Tropic Fest 2024 transformed the venerable grounds of Chillington Hall into a vibrant epicenter of music, art, and innovation. Organized by Pandora Events for Tropic Skincare, the festival showcased a diverse lineup that pushed boundaries and surpassed expectations with performances from Beverley Knight , The House Gospel Choir and The Ministry of Sound
CPL, commissioned by Pandora Events to manage the full technical production of the festival, delivered a sophisticated audio visual production that elevated the festival experience. The centerpiece was a 15-meter Super Roof stage, flanked by two LED IMAG screens constructed from Roe CB5 panels. These screens served as dynamic visual elements, displaying captivating graphics and live footage from a five-camera system
The lighting rig was a spectacle in itself, featuring 72 moving lights that turned night into day. A mix of Arton Cobra’s, Arton Perseo’s and Ayrton Rivales carved through the air with razor-sharp beams, and bathed the crowd in waves of colour. Ayrton Perseos units pulled double duty, serving up both beams and effects. For added punch, 16 Strike Array blinders seared retinas, and four Portman P1s provided the eye candy. This arsenal of illumination was controlled by a Avolites console, with Ed Alford and Steve Thurkettle at the helm.
The festival’s sound system, anchored by L-Acoustics K2 delivered bone-rattling bass and crystal-clear highs. SB18 subs as side fills and ground-shaking KS28s ensured that every beat was felt as much as heard. At the nerve center, a pair of DiGiCo Quantum consoles (a 338 at FOH and a 225 for monitors) gave Sam Cook and Huw Clee the power to shape sonic landscapes. The mic arsenal included Shure classics, DPAs for instruments, and cutting-edge Shure Axients.
The festival’s visual spectacle reached new heights with the addition of pyrotechnics, CO2 jets, and a dazzling array of 10 RGB lasers. The Grade I listed Chillington Hall itself became a canvas, illuminated by Ayrton Perseo Profiles and Ayrton Cobras creating a surreal backdrop for the festivities. The house was also projection mapped with 2 Barco UDM projectors.
As night fell, festival-goers embarked on an otherworldly journey through the Enchanted Wood. The air crackled with anticipation as they stumbled upon a hidden clearing where a gospel band’s soulful melodies intertwined with ancient trees. This ethereal fusion of nature and music was amplified by carefully placed L-Acoustics Kara II, creating an immersive soundscape that seemed to emanate from the forest itself.
A full lighting package was deployed into the Enchanted Woodland area, utilising IP65 rated Ayrton Cobras and Perseo fixtures. CPL’s custom lighting brackets, specifically designed for this event were used to attach lighting fixtures high up in the woodland canopy. After consulting with the Estate management of Chillington Hall, the brackets were designed to be tree-friendly, using non-invasive mounting techniques that do not harm the trees. This includes adjustable straps and clamps that distribute weight evenly and avoid damage to the bark.
The event’s success was underpinned by CPL’s 25-member crew, led by Lee Gruszeckyj, who adeptly managed complex logistics. This included navigating several articulated trucks through ancient gates and coordinating a small city of RVs, tents, and amenities, ensuring no detail was overlooked in the delivery of this spectacular event.
Tropic Fest 2024 stands as a testament to the synergy of cutting-edge technology and creative vision, delivering an unforgettable experience that resonated with attendees on multiple sensory levels. From the thunderous bass that shook the earth to the lasers that pierced the heavens, every element was precision-engineered to leave attendees breathless, minds blown, and souls craving more.
