Camper Calling 2024

Camper Calling 2024 illuminated Ragley Hall in Warwickshire from August 23rd to 25th, marking its triumphant 8th year as a premier family-friendly music festival. CPL – contracted by Urban Audio Productions – led by the ever-innovative Lee Gruszeckyj, returned to deliver a cutting-edge video design package that elevated the festival experience to new heights.

This year’s lineup boasted an electrifying mix of established acts and rising stars. The Lakeside Stage, the festival’s beating heart, hosted an impressive array of talent. Groove Armada delivered a pulsating DJ set, while Jessie J brought her powerhouse vocals to the Saturday night headline slot. Sunday’s grand finale featured the iconic Travis, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey through their extensive catalogue of hits.

CPL’s visual magic transformed the main stage into a breathtaking spectacle. Two towering IMAG screens, each measuring 4.4 meters wide by 6 meters tall, flanked the stage in portrait format, elegantly showcasing close-ups and full-length shots of artists like Professor Green, The Zutons, and Sophie Ellis Bextor. Complementing this was an onstage Screen of 7.2m x 4.8m, all constructed from CPL’s state-of-the-art Roe CB5 product.

The heart of the production pulsed with CPLs sophisticated Panasonic Kairos system, featuring three Panasonic UC4000 4k cameras positioned strategically at the front of house, along with two hot-head remote cameras capturing dynamic angles. This meticulous setup allowed for a seamless flow of visuals, with each band’s entrance met by a flurry of vibrant images that ignited the crowd’s excitement.

To elevate the visual spectacle, the stage was bathed in a kaleidoscope of colours and effects, thanks to a powerful lighting package that included the cutting-edge Ayrton Perseos and Ayrton Cobras. The Perseos, with their robust 500W LED sources, delivered an astonishing 27,400 lumens, casting brilliant beams that sliced through the night sky. Their versatility allowed for sweeping washes of colour and intricate patterns that danced across the audience, creating an atmosphere of pure euphoria .

Meanwhile, the Ayrton Cobras added an extra layer of magic with their laser-sourced brilliance. Their ability to project sharp, defined beams and captivating gobo patterns transformed the stage into a living canvas, perfectly synchronized with the pulsating rhythms of the performances. Together, these lighting fixtures crafted an immersive experience that resonated deeply with festival-goers, making every moment unforgettable.

Despite facing challenging weather conditions that necessitated a rapid response from the production team, the spirit of Camper Calling remained undiminished. As rain and wind threatened to disrupt the festivities, the team quickly adapted by lowering the LED screens and adjusting the stage setup to ensure the safety of both performers and attendees. This swift action demonstrated the crew’s resilience and expertise, allowing the show to go on without a hitch.

The festival’s success is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the organizers, technical crews, and attendees alike.

Lee Gruszeckyj and his crew, including Shaun Foster, Liam Batty and CPL’s Live Event Technician Apprentice, Tom Naylor, worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was executed flawlessly. From custom intro sequences for each artist to the seamless management of screen content, their dedication shone through. The backstage area even featured a pop-up bar, allowing the crew to recharge and connect, fostering a sense of community that mirrored the festival’s spirit.

As the sun set on another successful Camper Calling, the festival stood as a shining example of how music, technology, community, and the indomitable festival spirit can overcome any obstacle. Thousands of happy campers left the site with smiles, their hearts full of joy and unforgettable memories, eagerly anticipating what next year’s event will bring to the picturesque grounds of Ragley Hall.