Each concert has a specially installed temporary infrastructure among the trees in the forest, and attracts crowds from 3,000 to 5,000 people. Pearce ran the stage power from a pair of synchronised 200kVA generators. Power distribution was installed to the dressing rooms, bar areas, catering and at Westonbirt, hospitality area.
The stage lighting was supplied by Pearce Hire, in accordance with each of the acts' own lighting designers. The lighting rig at each venue included a selection of Martin Mac 550s and Mac 600s, Source Four Profiles, Par 64 6-lamp bars, Par 64 ACL Bars and various specials.
Pearce Hire's John Huson comments: "At Dalby forest the Beautiful South wanted to do a film shoot to produce a DVD of the gig to go on sale around Christmas. This meant that for this one show, we brought in a multitude of additional equipment to increase the dramatic effect on stage. The band's stage set involved white backdrops and white risers on stage so they designed a film-friendly lighting rig which made the most of the set, with among other things, an additional seven Martin MAC 600s and 12 Martin MAC 300s."
The trees at each forest were lit with architectural lighting to ensure that as darkness fell the crowds could still appreciate the stunning setting, while festoon lighting from the stage to the exits and tower lights in the car parks kept the crowds safe as they left the site.
(Jim Evans)
