may ball week 2008
Over the years SXS has built a strong reputation with Oxford and Cambridge Universities for first-class event and creative production services by having done over 50 balls.
May Week is the main week in which the Oxbridge Colleges hold their balls. Most of the balls fall within a four-day period in the latter part of June.
Although the number of projects available to SXS was large, decisions were made earlier in the year to limit service provision to only two balls on the same night. This was done so that the team could maintain the service levels that have become expected over the years. Client loyalty led the SXS team to working with repeat clients of over two years St Catherines College and Kings College.
The case study will look at some of the innovative or more interesting areas of the events.
Airbourne Environmental Consultants , an independent consultancy for assisting companies achieve environmental standards approached SXS Fashion Show Lighting for their 10 year anniversary.
They wanted an evening of fun and celebration to mark this milestone with employees, clients and friends who had contributed to the successful growth of the business.
The Brief
SXS met with the client at their chosen venue of Manchester Art Gallery – a unique venue with both modern and traditional event spaces for us to work with. There were to be three key areas including a Reception, a Salsa Dancing Room and a Grande Prix Room.
The Production
The stunning glass Atrium was to provide the champagne reception and speech giving space. Guests entered the Atrium via a red carpeted staircase flanked by two large gas flambeaux which set the mood for the evening. The Atrium was lit with uplighters in AEC purple and a hot pink colour.
Dappled blue projections moved slowly over the floors and an AEC glass gobo panned slowly around the room. A second gobo projection was set onto the wall above the staircase to provide a perfect backdrop for the speeches. Finally the AEC vodka luge was illuminated to make the most out of this much used feature.
The Salsa Room was created by transforming the Museum’s Restaurant into a hot and sexy dance space. First the room was blacked out and then red drapes were hung over the top which were in turn uplit.
Moving heads were placed in each of the four corners of the room to provide both atmospheric and dancefloor lighting. Hot coloured floods reflected off the white ceiling to give the room that added sizzle.
As a final touch the tables and chairs were covered in red and black linen to complement the drapery.
The Grande Prix Room was constructed in the Grand Hall with its gorgeous pillars and stone staircase. A giant Scalectrix was set up in the centre of the room and lit from the balcony to avoid obstructive lighting stands. Each of the pillars was lit in a blood red colour which worked perfectly with the Grande Prix theme.
Black and white checked fabric was used to create a backdrop at the top of the stairs for the winner to stand against. To complete the look Starcloth was draped around the walls of the room to give the space more depth and glamour.
Account Manager: Cathy Shay
Production Management: Johnny Palmer
Lighting Design: Nick Thomas
Event Case Studies
Case Studies
AEC Ball
Millenium Stadium New Year Event 2006-07
Magdalen College Oxford 2009
Wadstock Festival
Bond Themed Charity Ball
Bristol Beach
King's Affair @ Kings College
Apple Solution Expert Product Demo
Cabot Circus Launch
Cirque Bijou Event
Mohanlil's Daily Delight European Tour
Music Week Awards
Connaught Rooms NY 2007-08
Simon Lee Dicker Art Event
Widescreen Event for Stihl
St Catherines College Ball 2008
WS2008 Scouts Festival
UWE College Fashion shows 2008
ICICI Bank Summer Ball