The free event, organised by Mean Fiddler for the Mayor of London, featured the best of contemporary and traditional Irish music on the main stage in Trafalgar Square, with video specialist The Picture Works supplying all the visual elements for the show.
Two 5 x 5 panels of Lighthouse R16 16mm LED screens, each measuring 5.08m (w) x 3.85m (h), were positioned stage left and right, with a further 4 x 3 panels of Lighthouse R16 measuring 4.05m (w) by 2.8m (h) placed centre stage.
"We've done this particular job for six consecutive years," says The Picture Works owner Robin Wealleans. "It's technically challenging because there's so little space available. The stage has to be right next to Nelson's Column and there needs to be as much space available for the public in the Square as possible."
The Picture Works came up with an ingenious solution to the problem. "We had to custom-make the support structures for the screens to reduce their overall footprint," continues Wealleans. "So we came up with a way of taking off the front legs that would normally counterbalance the screens and put big water ballast tanks behind them instead. This meant there was absolutely no footprint at the front and the structure was entirely self-standing."
Processing for the screens was via Lighthouse LIP-KX units and a mix of live actions, interspersed with sponsor logos and graphics, was displayed.
Ian Donaldson, event coordinator for Mean Fiddler commented: "I've been working with The Picture Works for many years now and the standard of service is consistently good. Even though the job remains the same there's never any complacency from them."
"Rental partners such as The Picture Works are testament to the viability and reliability of Lighthouse products for the rental market," adds Lighthouse Northern European sales manager, Simon Taylor. "What better recommendation is there than to be asked back to do a job year after year?"
(Jim Evans)
