Access All Areas March 2018 | Page 39

SECTOR FOCUS ACCESS All Areas Proms power Midas will supply full site power and distribution to JSL Productions’ Battle Proms picnic concerts across five sites next summer With LEDs slashing lighting rigs’ requirements and audio ever more energy efficient, Symphotech, which has looked after technical production since the event started at Battle Abbey 30 years ago, commissioned Midas to contemporise the power process. Symphotech director, Julian Spear, comments: “We work with Midas on a number of projects. It’s a proven main stage supplier at Jockey Club Live and Music Plus Sport, we know the quality of its kit, its people, its service, and the Midas touch will be a big benefit to Battle Proms 2018 and beyond.” Dave Noble, Managing Director at Midas, says: “July/August is peak season, obviously, so winning this contract is testament to our ongoing investment in highest quality machines, transport and people. It’s always a pleasure to work with Symphotech and we’re looking forward to joining the big guns next summer.” acCessAA.co.uk Featuring a full orchestral programme, Battle Proms is the only event in the world where audiences can hear Beethoven’s Battle Symphony performed as the composer intended, with 193 cannons, muskets and fireworks. Held at Burghley House ( July 7), Hatfield House ( July 14), Blenheim Palace ( July 21), Highclere Castle (August 3) and Ragley Hall (August 11), the Battle Proms 2018 will also feature Napoleonic re-enactment, a WW1 cavalry display, performance from the Vignettes, and Spitfires in a choreographed aerial display. Elsewhere, Midas recently completed a six figure spend on Himoinsa machines, affectionately known as ‘the business’, Midas has bought two new Hiab trucks to give its distribution arm greater flexibility. “Our kit is the best in the business, without question, and the sheer breadth of what we do really benefits from having trucks in the yard,” Noble, says. “We want to make sure this is always a great place to work, help everyone to be able to realise their ambitions and deliver on Midas’ big promises.” “The Midas touch will be a big benefit to Battle Proms 2018 and beyond” - Symphotech director, Julian Spear Power demands are surging Shaun Pearce, MD Pearce Hire says the challenges of temporary power provision escalate year-on-year Event organisers expect those delivering their power to support their stated green credentials. Power supply companies are expected to review alternative methods of power supply delivery and to reduce the event’s carbon footprint year-on-year. All this alongside client budgetary restraints makes for increasing challenges in terms of delivering temporary power infrastructure. Throughout 2017 we also noticed how tender requirements and RFPs have been received with ever decreasing lead times. Are the last minute demands a power and production company so often faces from clients a reflection of the modern mind-set that you can order one day, and have delivered the next? This ‘short lead time mentality’ isn’t conducive to event production – which, as we all know requires in- depth planning, understanding, and consultation on best practice. FEBRUARY 2018 39