The Requirement
Adlib were delighted to be appointed as technical partner with JD Parties to create the Masked Ball themed events held in a 1900 capacity marquee in Tatton Park, Cheshire.
JD Parties called on Adlib’s expertise to provide full audio visual production including sound, lighting, visuals, stage hire, generators, and power distribution. Additionally, Adlib themed the entire marquee for the 15 events that ran over Christmas 2017.
Part of the brief was to accommodate visiting clients that would book the entire marquee for their private parties, supplying additional equipment where required.
The Solution
Guests entered the marquee into a drinks reception area where they were entertained by singers and dancers before the ‘big reveal’ exposed the dining and main stage area for dinner. Once seated guests were entertained by a choreographed main show before a DJ hit the decks to complete the evening.
Adlib’s brief for the audio system was to provide an even coverage of sound across the entire 100m x 35m marquee including reception and smoking areas. The system comprised of L-Acoustics and Coda Audio systems linked together and controlled by the latest Allen & Heath dLive S7000 Mixing Console.
12 Coda Audio APS speakers were arrayed in 6 box 120 degree configurations positioned left and right of the main stage underneath the main projection screens. Delay hangs of TiRAY flown off trusses complemented the APS, with minimal disruption to sight lines thanks to their ultra-compact design. Coda SCV-F Subs delivered the low-end for the main show and DJ sets whilst multiple Coda HOPS loudspeakers provided phase coherent audio in the furthest areas from the stage.
The Audio control system was key to the show’s consistency. Utilising Q-Lab show control software allowed for the entire main show to be pre-programmed including complete console recall of microphones and track channels, iPad control of the mixing console including precise start/stop control of all audio tracks, and timecoded signals for control of the show lighting.
Adlib specified Panasonic 10K Laser projectors for the main stage left and right screens, plus a further projecting onto Gauze for the reveal section of the show. Touring grade remote cameras were used alongside visuals providing content for the screens.
The lighting system consisted of fixtures from Martin, Clay Paky, Robe, ETC and Chauvet. It was controlled from a GrandMA2 Lite that was triggered from timecode as a lot of the lighting cues were time critical in the show. We worked closely with the marquee company to design a lighting system that not only met the clients brief of creating warm, rich colours in the room along with a full extravagant show system that also matched the weight tolerances of the marquee structure. During the marquee build, we installed cable runs under the floor and into the roof, so the actual cables were not visible. Most of the lighting bars were also black and bolted directly to the marquee roof so they ‘vanished’ into the black star cloth.
We also supplied complete power distribution to the entire site, this involved supplying enough generators and power distribution to meet the requirements of all contractors onsite. To achieve this, we communicated with every contractor, so we could meet their exact requirements and layouts.
Additionally, we also provided a complex arrangement of effect drapery, creating ornate hanging chandeliers, projection materials, acoustic black outs, hanging banners, dress swags, and a whole fully operational starcloth ceiling.
The biggest challenge was the kitchens and the beer cellar, but through close communication with both contractors we supplied complete power and distribution to meet their requirements, with the power in place before they arrived onsite, making their build process very simple.
We also ran a generator 24/7 that supplied site lighting and power for the cleaners to work in the marquee when no one else was on site.
The Result
The JD Christmas Parties 2017 shows were a remarkable success, Adlib’s in-depth knowledge of the marquee structure helped transform the space into a venue suitable for a high-end conference with dinner, whilst also providing the party atmosphere.
With the very best audio, lighting, and visual systems installed, Adlib ensured that every seat in the house had the very best audio/visual experience possible.
Working effectively with multiple contractors and within very tight time scales showcases Adlib’s organisation on the ground when it comes to delivering events of this nature.
