Greenwich & Docklands International Festival started with a spectacular show at Queens House.
IPS suppied the technical production infrastructure including Lighting, Sound & Power distribution for the event, along with staging platforms, Layher Structures and PA Towers. The IPS elements of the project were managed by Andy Marshall, who was happy with how everything turned out, saying "it was a really good show, and despite the torrential rain during the build, the onsite team worked together very effectively, and it was a very enjoyable event" The event marked the start of the GDIF 2016, which is a 10 day 'celebration of extraordinary outdoor events that transform people's lives' and the event also marked the start of the 400 years celebration at the landmark Queens House location.
The ambitious show incorporated show and architectural lighting, large scale projection mapping and the last minute addition of 5.1 surround sound – all synchronised with Timecode, even the fireworks. IPS supplied all the rigging infrastructure, as well as the lighting and sound equipment.
Lighting was controlled via a Chamsys MagicQ lighting desk. A range of IP rated fixtures provided illumination, including SGM P-5 and Lanta Auoura LED Fixtures, Clay Paky Mythos used inside outdoor domes and a range of Source 4 Profiles and other generic fixtures including high powered Robert Juliat followspots located inside the Layher towers. IPS also supplied a series of high output smoke and haze machines to further enhance the atmosphere.
Sound was supported on four of the IPS Prolyte RTH-30V Rigging Towers, and the main PA was a d&b system consisting of V-Series left and right, with T10 cabinets in line array formation providing the rear surrounds, and Y-Series cabinets supplying the centre audio channel. The low end .1 was handled by an array of V-Subs. IPS Shure radio mic systems with DPA capsules were used, all controlled via Yamaha digital desks.
The main stage platform stretched the length of the front of the famous façade of Queens House, and was constructed from LiteDeck modular staging. Measuring in at 98 feet (just under 30m) long, the platform was built by a team of IPS crew. A LiteDeck based viewing platform was also installed with access via steps and an access ramp. Three Layher structures were installed, two followspot towers and a two level control position and projection tower. The Layher structures all had custom structural calculations, with the 8m high followspot platforms fortunately featuring weatherproof covers to the top and sides, keeping the operators away from the worst of the weather. The control position incorporated an area for media servers and control desks, as well as an upper level with clear panels to allow projection from a weatherproof enclosure. Mesh panels were incorporated within the structure to keep everything cool.
IPS also provided power cabling and DDA compliant cable ramp, along with experienced crew and transport services to get everything working. IPS offers a wide range of Staging, Rigging, Lighting, Video, Sound and Power solutions, which are available both on a dry hire basis, or as a working technical solution. If you have an event coming up, and would like to discuss how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact us.
