The Director’s Dinner is the most revered event in the Science Museum Group’s calendar, attended by 375 international VIP guests representing every facet of the science and industry world. Following the recent launch of the Science Museum’s progressive new multi-purpose events venue, Illuminate provided a fitting location for the eighth annual dinner. As the in-house production partner at Illuminate, White Light provided the full service production elements for the evening.
During the reception in Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery, White Light provided uplighting to enhance the interactive exhibits and an audio system for music, while the Museum’s Explainers conducted live experiments.
Guests then moved up to Illuminate’s Level 5 for dinner and keynote speeches from Prof Fabiola Gianotti – Director General of CERN and Director of the Science Museum Group, Sir Ian Blatchford. For this, White Light designed a full lighting solution to integrate with the venue’s installed system and provided full audio support.
A surround video feature, bringing to life some of the most iconic objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection, further heightened the event’s themes. WL’s Venues Director Jonjo Glynn comments: “Our flexible, state-of-the-art production system in Illuminate enabled us to utilise disguise technology and create motion path content. Central projection screens and four 84” relay screens ensured that the display was an immersive experience for all guests.”
Amy Calderwood, Development Events Manager at the Science Museum comments: “The annual dinner is always highly-anticipated and given the VIP nature of our guest list, it is crucial that our key messages are communicated in the most effective way. As a long-standing approved supplier to the Museum, as well as our in-house partner for Illuminate, WL was the perfect choice to deliver on our vision and contribute to the overall success of the evening.”
White Light recently supplied the lighting and staging for a private view and celebration event at the V&A, ahead of the official reopening of the museum’s William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery.
The centrepiece of the refurbished gallery is Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond coronet, which was purchased through the generosity of William & Judith, and Douglas and James Bollinger as a gift to the Nation and the Commonwealth.
In recognition of this exquisite piece going on permanent public display at the V&A for the first time, guests at the event experienced an exclusive viewing of Joby Talbot’s A Sheen of Dew on Flowers, an honorary cantata commissioned by Independent Opera and performed by Britten Sinfonia, Natalie Murray Beale, Kelley O’Connor, Tobias Greenhalgh and Britten Sinfonia Voices. For the cantata, Talbot took inspiration from the coronet, designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria.
As an approved supplier to the V&A, WL was appointed to provide the lighting and staging solution, designed to accommodate the vast orchestra ensemble and enhance the stunning architecture of the V&A’s Raphael Cartoons Gallery.
WL’s Account Manager Emily Woolnough comments: “We knew from the outset how integral the performance of the cantata was to the evening and that the 10 x 15m staging had to be the focal point within the space. We worked with versatile LED lighting to wash the stage, providing depth for the performers, while complementing the beautiful surroundings”.
Drawing on its extensive inventory, WL utilised a combination of moving units, profiles and floodlights to enhance the event’s different visual elements, including the Altarpiece of St George as a dramatic backdrop.
Chrissy Jay, General Manager at Independent Opera, comments: “It was a pleasure working with WL, who understood the significance of the cantata performance and knew exactly how to help bring this to life for guests with the lighting aesthetics. They expertly tailored the design to accommodate our performers’ every need within the requirements of a unique space”.
Sorcha Peaston, Senior Museum Events Manager at the V&A, adds: “With the valued Raphael Cartoons on display in the Gallery, it is hugely important that any production in the space is considerate of the artwork it contains. The V&A has worked with WL for many years, and we are confident in their ability to deliver events in and among our iconic collection”.
White Light recently provided the complete technical solutions for Borne to Dance – a fundraiser for the Borne Foundation which took place at the Royal Opera House.
Borne is a medical research charity which aims to identify the causes of premature birth and develop new ways to prevent it. Borne to Dance, a signature fundraising event in Borne’s diary, took place on 19th March and was hosted by Borne Patron, Dame Darcey Bussell, and Borne Ambassador, Michael Nunn OBE.
Borne Senior Event Producer, Michelle Menne, comments: “Borne to Dance is a magical evening of dance with performances by some of the country’s most exciting dance companies. Having drawn on WL’s services for previous events, as well as being aware of their background in theatre, we approached them to work with us on this occasion”.
Performances on the evening included ‘Requiem’ by the Royal Ballet, ‘Le Corsaire’ by English National Ballet, ‘Us’ by BalletBoyz, ‘Swan Lake’ by Sir Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and a lively finale by Aljaž Škorjanec and Ash-Leigh Hunter.
The event was overseen by WL’s Project Manager Phil Gladman, who comments: “We have worked with Borne previously and know the kind of special experiences they want to deliver. For Borne to Dance, we worked in the magnificent Paul Hamlyn Hall space where we supplied audio, video, lighting and projection; meaning Borne could rely solely on us to provide the entire technical solutions”.
For the lighting, WL worked closely with Lighting Designer Andrew Ellis who was tasked with lighting the various performances. As each had a different feel and requirements, WL had to supply equipment that would work with all of these. For the audio, WL supplied a bespoke sound system that would offer complete clarity for the speeches as well as a soundscape for the live performances.
WL also built a set, which included a 10x10m stage. Built within the set was a rear projection screen onto which footage was relayed across the evening, showcasing Borne’s important work. WL also supplied the projector for the streaming.
The evening was a huge success for Borne, raising much-needed funds to launch PREVENT; a pioneering screening programme to identify women at risk of preterm birth.
Michelle concludes: “This year’s Borne to Dance was a truly unforgettable occasion. It is vital that our guests have a brilliant evening which, in turn, helps us raise invaluable funds. The production support that WL supplied helped us to achieve that this year and we are extremely grateful to Phil and all the team’s hard work”.
White Light has recently added a range of exciting venues to its extensive portfolio list.
Since its formation over 45 years ago, WL has grown a formidable reputation for supplying the technical solutions to venues across the country. Not only is the company a cross-palace approved supplier to Historic Royal Palaces but also manages a range of prestigious venues such as Central Hall Westminster, Claridge’s, the Connaught Hotel and Mermaid London. The company has now been approved at seven more venues, in which it will be able to provide the technical solutions for clients using the space.
One of these venues includes The SSE Arena, Wembley, where WL has achieved approved status for the first time. Located next to one of the most iconic sporting grounds in the world, The SSE Arena, Wembley, is the perfect venue to host corporate events and conferences for a minimum of 1,000 attendees. The flat floor of the main spaces gives huge flexibility, whether it’s a fully-seated conference or a part-standing format. There are also breakout rooms in a range of sizes. WL’s Business Development Manager Alicia Earls comments: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with a venue such as The SSE Arena, Wembley, where we will be able to offer their large and varied client base expert advice and the very latest technology”.
Alongside The SSE Arena, Wembley, WL has also been appointed as an approved supplier for the first time at the Royal Horticultural Halls, Gunnersbury Park House and the Old Royal Naval College. The Royal Horticultural Halls are based on a quiet leafy square in the heart of Westminster and made up of two striking Halls – one Edwardian and one Art Deco. Gunnersbury Park House first opened in 1926 and this Grade*II listed building features a range of opulent spaces, all surrounded by 175 acres of stunning gardens and parkland. At the Old Royal Naval College, the stunning spaces of The Painted Hall, The Admiral’s House and the Queen Mary Undercroft make it an inspiring setting for any occasion.
WL has also been appointed as approved supplier at Events @ No 6 – a brand-new venue located in the premises of The Royal College of Pathologists in the heart of the city. This accessible, adaptable venue is well-connected and perfect for hosting corporate, academic and personal events for over 200 guests. Alicia comments: “It’s fantastic to be working with Events @ No 6 from the very start of their journey. This is a brilliant new venue unlike any other in London and we cannot wait to begin working with them”.
Alongside this, WL has also had its approved supplier status renewed at the Royal Opera House and Museum of London. The Royal Opera House has recently completed an extensive three-year construction project, launching new spaces and updated facilities. Earlier this month, WL supplied the first commercial event in the Royal Opera House since the re-opening.
Alicia concludes: “The fact that we are able to work with such a wide variety of venues across London and supply technical solutions bespoke to their individual clients’ needs just shows our strength as an organisation. 2018 was a fantastic year for us in which we were once again crowned winners at the Event Production Awards and we look forward to continuing this success into 2019”.
Click here to see some of our recent event production projects.
Designed by revolutionary architect Inigo Jones, Banqueting House has been the backdrop of spectacular feasts and celebrations for almost 400 years. Today the beauty and scale of this stunning venue still inspires its guests with the Main Hall’s soaring neo-classical columns and magnificent painted ceiling making it one of the most breath-taking spaces in London. Below the Main Hall you will find The Undercroft which was originally designed as a drinking den for James I and is now the perfect setting for intimate dinners and drinks receptions as well as away days and meetings.
White Light at Banqueting House
White Light is proud to be an approved supplier to Banqueting House for 10 years and a cross-palace approved supplier for Historic Royal Palaces since 2015. It has a very close working relationship with Banqueting House and is always thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance the stunning spaces with cutting-edge technology.
Recently, Banqueting House became available to hire during the daytime on selected Thursdays throughout the year. Access to this impressive space during the day has given clients the opportunity to hire the space for lunches, conferences, private functions, product launches, daytime fashion shows and all-day weddings; with White Light having supplied the technical support on many of these.
Here are some examples of White Light’s work at Banqueting House which demonstrates the versatility of this magnificent venue:
Cambridge University Fundraising Event
The University of Cambridge held a celebration event to engage key stakeholders with its latest campaign. 250 guests enjoyed a drink reception and dinner whilst being immersed within an AV experience. The University had a very specific brief: to make the event as immersive as possible. They wanted to transform the Main Hall at Banqueting House, ensuring an interactive experience for all attendees. White Light presented the concept of replacing the actual windows inside the space with projected versions which drew on custom-made content, allowing guests to be transported to famous Cambridge landmarks. Using the very latest projection technology along with a bespoke soundscape, White Light created a wraparound presentation which ensured that the entire room was brought to life and those in attendance were fully encapsulated in this immersive experience. The White Light team allowed the technology to work holistically with the building’s historic architecture without it being obtrusive. The event received international recognition and was awarded the AV Technology Europe Best Small to Mid-Scale AV Project Award along with the Event Technology Awards’ Best Use of AV Technology.
‘Best of British’ Street Party
Celebrating the Queen as the longest-reigning monarch, more than 150 event professionals gathered for a ‘Six Decades One Evening’ street party. White Light provided the lighting, audio and video support for the event. As the party moved through the decades, the lighting, soundscape and video worked holistically to create an immersive experience for those in attendance. White Light also created the illusion of windows which ‘looked outside’ onto each different era through its use of projection mapping, highlighting the iconic moments of each decade.
Pearls of Wisdom Workshop
Earlier this year, Banqueting House welcomed 80 guests to their venue showcase in collaboration with Pearl & Pear, an online event resource designed to inspire and inform those in the industry. As a founding partner of Pearl & Pear, Banqueting House showcased their event spaces as well as hosted a range of informative workshops. The aim was to deliver invaluable event-related skills and business tips that event professionals can apply to their working life. White Light delivered a Pearls of Wisdom Workshop entitled ‘Creating an Impact with AV’. This touched on the use of AV technology within traditional spaces such as the comparison of LED walls against standard projection, the use of bespoke soundscapes and how AR and VR technology can be integrated into an event. The day was a great example of how the versatile spaces of Banqueting House can now be utilised for daytime events such as conferences, lunches and product launches, which often require a number of different set-ups throughout the duration of the event.
For further information about Banqueting House and how White Light can support your future event there please contact [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 3166 6000.
Comments Off on White Light Supplies Westminster Counterterrorism Conference
The Westminster Counterterrorism Conference is a major international conference which examines international counterterrorism challenges along with offering opportunities for cooperation. This was the first time the Conference had taken place and was held at the prestigious Banqueting House, Whitehall. As a cross-palace approved supplier to Historic Royal Palaces, White Light was approached to provide the complete technical solutions.
The Westminster Counterterrorism Conference took place on 23rd November 2017 and was organised by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) which is the world’s oldest independent think tank on international defence and security. The conference explores the nature of terrorism today and how this may change in the future. It also contains panels with some of the leading practitioners and policy-makers from across the globe.
The event was overseen by WL’s Conference Account Manager Shrenik Singhavi, who comments: “Our role was to provide all of the production support which ranged from audio to lighting to video to set to staging to backdrop. RUSI were aware that we are able to provide the complete package hence the reason they called on our services”.
The event marked the first daytime conference to be held at Banqueting House for over five years. The high-profile speakers included Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of Homeland Security, USA, Sir John Scarlett, Vice-Chairman of RUSI and Gilles de Kerchove, European Union Counter-Terrorism Coordinator.
Not only were there hundreds in attendance at the venue itself but the conference was being live streamed across the globe as well as covered by six international news channels. Shrenik adds: “With so many people watching, we had to ensure that the set up looked as visually impressive as possible. Not only did all of the appropriate signage and logos have to be on display but we needed to ensure even coverage in terms of lighting and sound in order to give the best experience possible”.
The WL on-site team was led by WL’s Project Manager Phil Gladman. The crew arrived on site at 7am and had to set everything up in two hours within the Great Hall. Shrenik comments: “Whenever you’re working in a public space, time is always of the essence and you need to ensure that you’re able to turn up and get everything in place within a given period. This is why we conducted lots of pre-planning with the client so we were fully prepared on the day”.
The Westminster Counterterrorism Conference marks one of many events that WL has supplied there this year. Others include the University of Cambridge Fundraiser which recently won Best Use of AV Technology at this year’s Event Technology Awards.
Shrenik adds: “The Counterterrorism Conference was a huge success with the day running extremely smooth. As a company, we have years of experience coupled with the very latest technology and resources to ensure that we can constantly deliver on events and conferences of any scale and within any location”.
Sabrina Downey, Projects and Events Director at RUSI, comments: “WL was extremely helpful from the initial planning stages all the way through to the entire conference, ensuring that everything went without a hitch. I look forward to working with them once again”.
Comments Off on White Light Supplies The Gurkha Welfare Trust at Kensington Palace
On Wednesday 15th November, a Remembrance Dinner was held at Kensington Palace to celebrate the vital work of The Gurkha Welfare Trust. The dinner was hosted by His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and took place in the State Apartments. As a cross-palace approved supplier to the Historic Royal Palaces, White Light was called upon to provide the complete technical solutions.
The event was overseen by WL’s Conference Account Manager Shrenik Singhavi. He comments: “We were contacted by The Gurkha Welfare Trust who informed us that they wanted to host a Dinner at Kensington Palace. Due to both the prestigious location and the guests attending on the evening, we wanted to ensure that we provided the best technical support possible”.
Shrenik worked closely with Katie Williams, Events Fundraising Manager at The Gurkha Welfare Trust, and the pair made several site visits to Kensington Palace. He comments: “The Gurkha Welfare team wanted to make it a fully immersive experience that utilised a variety of spaces within Kensington Palace. They wanted guests to feel part of the celebrations from the moment they entered the grounds; something we needed to make a reality”.
The event took place in the State Apartments and utilised five rooms: the Queen’s Room, Privy Room, Cupola Room, King’s Drawing Room and King’s Gallery. WL’s Project Manager Phil Gladman led the on-site team which included two lighting technicians, an audio technician and ten local crew. The company supplied bespoke production support in each of the spaces.
Shrenik explains: “When guests arrived on the evening, they walked through the Privy Room where we supplied atmospheric lighting. The drinks reception took place in the Cupola and Kings Drawing Room prior to the dinner. The Queen’s Room was used to host HRH Prince Harry and selected guests. The main dinner itself took place in the Kings Gallery.
He adds: “The dinner was the main highlight of the evening and, within the space, we provided the lighting, acoustic sound system, microphone, lectern along with a small staging area. HRH Prince Harry gave a speech to guests who included the charity’s ambassadors, patrons and supporters. With such an important individual speaking, we had to ensure that we provided a fully reliable system”.
Alongside this, WL used a custom-made gobo in order to project The Gurkha Welfare Trust logo onto the side of Kensington Palace for when guests arrived. WL also lit the pathway leading into Kensington Palace to ensure the event was fully immersive.
Guests in attendance on the evening included GWT Vice Patrons Joanna Lumley OBE, Field Marshal Sir John Chapple GCB CBE DL.
Katie comments: “This was one of the most important events in The Gurkha Welfare Trust’s calendar and we wanted to create something unforgettable for our guests, whilst at the same time making them aware of our important cause. Working closely with the team at WL, we were able to achieve this”.
Photos courtesy of Mark Brightwell/The Gurkha Welfare Trust.
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