All hands on tech
Access explores the latest in tech innovation at live events , including pyrotechnics , drones , lasers , screens and lighting .
Words : Joe Gallop
Despite the ongoing challenges across the live industry , there has been no shortage of impressive production on display at events this year . While event operators have been battling with rising costs and staff shortages , work continues behind the scenes to bring live events to life in ways never seen before . The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Unboxed : Creativity in the UK are just two examples of large-scale events that went above and beyond to wow audiences this year , while several new festivals across the country also made their mark thanks to outstanding production .
Drones The use of drones at live events has seen a significant rise in recent years , particularly for spectacular light shows that mark big occasions . According to Skymagic founder Mungo Denison , its drone show for the Queen ’ s Platinum Jubilee celebrations sparked huge interest in the technology . This year kicked off with a Skymagic drone show . For the second year running , it was approached by brand experience agency Jack Morton to work on the London New Year ’ s Eve celebration show .
Held during Covid-19 restrictions , Jack Morton pulled off a major logistical challenge with the
Skymagic and Jack Morton partner on NYE drone show
13-minute multi-location , live broadcast show . In its 18th and final year of producing the show for the Mayor of London , the agency had to deliver it without a crowd for the second year running and the show included live entertainment for the first time .
Along with extensive lights and firework displays , it was also the largest display of drones ever seen in the UK . Jack Morton SVP , innovation director Damian Ferrar says , “ We wanted to push the technology , bring more drones into the storytelling aspect of the event . For this , the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich was a perfect launch pad . It had a beautiful view of the city ’ s skyline – you can see the Shard , The O2 – and it ’ s on the Thames . It gave us a beautiful symmetrical canvas so we could
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