Now in its 16th year, this year's Under the Stars was the biggest one yet. The line-up featured chart-toppers Maxi Priest, Aswad and Hot Chocolate along with children from Newham's Every Child a Musician programme who took to the stage to entertain the crowd. There was also a performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra who performed a classical music set. Over 60,000 attended the event over the four days, which concluded with an impressive fireworks display.
Sir Robin Wales, the Major of Newham, comments, "I always look forward to Under the Stars and I am proud that we are able to bring such world class entertainment to Newham residents free of charge. Each year the event gets bigger and better, with people coming to Central Park to celebrate, have fun and most importantly build the strong sense of community we are proud of in Newham."
With White Light working on the event for the sixth time, the company was fully aware of the high standards expected. Project manager Dominic Yates comments: "This year had some big acts and with the huge numbers in attendance, we had to ensure that we helped create a show that people would remember."
Adam Povey, lighting designer on Under the Stars, comments, "The event had various themes each evening: the first was reggae, the second Bhangra, the third soul and the final classical. We had to use equipment that would allow us to cater for every theme whilst also making each show as visually impressive as possible."
As a result, Adam utilised Martin MAC Aura XBs, Par 64s, Clay Paky Sharpys and Martin Atomic Strobes. "The MAC Aura XBs and Par 64s meant that, in terms of lighting, we got the most out of the acts performing. Similarly, the Strobes and Sharpys ensured that we created a visual experience that became an integral part of the show," says Dominic.
While Under the Stars drew on White Light's impressive lighting stock, the show also called upon its rigging services. This included the use of the new Prolyte S46PRA Truss; a truss which the company has already utilised on the recent 50 Cent one-off gig at London's O2 Arena and the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular UK Tour. Dominic comments: "The new Prolyte truss meant that we could pre-rig everything and then set up in Central Park with maximum ease."
Evangelos Vanezis, events officer at Newham Council, adds, "White Light's efficiency and professionalism on this event was, once again, greatly appreciated. We need to rely on suppliers who can not only turn things around extremely quick but do so to the high standards we expect - something which White Light continuously does year on year."
(Jim Evans)
