The 3,000 capacity Cabaret Tent was the largest Adlib audio system, featuring Nexo Alpha speakers and a Soundcraft Series 4 console at FOH and SM20 onstage, complete with ADLIB monitors. Marc Peers, Tim Dalton and Paul Roberts looked after this. James Coates, Chris Smethurst and Dave McKenzie using an Adlib FD system with Allen & Heath control at both ends of the multicore coordinated the Circus Tent sounds. The Outdoor Theatre was overseen by the multi-skilled Hassane, Paul Dakin and Graham Smith, who ran another Adlib FD system with Allen & Heath control.
On the outdoor stage were Richie Nicholson and Carl Billington, together with another FD/Allen & Heath system - proving the great versatility of this combination. In the Theatre Tent, all types of performance - from the experimental to the absurd - were sonically attended by Steve Pattison, Dave Bennett and Charlie Jeale with yet another FD system, this time with a Soundcraft MH3 mixer at FOH. The Albatross stage saw Kenny Perrin avoiding any cheap bird-like puns with another FD/A&H combination rig.
The mobile stage was coordinated by Danny Castree and Scott Negus, who also looked after the 12 complete Shure radio systems supplied by Adlib for assorted stages at various different times. Keeping tabs on what was needed where and when - and getting it there on time - was one of main logistical challenges of the festival for Adlib. "The lads handled things brilliantly despite the weather" comments crew chief Marc Peers. Adlib's Dave Kay worked closely with radio frequency regulators JFMG in advance to ensure all the Adlib systems were on clean frequencies - which proved well worth the groundwork.
Additionally Adlib's Dave Kay and Ben Booker mixed FOH and monitors for the Scissor Sisters. The band played both the Main Stage and the Dance Tent on the same day in their usual style (one gig a day is simply never enough!!!) The band 'most tipped for greatness in 2004' were one of the highlights of the whole event. Other Adlib engineers in action included Steve Pattison and James Neale, who mixed FOH and monitors for Amy Winehouse on the Other Stage.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
