Pearce Hire has been awarded a three year contract to provide all the power and lighting for the Forestry Commission live music tour's.

The Forestry Commission Tour's bring a range live music to unique locations, all situated within woodland or forests to encourage people to appreciate the beautiful world around them, whilst also generating valuable income to plough back into the woodland..

Artists already confirmed for the 2009 series of concerts around the seven venues are Paul Weller, McFly, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Vanessa-Mae, Katherine Jenkins and Status Quo, with the competitively priced tickets already achieving good sales.

Pearce Hire provided power and lighting for the first series of tour's in 2000 and have been providing ever since. One of the main challenges of the tour is designing equipment that fits the wishes of all artists and delivering a consistent production package at the varied venues, meaning that lighting designers could work very easily at all sites on the tour.

'David Barrow from DB Event Services who handles artist programming, production and licensing commenting on Pearce Hire's successful Forest Tour tender bid said:
“I have worked with the Pearce Hire team from my Cambridge Folk Festival days that started way back in 1989 and I am delighted to still be enjoying their slick and professional approach 20 years down the line. Pearce Hire has provided power and lighting for the forest tour since the start and there is no doubt in my mind that our success is in no small part down to the Pearce teams.

“I went through a Forestry Commission tender myself last year, so I know Pearce Hire went through a long and detailed tender process. I would have been extremely disappointed if Pearce had not won the contract but they shone through at all stages of the process. The site teams lead by John Huson certainly make my life easier with excellent attention to detail and safety which is also matched by their kit and production staff.”

For more information about Pearce Hire visit www.pearcehire.co.uk or for Forestry tour information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/music

Visit Shaun and the Pearce Hire team at The Event Show on Stand 555, where they will be promoting their power, lighting and audio services along with their new 2009 hire catalogue.

Pearce Hire have just launched their new Hire Brochure which is available now for download or you can request a copy by post should you wish. The new brochure showcases Pearce Hire’s comprehensive inventory of over 1000 separate items of stock.

To obtain your copy please visit the download section of the website or get in contact with us to request a
printed copy by post.

Pearce Hire supplied a tailored production package of temporary power, lighting and audio to the annual Christmas Market in the historic town of Bury St Edmunds. The market, with its mix of British and continental traders, heralds the beginning of a busy month for the town’s retailers and celebrates international customs. We met Pearce Hire’s Project Manager John Huson to find out more.

“The main outdoor market was split into three sections, an English section and a continental section both in front of the Abbey, complete with fairground rides and a live entertainment stage, the third area was inside the Abbey Garden complex. The fact that Pearce Hire supplied all the technical production made for a simpler planning process and better logistics for the client. Operationally it was easier for us and more cost effective all round.

“We provided power to all the traders and some of the fairground through a pair of super silent 250 kVA generators. In addition to the outdoor sections, there were indoor markets split between two venues, the Athenaeum and the nearby Corn Exchange, where we ensured safe distribution from the venue’s mains supply to all traders.

“This was an open site with unrestricted public access during the set up and throughout the three day market. As a result we were particularly careful with the electrical distribution; making sure all circuits were tested and using extensive runs of cable ramp in all pedestrian areas.

“Stringent environmental safety surrounding the provision of food meant it was essential to have an uninterrupted power supply for the duration of the market, keeping fridges and freezers, hot water and ovens running. We managed this by providing constant standby support on site and with pre-event liaison with traders to ensure an adequate supply.

“The entertainment comprised local entertainers, bands, schools and choirs. It took place on one of Star Events’ trailer stages, provided by Pearce Hire. You’re never quite sure what young entertainers might do, so extra care had to be taken with on-stage safety measures.

“On the stage we supplied an L-Acoustics ARCS speaker system, controlled by a digital Yamaha DM1000 desk, with delay speakers distributed throughout the market: that way the performances could be heard across the whole site. Stage lighting consists of a mixture of ETC Source 4 PAR’s and 1Kw floods. Additional entertainment on the steps in front of the Corn Exchange required a simpler PA and lighting system, again ensuring that all performers were sounding their very best. In the Abbey’s connecting walkway we installed seasonal architectural lighting, enhancing the Abbey’s features.