away free mochi ice cream to all in the most unique way.
Typically ice cream sampling activations make use of an ice cream truck, or bicycle cart. Little Moons wanted to push the boat out (quite literally) and take to the canals with their sampling campaign – visiting London, Birmingham and Manchester.
The canal boat served thousands of free mochi ice cream samples and provided the ultimate UGC opportunities for visitors and passers-by.
@littlemoonsmochi summer 🤝 little moons Following our first stop of the summer, the Little House Boat is floating into Manchester from 18th-20th June and Birmingham from 28th-30th June! ⚓️ See you there for mochi treats and more! #littlemoons #mochi #summer #floatintosummer #popup
MusicMagpie: Mount Recyclemore
E-waste poses a huge threat to the environment – and developed nations are among the worst offenders for producing it. That’s why MusicMagpie decided to create a sculpture that would send a message to world leaders all around the globe. It’s safe to say, it didn’t go unnoticed.
A giant Mount Rushmore-style sculpture of the G7 leaders’ heads, made entirely from 12 tons of discarded electronic items, was installed above a beach near to Carbis Bay. The sculpture, named Mount Recyclemore, aims to highlight the growing threat of e-waste on the planet as leaders of the world’s most advanced economies prepare to discuss how to tackle climate change and build a greener future.
This work won 31 awards (including the ICCO Global Grand Prix and the SABRE EMEA Best in Show), and was shortlisted for further 11 awards (including two Cannes Lions).
Emma: Shleep Sanctuary
The Shleep Sanctuary is the world’s first luxury sheep-counting experience was set up in the stunning, rolling Sussex hills. The science-backed retreat helped a selection of media, influencers and lucky competition winners make the most of the latest Green Sleep trend, one dream at a time.
The outdoor dome was fitted with a series of bespoke features that optimised the guests sleeping experience; blackout curtains, mini fridge, Dyson fan/heater, festoon lights, wellies, robes, pyjamas, eye masks and, of course, the immensely comfortable bed setup that was provided by Emma.
Each night guests were served a gorgeous dinner, cooked fresh from local ingredients, under the stars. Each morning they woke up to a hamper full of lovely breakfast treats.
Corona: Sun Billboard
Continuing the celebration of their new beer recipe, that’s brewed from only natural ingredients, with a billboard that naturally harnesses the sun’s rays…
The Corona Natural Billboard is the first of its kind, harnessing light from the sun in order to produce an artwork on the billboard, created by shadows.
The board itself was towering at 6m in height and was installed on Brighton’s iconic seafront promenade, less than a stone’s throw from the beach! In-depth mathematical and geographical research was required in order to achieve the final result, with little-to-no margin for error with our calculations, nor the execution of the installation.
The board was installed and live for a period of 12 days and, during that time, played host to pop-up bar activations whereby Brighton locals could pop down to enjoy the sunshine and beach with a free Corona.
Prada: Double Club
This neon, pop-up club was a project in partnership with, German artist, Carsten Höller. The ‘Double Club’ in Miami was inspired by the paradise it resided in. Prada and Höller put a strong focus towards the Cuban influence in Miami and created an authentic space of strong cultural expression.
The stunning use of vibrantly coloured neon lights in contrast to the natural setting of one tropical, Miami beach is what makes this Prada brand activation so paradisical.
Check out the embedded video below for some words from the producer, Carsten, about his fantastic Prada Double Club installation
Polly Pocket x AirBnB
This summer, Mattel’s Polly PocketTM is inviting fans everywhere into her world and listing her life-sized ‘90s Slumber Party Fun compact on Airbnb.
To celebrate 35 years of Polly Pocket, the pocket-sized doll is becoming an Airbnb host and giving people the chance to stay at this giant Polly Pocket recreation. The pad is packed with nostalgic surprises to take guests right back to their childhoods, whilst feeling as pocket-sized as can be…
Shadow Wi-Fi
A fun summer PR stunt with a serious message: free Wi-Fi on the beach – but only when you’re in the shade. On the Playa Agua Dulce in Peru, a ‘shadow Wi-Fi’ network was set up that only works in the shade, encouraging beach-goers to stay safe in the midday sun. The stunt was designed to raise awareness of and help prevent skin cancer; the campaign and technology were created by Happiness Brussels, with the support of the Peruvian League Against Cancer. How did it work? A big blue structure (scaffolding wrapped in fabric) provides Wi-Fi access for up to 250 people on one side only, thanks to a directional Wi-Fi antenna that follows the movement of the sun.
Game of Thrones Dragon Skull
How do you promote one of the biggest show’s on TV? With a giant PR stunt! To promote the 3rd Season of Game of Thrones on Blinkbox, Sketch Events worked with Taylor Herring to design and build a giant dragon skull. Taking three sculptors over two months to make, it measured 40ft long by 8ft wide and stood over 9ft tall. The skull appeared at various locations around the country – initially ‘washed up’ on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, before arriving at the Blinkbox premiere screening at the Tower of London. As well as considerable press coverage and social media exposure, the stunt won “Best Spectacular” for Blinkbox at The Drum’s Creative Out of Home Awards with commendations for “Innovation” and “Experiential/Ambient”.
