The 38th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta took place at Ashton Court Estate and attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and over 100 hot air balloons from across the globe. With mass ascents, Nightglows, Cirque Bijou performances and aerial displays from The Parabatix Flying Display team, it's the largest event of its kind in Europe.
Bristol based Evans Audio Visual Staging was selected by Richmond Event Management (REM) to design, manufacture and install a giant 12m x 3m Bristol sign, which was situated to the west of the balloon launch field. During the nightglows this sign was illuminated by Bristol based Utopium, to showcase the blue and green of the new Bristol branding and build on from the city's European Green Capital legacy.
Evans also supplied AV equipment to The Members Enclosure, which was located on the west side of the Launch Field and arena and gave unprecedented views of the hot air balloons and arena entertainment. Evans supplied a Nexo S series PA system, which included its new Nexo ID24s compact speakers, top table and hand held radio microphones and high resolution Samsung M series 65" data monitors for video and data presentations, with all associated switching equipment. It also supplied another Nexo PA system and several large screen monitors in the balloonists' marquee and other areas on-site, to ensure everyone could keep up to date with the action.
Ben Hardy, operations director at REM commented, "It was great to work alongside Evans this year, and they were certainly a great addition to our team. They did a brilliant job and helped to make our lives much easier." Evans also supplied all the on-site technical support throughout the event.
(Jim Evans)
