After multiple postponements, Michael Buble finally embarked on his UK tour “performing in the most picturesque and beautiful outdoor settings in the UK”. For this, we took on the site management for his two shows at Bath Royal Crescent, working with Site & Stage and LarMac to deliver memorable evenings for audience members and the residents surrounding the Crescent.
It was our responsibility as the site management team to ensure that the build and break followed the timings of the production schedule as well as manage the crew building and taking down the infrastructure of the site. The location of this event was a particularly difficult one as there was very restricted access into the park as well as having to take extra caution when working on the residents’ private garden which was where the stage was situated. Because of this, the build took longer than perhaps other sites due to needing to protect the valuable land as much as possible. Our previous experience with sensitive sites, much like Imperial Gardens in Cheltenham, meant that we felt confident we would be able to work with the residents and listen to their requests.
The Live Shows:
The shows took place on the 15th and 16th July where Buble played for two hours each night to a crowd of adoring fans (and their husbands). It was great to work amongst a large team when it came to the live days. AEG Presents UK, Senbla and LarMac Live joined us on site to deliver the shows, covering production, artist liaison, event control, and more.
The concerts attracted a large crowd of non-paying fans too, who gathered round the fenced perimeter of the site, trying to get a sneak peek of the show. Due to each performance being sold out, we were expecting the public areas around the park to be busy, however we faced some issues such as the scrim on the heras fencing being torn down so that the public had a full view of the stage. Buble made jokes about this onstage and got the public crowds to cheer at various points throughout the evening. Given the complexity of the site, this being our biggest problem during the live shows was a great achievement and we were pleased to have brought great entertainment to the Bath residents.
During the take down of the stage and site, a heatwave struck the UK with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. This presented challenges for our team of crew, working in such a physical role with not much opportunity for shade. Luckily, it seemed that our schedule had allowed for more days than perhaps we needed in terms of taking down fencing, signage, flagpoles, etc. had the weather been in normal conditions. Throughout the project, the job ran to schedule with suppliers understanding our processes and being patient with the tight restriction policy that had to be put in place.
NR Events were really pleased to take on Site Management for this event and thrived with the challenges of such a unique location to put on a concert.
