The joint KGV and Southport College Awards was an event where we transformed a sports hall located within Southport College into a spectacular event space. This event arose from a previous event in Southport College’s sports hall, where we set up a stage and catwalk for a fashion show where students showcased their work. Our relationship with the team at Southport College grew stronger from this and when they were looking to host their Awards Evening in-house instead of using an external venue, we knew we could deliver.
After multiple meetings with the College, we had a clear plan and the date was set. We went ahead to produce an event space with a premium stage, video wall, sound, lighting, drapes, carpet, seating and of course special FX’s. Not to forget technicians to operate each event – as well as many small extras in addition.
On the first build day we started by covering the whole sports hall in black carpet, which improved the aesthetic of the venue and reducing the echo in the sports hall. Following this, we set up a 24ft by 12ft stage with two smaller 4ft by 4ft stages off to the side to create concealed entrances to the stage, all of which were covered with white carpet. We then ran a black satin stage skirt around the stage perimeter to provide a slick and professional finish.
Behind the stage, we constructed a self-standing truss goal post, spanning the width of the stage and a height of 4.5m. We did this so our team could hang the 16 square metres of video wall beneath the truss plus some of the lighting for the event on the top, and down the sides. On stage we also installed confetti cannons, hazers and cold sparks to create a memorable moment for all individuals receiving awards.
For the event lighting, we used a collection moving head beams, spots and washes to light the staging and seating areas. We distributed them throughout the room to provide effective coverage of angles, eliminating dark spots as best as possible in the space. We used truss totems around the room to provide mounting points for the moving heads, as well as using the truss goal post we previously assembled behind the stage. On the very top rung of the truss goal post at, the highest point, we also fitted 2 lasers and 3 blinders which gave an incredible arial effect when combined with the hazers.
In addition to this, we used x22 LED up lights strategically placed around the room which helped turn the college sports hall into an unrecognisable event space. Festoon was then hung towards the rear of the room, lighting up the drinks and reception tables at the entrance.
To bring the room together, our team installed over 72 metres of pipe and drape / star cloth around the sports hall, further reducing the echo in the venue and helping to transform the space further. The pipe and drape created the concealed entrances to the stage and brought the space together while obtaining access to the fire escapes.
Our FBT active sound system was installed once again. With our subs, monitors and tops; we had everything needed to cater for the event. Additionally, we had multiple microphones running so the different speakers did not have to interchange – allowing for smooth transitions. Our technicians ensured sound checks were completed prior to each event to prevent any faults during the run.
Overall, this event was a huge success, and after hearing the positive comments back from the staff, student & parents – we look forward to assisting Southport College and KGV in producing another memorable awards this year.
