The annual three night extravaganza organised by Michael Eavis partly as a thank you to the people of Glastonbury for their acceptance of the main festival and also to raise funds for Glastonbury Abbey, this year hosted Jools Holland, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rat Pack, performing to thousands in the beautiful surroundings of the Abbey.
Having been involved with Glastonbury Festival for eight years and Glastonbury Abbey for 11 years, Dick Tee of That's EnTEEtainment was the production manager for the show, overseeing the complete production from build up to break down.
Arriving on site five days prior to the event, Tee and his team brought in a choice of specialist suppliers to create the complete set up for the concerts, which incorporated an 18m orbit stage, lighting and PA systems, full backstage area including catering and FOH tower and concessions.
For the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the dome style stage held the complete orchestra and special guest performers. The show incorporated a firework grand finale and the spectacular water show, Aquatique, which is a new entertainment visual, operated and programmed to correlate with the music.
Being set next to the ruins of the Abbey, That's EnTEEtainment further added to the atmosphere by lighting up the abbey ruins once the sun had set.
Tee says: "Michael is hugely proud of the Abbey Concerts which have extremely high production values. In contrast to the more pressurised nature of the main Glastonbury Festival, this show definitely has a relaxed feel which is heightened by the serene surroundings and blend of quality music."
(Chris Henry)
