The statistics include over 700 moving lights - a mix of Clay Paky, GLP, Martin Professional, Robe and Vari*lite; three systems of the new BT12 scenic LED screen - two at SW4 and one as part of a specials package for U.N.K.L.E. - totalling about 100sq.m; over 300 LED lighting fixtures - including i-Pix Satellites, BB4s and BB7s, Chroma-Q ColorForce 72s and PixelLine 1044s; about 200 Atomic strobes, and "serious numbers" of blinders.
The hectic long weekend saw a variety of lighting console provided to suit all tastes and operating styles - lots of Avolites and Chamsys, a healthy contingent of Whole Hogs and a grandMA.
About 50 crew were deployed around the various sites to ensure that the Colour Sound reputation for excellence, attention to detail and good vibes was every bit as everyone expected.
The warehouse was completely emptied for the several days by the time CSE had also installed a new contract hire lighting rig into Electric in Brixton, south London, for the start of their autumn season as well as extra LED fixtures to The Box in Soho, which is another contract service venue.
The main challenge, says Haydn Cruickshank, was the "Sheer scale, logistics and planning of detail needed to get that volume of equipment to multiple locations, much of which was coming straight off the previous weekend's round of festivals".
2011 has been the busiest festival season ever for Colour Sound Experiment, starting with the Sci Fi Weekender in Wallasey, Liverpool and ending with Bestival on the Isle of Wight next weekend, with some 50 in between.
(Jim Evans)
