Blackout provided all rigging, starcloth, and drapes for a major fundraising event designed to aid Chase Hospice and DebRA, two charities for the special needs of children. Both charities are passionately supported by UK showbiz personalities, Anthea Turner and Grant Bovey.
The event took place last month at Grant and Anthea’s home in Surrey, England. Guests included media, celebrities, and public ticket holders. Everyone present was wined and dined, and then entertained by famous names from the world of television and showbiz including The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Duncan James, Keedie, Chico, and Lulu. Hosted by Bobbie Davro, Master of Ceremonies, there were two auctions during the evening including a silent auction. Prizes in the second auction included a shopping trip with Liz Hurley, a weekend on a yacht in the Mediterranean, an apartment in London, and a Ferrari.
For the event, Blackout supplied a ground support truss structure situated over the main stage. Flown trusses were located in the body of the main marquee supporting lights, projection, and sound equipment. Blackout starcloth, black wool serge drapes, and gold velour drapes (both fixed and tracked) were used together with gauzes. A 5m x 2.5m roller screen was provided to display projected images. Tom Lambert, project manager at Blackout, worked with UK-based Delta Sound Inc. Ltd. and Anthony ‘Turbo’ Hall, lighting designer at Essential Lighting, to create the event.
Jim Lambert, project manager at Delta Sound Inc. Ltd. had overall responsibility for the event says, “Grant & Anthea take real pride in this event each year and over the four years it has been running they have steadily increased their production standards. From my perspective, I needed support companies that were flexible to meet last minute changes and demands put upon us by a very discerning client. Having worked with Blackout on numerous other shows I knew they not only had the drape expertise but also the extensive rigging stock, including the vital roller screen and experience to make this event look stunning. As usual, Blackout’s service and attention to detail was superb.”
By the end of the event over £500,000 had been raised for the two charities.
