The LED signs were placed at strategic points backstage, using text and colours to call specific performers to get into formation; to proceed to a waiting position; then to enter the arena. The signs were updated from a single control point under the direction of the deputy stage manager.
Karen Mayne, Event LED Signs director said: "Participating in the Tournament was a fantastic experience, as it such an iconic show. I was providing the cues for the bands and troops to enter the arena. There were two entrances to the arena and with more than 500 people and 150 horses involved it needed a lot of accuracy. A click of the mouse at the wrong time could have sent the Household Cavalry galloping in!"
The Tournament has been revived by ABF, The Soldiers' Charity, to raise money for injured soldiers and their families. It included the famous field gun race, in which teams compete to transport artillery pieces over a series of obstacles, along with The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry and the Massed Bands. Live narration was provided by actor Anthony Andrews, with video contributions from Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley and Stephen Fry.
Karen continued: "This year, our sign system has been employed at music festivals in the UK and Europe, to deliver information and updates to festival goers. To gain a wider market, we exhibited at the Showman's Show for outdoor events at Newbury in October. IMG (UK) Ltd, who manages the Tournament, saw the system at the show, and realised that it would help solve some of their issues with managing so many performers at such a large event."
(Lee Baldock)
