QE2

QE2

Daylight Firework Display for the QE2 on the Tyne, 2007, Tyneside

The QE2’s first visit to the Tyne for 40 years prompted the North East’s Culture 10 organisation to issue a tender for the creation of a unique spectacular daylight welcome for the famous cruise liner. Event International’s winning response included a special commission of Mécanique Vivant’s Sirenes , as well as a high impact daylight fireworks display at the mouth of the River Tyne, a “virtual red carpet” of confetti and pyrotechnics, and a noisy mascleta and fireworks display opposite the QE2’s berth at the new Tyne Commission Quay.

“On a practical and production level we had to consider that this daylight event was likely to attract a huge audience spread over a massive area, so it needed to be as big, bright, loud and high-impact as possible, whilst not impacting on the complicated shipping operations at a really busy time for the Port of Tyne. This was a really big project which involved 15 Alchemy pyrotechnicians working for 5 days on 3 land-based firing sites as well as a boat.”

The weather on the day of the event caused major problems for the Captain of the QE2 and really forced everyone involved in the event to think on our feet. “The boat eventually came in 2 hours late, by which time many of the Tyneside public were drifting away simply because the weather was so bad. As a result, we offered to save the North Pier fireworks for the liner’s departure the following day, when hopefully the weather would be better and more people would again come out to see both the QE” and the daylight fireworks. As it turned out the weather was just as bad the following day and even firing the display on the North Pier was a challenge. “For the last half an hour before the show the waves were crashing over the pier, completely drenching the fireworks and the crew. I’d never experienced anything like it. Even the local pyrotechnicians who live in Tynemouth and South Shields were surprised at how rough it was for September.” Nonetheless, 90% of the fireworks fired – an amazing testament to good waterproofing and rigging practices on site. Everyone, including Cunard, were delighted with the welcome that they received in the North East.

“The event was well received and many thanks to you and your crew for all your hard work and perseverance in challenging conditions” Frank Wilson, Managing Director, Event International.

Download this Alchemy Fireworks Case Study as a PDF

Alchemy Fireworks useful links: Event International website