Headlined by Brighton's own resident DJ, Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, the spectacular New Year's Day party attracted a crowd of 20,000 - a number that was agreed between Cook and the local authorities after the chaos of 2002, when more than four times the expected number of people turned up - and went off without a hitch.
"We supplied a two bay, 15 metre Obrit Flexidome stage plus a screen support system and projector platform for PSL's screen," says Mike Goodwin, Star Events Group's Orbit product manager. "We also provided four small delay platforms. All five of these structures were strung out along Madeira Drive, the site for the event.
"We knew from the forecast that the weather was going to be bad. Under those circumstances we always make sure we have enough time and crew to get the job done.
"On this occasion, strong winds were a likelihood, so we'd accounted for that by upping the number of crew on the load in day from the seven we would usually have to 11. This ensured we could be in the allotted schedule, even if it was really bad.
"In the event, the weather was fine in the morning and we had no problems. But just as Norman got on stage, a great black cloud descended on Brighton and there was a 19mps south-westerly wind blowing straight onto the stage. But we rolled up all the back wall sheets, so that it had a blow through, and it wasn't a problem at all. Everyone had a fantastic time."
For the full story of Fatboy Slim's Big Beach Boutique, look out for the February 2007 issue of Lighting&Sound International magazine.
(Lee Baldock)
