Event Production Group Takes Hilton Liverpool’s Star Ball to New Heights
The Project
Event Production Group was thrilled to be selected as the audio-visual production partner for Hilton Liverpool’s annual Star Ball. This glamorous black-tie charity event supports many great causes, including Variety, the Children’s Charity and the D.M. Thomas Foundation for young people. This year’s event was hosted by the legendary radio personality Pete Price, adding to the excitement and anticipation of the evening.
Hilton Liverpool called upon EPG’s expertise to provide a full audio-visual equipment package for their 300-capacity Grace Suite, including sound, lighting, staging, projection, draping, filming, and on-site technical support. As guests entered the Grace Foyer, they were greeted by a lavish champagne reception with entertainment provided by the talented jazz singer Alan Cross. The main Grace Suite was transformed into a stunning dining and entertainment space befitting a high-profile black-tie ball.
The Technical Solution
EPG’s brief for the audio setup was to cater to all of the entertainment needs and provide excellent sound quality across the 35m Grace Suite without interrupting guests’ view of the stage or taking up too much floor space. EPG’s team specified a compact but powerful system comprising multiple McGregor Amplification FR-15s for full-range clarity and FR-18 sub-units to provide the low end. The units were strategically positioned behind the projection screens and in the Grace Suite’s window bays to minimize the usable floor space taken up. Wedge monitors were used across the stage to look after band monitoring, and a Behringer X32 digital mixing desk was selected for control. High-end Pioneer CDJ2000 NSX2 DJ decks and 900 Mixer were provided for the DJ.
To simplify and safeguard against errors, EPG’s technicians utilized professional cueing software Q-Lab to create a pre-configured show that contained all audio and video content cued in order of playback, each triggered by a simple press of the space bar. EPG’s team also provided three set builds, one in each area of the Grace Suite, comprising stock flats and incorporating a 14ft front projection screen in each. The set builds were carefully positioned to take advantage of the venue’s built-in 20k Sony Laser Projectors, which were already ceiling-rigged to save cost. EPG’s technicians utilized a fourth Optoma Laser projector from their own hire stock to project the table plan by the entry door, easily visible to guests when entering the suite.
To enhance the stage and backdrop, EPG’s team provided a lighting system comprising both generic and intelligent moving fixtures from Chauvet, Showtec, LEDJ, ETC, which were set up on the stage floor on elevated truss ‘totems’ as eye candy. The rigging team utilized the Grace Suite’s load-bearing Unistrut points to fly a number of moving heads for a more dramatic effect. All lighting was controlled by EPG’s on-site lighting technicians using an Avolites lighting desk. The system was configured to provide several ‘scenes,’ including a dramatic entry scene featuring panning beams of light to wow guests as they first entered the Grace Suite, a more relaxed ambient scene used during dining, a stage-focused scene utilizing LED profile spotlights for use during speeches, and finally, an entertainment scene to really up the energy level and excitement during live performances.
The Outcome
The result was an unforgettable night that raised over £40,000 for the nominated charities, including the popular framed first team shirts from Everton and Liverpool FC. EPG’s vast experience with high-profile dinner events helped transform the venue, wow the audience, and ensure the technical side of the event ran seamlessly. By using their high-end sound, lighting, staging, projection, draping, and filming equipment controlled by their skilled team of on-site technicians and project managers, EPG ensured the guests had a wonderful experience. The event was a fantastic success, and EPG was proud to be a part of it. If you’re planning a black-tie charity event or any other type of corporate event, Event Production Group can provide the expertise and equipment you need to make it a success.
From audio-visual equipment hire to event production services, their team of experts can tailor a custom solution to meet your specific needs. Don’t settle for anything less than the best – contact Event Production Group today and see what they can do for you.
