The Managed Open Access has now become a regular fixture in the calendar for the World Heritage Site and 2007 saw approximately 24,000 people from the UK and further afield enjoying the experience.
Stage Electrics technical production manager John Radford says: "Stage Electrics has been involved with the Managed Open Access since its inception eight years ago. In that time we have developed a system that provides for the safety of the large numbers of people whilst maintaining a level of empathy with the people that attend and their interpretation of the Stones themselves. Many visitors see Stonehenge as a sacred site and therefore this needs to be taken into consideration."
The lighting systems for the Stones are removed from the site prior to the actual time of the sunrise thus allowing an uninterrupted view from the site towards the East.
Alongside the architectural element of lighting, Stage Electrics also installs temporary power distribution systems across the site to allow for catering, visitor welfare, media and other elements that are required for an operation of this size.
Radford continues: "We have constantly updated the way we design the technical infrastructure to minimise the environmental impact. 2007 saw the introduction of new lighting fittings to further reduce the energy required and we hope to continue this for future years."
(Jim Evans)
