The second largest health and beauty retailer in the United Kingdom, Superdrug is a high street staple. For many years Lightwave has been working with Phoenix Productions to deliver Superdrug's Christmas conference, which concludes with a gala dinner. In 2024 this prestigious event found a new home at Manchester Central.
Originally built in 1880, this Grade II listed building was repurposed and reopened in 1982 as a multi-space exhibition and event venue whilst maintaining much of its original character and features. The Central Hall is a beautiful, vast space featuring exposed vaulted arches running the length of the expansive hall.
Lightwave was tasked to provide technical production support, supplying all lighting, sound and scenic elements required for both the conference and gala dinner, those two elements of the event taking place in one side each of the split Central Hall.
The conference consisted of an ultrawide main stage with matching front projection screen and a satellite stage for a band. A full d&b sound system was implemented to ensure excellent coverage across the vast space. Suitably festive lighting brought the space alive. All areas of the conference were covered to ensure every delegate had a VIP experience.
The larger of the two spaces in the Central Hall was reserved for the gala dinner, where a stage with multiple risers was provided for the headline act – Ministry of Sound Live. Once again Lightwave provided a full d&b sound solution to ensure the very best quality of audio across the whole space. The lighting was specifically designed to enable Lightwave to constantly adapt to the changing styles and requirements of the acts performing.
Take a look at the video above to see more of the install and building process for this annual celebration.
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