Larcombe and the White Light Events team provided contrasting styles of lighting in each of the three marquees; the practical aspects of the project complicated by the fact that the marquees were spread across two sites. "The lighting at the lower site, dining and reception areas was designed in a strong, contemporary style in a way that was accessible to all generations." Larcombe explains. "Weight restrictions meant that we were unable to suspend equipment, so instead we created a series of truss platforms." White Light Events then had to provide a lighting bridge to the Nightclub marquee. Larcombe continued: "We had to light the structures both internally and externally and, because of the distance between the sites, we also had to light approximately one hundred metres of pathway and woodland so that guests could move from venue to venue safely." Martin MAC2000 units were placed in weatherproof enclosures around the perimeters of the marquees; loaded with custom gobos of the client's initials these lit the structures, the trees and searchlight effects in the sky.
The final nightclub area had the largest portion of the installation. "Our brief here was to design a sophisticated system that would meet the expectations of those used to London's top nightclub venues." Weight restrictions again led to the adoption of a ground-support truss system. Here a hexagonal dome created a central focus in the marquee and supported ChromaBank LED battens, automated fixtures from Martin and High End and the new Martin DC1 liquid light effect. "ChromaBanks and automated lanterns attached to the six uprights of the hexagonal structure created an intensive light show for clubbers on the dance floor in the middle of the truss," Larcombe explains. "It created the perfect centrepiece in the Nightclub Marquee for this fabulous birthday party!"
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
