Since 1940 RAF Innsworth has been the administration HQ for all of the Royal Airforce in the UK. It is a huge base and has been the training facility for aircraft fitters, technicians and by the end of the second world war over 5,000 personnel were living on the base.In September last year the base approached us to discuss a function that was to mark the closure of the base. It was a great shame but the base wanted to have a 'stadium rock' style function and were determined to organise a great event to thank all their employees past and present.
The event was to be in a large 70m x 30m hangar, which was to be converted into a function space for 1,000 guests.
Our brief was to supply everything required to turn the hangar into a fantastic looking concert space, with a large bar,food stalls, toilets, giant stage and lighting rigs. This was a mammoth task as the hangar was just a shell.
Our build started three days prior to the event date. As there were no secure rigging points in the hangar, our dedicated light and sound team had to install free standing rigs and light towers to give sufficient event lighting. A 30ft x 20ft stage was installed with a powerful 20kw PA system for the four bands and disco that the base wanted.
The bar was to be a cost price bar and we installed a 60ft run of front bar, down lit in red white and blue. A mobile chiller unit was placed behind the bar for refrigeration and 17 bar staff (including two of our flairers)were booked for the night. At the far end of the hangar was the food and seating area, serving BBQ foods, crepes and hog roast baps. The seating was themed in red, white and blue and gas fired heaters were professionally installed at all corners of the hangar.
As with any function of this size, but especially with military functions, health and safety is of paramount importance. Teams of carpenters were brought in to construct and install fitted fire exits in place of the huge shutter doors, and to drill holes in the walls to install the gas pipes for the heating and food elements of the event.A small chinese hat marquee was erected just outside the hangar over looked by a tri lite hung with spot lights. This was to be the main entrance and two flame cannons guided guests across the base to the party space. They were greeted on the red carpet by professional door staff.
Four luxury mobile toilet units were maneuvered by the Capability Events into place at the stage end of the hangar and positioned to create a bathroom area behind the stage.
A complex logistical plan was executed perfectly, ensuring over 20 suppliers arrived in order for the production of the event.
The main stage saw 4 live bands, a disco and a compere and well over 1,000 guests danced on until 3am.
Although hard work to produce within a limited budget we thoroughly enjoyed working with the RAF for this event and are happy it was such a resounding success.Flight Lieutenant Paul Morgan, RAF organiser of the party comments: "It was a bittersweet evening, celebrating RAF Innsworth’s 60 year anniversary but saying goodbye at the same time. Although many of us will be posted to Air Command High Wycombe, which will take over RAF central administration, we will be leaving behind many of our civilian colleagues who have helped with the smooth running of the camp during out time here.Morgan adds: The party was a sell out, with 1000 RAF and civilian personnel attending. Capability Events were the consummate professionals and executed the event without any hitches. There is no doubt without them I would have even less hair!"
Enjoy the video of the event below!
The Capability Events Team 2008
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