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Westlife on the catwalk with Star Rigging
Westlife tours are always spectacular productions, and this year’s ‘Turnaround’ tour has been no exception. Star Rigging provided the rigging requirements to ensure the group could incorporate their latest stunt to get them close to their fans.The production focal point of the show is an aluminium catwalk lowered from the ceiling on which the band performed four numbers over the heads of the audience.
Star Rigging ensured the catwalk was rigged and lowered safely at each of the shows. The complete catwalk is 120ft long and incorporates an aluminium mesh walkway with a circular stage at the end, with Perspex flooring allowing the crowds to see the band throughout their performance. During the show the giant catwalk was lowered out of the Arena roofs to a 3m height above the heads of a delighted audience.
Star Rigging’s Phil Broad designed the rigging plots and programmed the company's IBEX motion control system, ever mindful of the safety of the concert-goers. With more than 250 connections to the 21 motors, the IBEX’s safety system meant the slightest glitch with any motor was identified and the whole system would come safely to a halt. Star Rigging’s Mil Rakij controlled the system throughout the show and programmed the motors, which smoothly lowered the walkway, whilst constantly monitoring the movement via his laptop.
Production manager, Steve Levitt of Production North commented: “This year we have had a tighter tour schedule with matinee performances included in the run, which is great for the fans but has increased the work load for the production team. Star Rigging has delivered, along with the rigging requirements, the reassurance of a high standard of work and safety checks before every show.
Given the tight tour schedule that included several back-to-back arena dates, the Star Rigging team soon perfected the logistics of the 8-hour load-in. They rigged 82 points and ensured the catwalk was complete to allow the other contractors to bring in the remaining sound, lights, video and scenic elements of the show.
In picture: Westlife performing on catwalk and catwalk structure above the audience.
http://www.stareventsgroup.com
18th May 2004
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