"This was our most exciting Edinburgh's Hogmanay ever," says Stephen Reid, Black Light's head of events. "We used some really exciting new equipment to produce jaw-dropping effects that did full justice to the global importance of the event."
To kick-start the proceedings, the company lit the Son et Lumiére finale to the annual torch-light procession on the night of 30 December. This culminated with a dynamic lighting display that brought the architecture of the capital's Calton Hill to life. This display, which was designed in conjunction with Unique Events and programmed by Black Light's technicians, used over 50 intelligent fixtures, including 24 Robe CitySkape LED Floods.
All the work on the Edinburgh's Hogmanay programme was produced in association with, Unique Events. "Black Light have worked very closely with us on the Torchlight Procession and other events for a number of years," says Unique Events' head of technical, John Robb. "Their hard work and dedication, as well as their creative input, have been essential to the ongoing successes of our difficult outdoor events."
To mark the passing of the year on 31 December, Black Light designed and operated full moving light rigs for the two DJ stages at the East and West ends of Princes Street. To help revellers dance the new year in, Black Light programmed and operated the lighting for DJ sets from international acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs, Goldie Lookin Chain, Booka Shade and Grum with VJ Byrony. According to the City of Edinburgh Council, an estimated 80,000 revellers celebrated the New Year at the Street Party.
"The most satisfying aspect of our work on the Street Party was the fact that we were able to deliver stunning effects even though we had a very short time in which to rig and programme," says Reid, who explains that his team had a construction window of only a few hours. "We always love doing the Street Party and I think that this year was our best yet, everything went to plan and all the party goers had a great night. It was the perfect way to welcome in the New Year."
(Jim Evans)
