Large scale live events are often remembered for the moments audiences see. What they do not always see is the months of planning, collaboration and technical expertise required to bring those moments to life.
That was certainly the case with Cristal Palace, the spectacular aerial performance from renowned French company Transe Express, which arrived in Southport as part of Sefton Council and Culture Liverpool’s cultural programme.
Expected to attract crowds of around 10,000 people, the event transformed the Town Hall Gardens and surrounding area into a performance space unlike anything normally seen in the town. At the heart of the production was Transe Express’ iconic flying chandelier, suspended up to 50 metres above the audience and carrying musicians and aerial artists through the night sky.
dBS Solutions was appointed to provide the complete production package for the event, delivering site wide audio, staging and lighting while working closely with Transe Express, Sefton Council and a wide range of stakeholders.
Planning for the project began in 2025 following the tender process and continued for many months as the team worked through the unique technical challenges involved in presenting an international aerial production in the centre of Southport.
Audio design was led by Danny Clare, who developed a system capable of providing even coverage across the unusually shaped site while ensuring visitors throughout the surrounding streets could enjoy the performance. The production also relied on wireless audio transmission to loudspeakers mounted on the flying chandelier, alongside wireless microphones for the musicians performing high above the audience.
The lighting design presented an opportunity to align the event with shared sustainability goals. Working alongside the creative team, dBS Solutions redesigned the lighting package using modern LED fixtures throughout, reducing power consumption while providing a wider and more vibrant colour palette for the performance.
For Managing Director Chris Bogg, the project perfectly demonstrates what makes live events so rewarding.
“Projects like this are exactly why we love what we do. Bringing together a talented team, working alongside international partners and helping deliver something special for the local community was a real privilege. The weather may have had other ideas, but seeing the site come together and watching the dress rehearsal was a proud moment for everyone involved.”
Unfortunately, challenging weather conditions ultimately prevented the public performances from taking place as planned. While disappointing for audiences, safety remained the priority for everyone involved, particularly the aerial artists performing at height.
Despite the circumstances, the project remains a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the teams involved. More than fifteen dBS Solutions staff worked across the event, collaborating with international performers, local stakeholders and technical partners to deliver a production that pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved in a public space.
Reflecting on the event, Lighting Engineer George Ellis said:
“I love the variety of this event taking place here in Southport. With theatre, dance and spectacular aerial work like this, it’s quite amazing really.”
Cristal Palace was a powerful reminder that technology and creativity can come together to create truly extraordinary experiences. Even when conditions do not allow the show to go on, the passion, innovation and teamwork behind projects like these remain something to be proud of.