Geordie stag and hen party company celebrates 25th birthday

A Gateshead-based stag and hen do company is celebrating its 25th birthday, after hitting a £100 million turnover.

Last Night of Freedom is the UK’s leading stag and hen party organiser, and after 25 years have helped over 50,000 stag and hen parties to celebrate their ‘last night of freedom’. 

The company was founded “by accident” by Matt Mavir, from his student bedroom in Heaton in 1999. 

Mavir was studying for a business degree, when he decided to set up a website offering tips and pranks for stag nights - despite never attending a stag night himself. 

Mavir explained: “It happened almost completely by accident – I was a student and enjoyed a night out, so when I wanted to design a website I just started writing about that.

“After a while I think something must have changed in Google’s algorithm because all of a sudden we topped search lists and the number of people visiting our website just exploded.

“People started asking us to organise their stag weekends for them, and the rest is history.”

Since its beginning 25 years ago, Last Night of Freedom has organised thousands of stag and hen do’s, taking place across 60 countries, from Newcastle to the North Pole. The company has estimated its total value to the Tyneside economy to be over £10m.

As part of the Last Night of Freedom service, the company organises pre-wedding getaways for stag and hens, which includes; accommodation, activities, guides and guaranteed entry to popular bars and clubs.

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Given Last Night of Freedom’s success and growth over the past 25 years, they now offer stag and hen merchandise, from accessories to personalised clothing, and have fulfilled over £350,000 orders.

Although the company organises stag and hen parties in popular destinations across the globe, they have always held the North East close to their heart, and have helped brides and grooms-to-be celebrate in Newcastle. 

Mavir explained: “We’re a local company and have always been proud of Newcastle and its popularity with stags and hens over the years.

“To us it’s the best place in the world and we wouldn’t want to be based anywhere else.

“Newcastle is the ultimate party city - it’s got everything, incredible nightlife, friendly locals and an unbeatable atmosphere.”

Last Night of Freedom recently hosted a 25th birthday party, to celebrate the success of the company and the team behind it all. 

Mavir said:“I think the secret to our longevity is our personal touch. People will usually only have one stag or hen do in their life and we understand it’s about much more than just throwing a party.

“We listen to exactly what our customers want and then pull all the strings to make it happen, simplify the process and do all the hard graft so that they can sit back, relax and truly enjoy their trip.”