About Us

The Heart of New Forest Events

Have you ever wondered what happens when global-scale technical precision meets the warm, rustic charm of a Hampshire celebration? When you are planning the most important day of your year: or perhaps your life: do you find yourself wishing for a partner who understands the local landscape as well as they understand the complex logistics of a world-class production?

At New Forest Events, we believe that the best celebrations feel effortless, even when there is a mountain of meticulous planning happening behind the scenes. That balance is the heartbeat of everything we do. It is led by Nova Milesko, a local expert with over 20 years of Hampshire and New Forest expertise and a background that spans the globe before returning to the soil of the South Coast.

From Global Newsrooms to Forest Vales

The journey to creating New Forest Events isn’t your typical event planner’s tale. Before Nova was designing bespoke bar menus and coordinating local festivals, she was navigating the high-pressure world of international broadcasting. As a Technical Director at CNN International and an accomplished Video and Sound Engineer, Nova spent years ensuring that global broadcasts went off without a single hitch.

In that environment, there is no room for “almost.” You learn very quickly that precision is everything. You learn to anticipate problems before they arise and to maintain a calm, steady hand when the stakes are high. That same level of technical skill and obsessive attention to detail is exactly what she brings to your event today. Whether it is ensuring the power supply for a marquee is flawless or coordinating the timing of a multi-course grazing feast, that “broadcast precision” is baked into our DNA.

Three Decades of Hospitality Heart

While the technical background provides the structure, the soul of New Forest Events comes from a lifetime spent in hospitality. Nova doesn’t just “run” bars; she lives and breathes the industry. With 30 years of bar and restaurant experience, she has seen every trend, managed every type of crowd, and mastered the art of the perfect pour.

We know that trust is the most important ingredient in any event partnership. That is why Nova holds a Personal Licence and carries a Food Safety Level 3 qualification and Allergy Cert. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it is about ensuring that when you hire us, you are getting the highest standard of professional care. We treat your guests with the same respect and safety we would our own family.

When you choose to work with us, you are tapping into a deep well of knowledge. Do you need to know which local gin pairs best with a summer sunset? We have the answer. Are you worried about the licensing requirements for a pop-up bar in a secluded forest clearing? We handle all the details, from the initial application to the final glass being polished.

The Milford on Sea Connection

If you are a local, you might already recognize Nova’s work without even realizing it. Between 2018 and 2021, she was the driving force behind the Milford on Sea Music Festival. Running a community festival of that scale requires more than just a love for music; it requires a deep connection to the local community, the ability to manage hundreds of moving parts, and the stamina to see a multi-day event through to a successful finish.

Through those years, Nova cemented her reputation as a fixer, a creator, and a champion of the New Forest’s vibrant culture. That experience taught us exactly what makes a Hampshire event feel “right.” It is about more than just the venue; it is about the atmosphere, the local spirit, and the way a community comes together. We bring that same festival-grade energy and organizational mastery to every private party, wedding, and corporate gathering we touch.

Bespoke Bars and Exquisite Eats

We aren’t a “cookie-cutter” event company. We don’t believe in “Package A” or “Package B.” Your celebration is unique, and your bar and catering should reflect that. We specialize in expert bars and bespoke catering that celebrate the incredible produce found right here in Hampshire.

Our bars are a focal point of the party. We design custom menus that resonate with your personal taste. Whether you are looking for a sophisticated cocktail bar featuring local spirits or a rustic setup serving craft ales from New Forest breweries, we create an experience that keeps your guests talking (and their glasses full!).

When it comes to food, we move away from the formal, stuffy traditions and lean into the social, interactive joy of bespoke grazing. We partner with world-class local venues and artisans: think the stunning Palais Des Vaches or the atmospheric Warborne Farm: to bring you food that is as beautiful as it is delicious. From vibrant dessert boards to savory grazing tables that look like a work of art, our catering is designed to be a conversation starter.

And while our focus is firmly on the bar and the bites, we know a party needs a rhythm. If you need a recommendation for live music or a band to get the dance floor moving, we can tuck that into the plan too, drawing on our deep well of local talent.

Why the New Forest?

People often ask why we stay so local. The answer is simple: there is nowhere else like it. The New Forest offers a backdrop that is both wild and welcoming, sophisticated and grounded. We know the hidden corners, the best suppliers, and the way the light hits the trees in late September.

Our deep local expertise means we aren’t just an “event planner” you found on the internet; we are your neighbors. We have spent two decades building relationships with the best florists, marquee hirers, and venues in the region. When we say we are “deeply local,” we mean that our reputation is built on the success of events in our own backyard. We care about the outcome because we care about this community.

Stress-Free is Our Signature

Planning an event should be exciting, not exhausting. We have seen too many hosts miss their own party because they were too busy worrying about the ice running out or the caterers arriving on time.

When you bring New Forest Events on board, that weight disappears. Because of Nova’s technical background, we have a contingency plan for the contingency plan. We manage the logistics, the licensing, the setup, and the breakdown. Your only job is to show up, grab a drink, and enjoy the moment.

We maintain a friendly, casual, and professional register in everything we do. We are approachable enough to discuss your wildest ideas over a coffee, but professional enough to execute them with shocking precision. We want you to feel like you are working with a friend who just happens to be an expert in throwing the perfect party.

Let’s Create Something Captivating

Are you ready to stop worrying about the “how” and start imagining the “wow”? Whether you are looking for a bespoke grazing dessert board for a milestone birthday or a full bar service for a New Forest wedding, we are here to make it happen.

Every event we host is a reflection of our passion for this area and our commitment to excellence. We don’t just plan events; we create memories that linger long after the last guest has gone home. The intrigue of a perfectly curated bar, the thrill of a captivating venue, and the reassurance that every technical detail is handled: that is the New Forest Events promise.

Explore our services or take a look at our bar menus to get a taste of what we can do for you. Let’s talk about your next celebration. We can’t wait to show you what 30 years of hospitality heart and broadcast-level precision can do for your special day.