Celebrated as best party organizers in 2002 and 2003 by Mixmag and FHM, Faceparty is famed for its high production levels and decadent parties. In true style, Faceparty's Dave Bamforth inspired the design and concept for Big Gay Out, transforming London's Finsbury Park into a feature-packed wonderland. In addition to 11 stages, beach bars, splash pools, a funfair, jacuzzis, and a teepee village ensured a good time for the party revelers.
Faceparty's executive producer, Martin Heap, coordinated the event, appointing London-based Just Add Water, to handle the on-site logistics, artist liaison and site management. Their experienced team, headed by Claire Sampson and Craig Becker, proved invaluable. Martin Heap commented: "Despite being a challenging event, with a tight build-up, 11 stages and a staggering number of performing artists, Just Add Water's can-do approach and expertise ensured that operations on-site ran like clock work from start to finish."
The Big Mutha main stage comprised an Orbit structure supplied by ESS with full production rigging supplied by Unusual Rigging Ltd. Collaborating with Faceparty's Dave Bamforth, the set was designed by Simon Millington, who realized an 'Enchanted Garden' effect on stage. Live sound specialists Britannia Row supplied the audio for Big Mutha. The 18-man team, headed by Derrick Zieba, skillfully ensured that the sound levels stayed within the limits of the licensing regulations. PA was an Electro-Voice X-line Array, driven by a DiGicio D5 digital desk at FOH. To augment flexible operation, a Midas Heritage 3000 was positioned alongside to offer an analogue alternative.
Lighting for Big Mutha was supplied by London-based Fourth Phase and designed by LD Danny Bocking. Complementing the Kitsch set, Bocking opted for a conventional lighting rig, including 12 Molefays and 12 X.Spot Extremes from High End Systems. These were controlled via an Avolites Diamond 4 console and 72-way dimmer. In addition, Bocking deployed a large G-LEC LED curtain, which as a spangly backdrop added a "pop-art" effect to the set. Production video specialist XL Video supplied two Unitek screens, stage left and right, as well as their OB truck and four cameras. The scrims were dressed with Faceparty branded banners, manufactured by Back To Front. The nine dance tents were supplied by Mobile Stadiums and Albion Woods, rigged by Vertigo Rigging.
(Lee Baldock)
