Event Design Logistics, which specialises in outdoor event design, site and production management, worked closely with Liverpool City Council to make this finale event go like clockwork. The display, supplied by Fantastic Fireworks, was set to the music of Liverpool's finest composers and included 'hit' firework sequences from past events.
Adding an additional layer to the fireworks were 12 B52 5kW Syncrolite searchlights at the Pier Head, plus two four-head Skytrackers set alongside Liverpool's two cathedrals. Supplied by PRG Europe, the Syncrolites and Skytrackers expanded the scale of the event to an area of approximately four square miles. Controlled by a Wholehog II, the various sites were linked by wireless DMX systems, and each had a pair of synchronised generators.
Lighting designer Paul Cook pre-programmed a 20-minute lighting sequence that took its cue from the music. He said: "I took a lot of information from a 30-page spreadsheet of firework firing data, which ensured that the lighting effects were sympathetic to the mood and pace of the show. The searchlights were very flexible. We were able to use them to floodlight the buildings on the shoreline and at other times scan the sky with very narrow and bright beams of light."
Project manager for PRG Europe was Loz Wilcox, who continues: "The B52 Syncrolites were sited on three custom built platforms in front of Liverpool's 'three Graces' - the Cunard Building, Royal Liver Building and the old Port of Liverpool Authority building at the Pier Head. The area is now a building site, thanks to the construction of the Leeds & Liverpool canal extension, but the contractors - Balfour Beatty and ISG - were incredibly helpful, giving us our own area and letting us just get on with our job. It was a really enjoyable project." PRG Europe's crew chief onsite was Paul Makin.
For Liverpool City Council's Andy McNicholl, the event went like a dream and he was full of praise for PRG Europe and their crew, telling them: "I've had nothing but good comments about the lighting and the professionalism of all your staff that worked on the event. I was particularly grateful for the flexibility and 'can do' attitude shown by yourselves, even though it was at short notice and at times a difficult planning process."
(Jim Evans)
