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Storm was delighted to work with the team at DRPG to supply a multi-hall conference and exhibition back in June at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. Supplying a complete comprehensive lighting package consisting of over 2,500 fixtures. Spread across the multi-hall event including ROBE BMFLs, MegaPointe & Spiider’s, Martin Ultra Performances & Aura XB’s along with SGM Q7, P6 & P10 fixtures.

Data Distribution

This was the prime project for Storm to debut our brand new ProPlex Simple GBS Managed Switches. Along with our expanded stock of ProPlex 2×8 DMX Buffers to provide the backbone of the systems and data network. As the first rental company globally to own the Simple GBS “Blue Boxes”. We were excited to make full use of these on such a sizeable project.

The Simple GBS switches provide easy configuration for multiple VLAN’s and support for entertainment specific protocols. Including, MA-Net, sACN, ArtNet, HogNet, RDMNet, Dante, HippoNet & many more. With twin Quad Fibre ports alongside the standard eight EtherCON ports. The Simple GBS is the perfect managed switch for any system.

“It made complete sense to continue our long-term partnership and investment with TMB and their ProPlex data distribution products. The proven reliability of ProPlex hardware gave us complete confidence in expanding our inventory with their latest hardware.” Storm’s Hire Manager, James says.

Mains Distribution

This project also made use of our recent investment in Indu Electric’s 72 Way Socapex Distro’s. Providing the mains distribution for the lighting package. “Knowing we had top of the line fixtures from Robe, Martin & SGM. Along with the data and mains distribution from Indu & TMB. We knew this was a lighting package with true reliability and performance across the whole system.” Continues James.

We also made use of our existing ProPlex hardware. With both the 8 & 16 Way Data Distribution racks which are ideal for a “ready to roll” data distribution package. Featuring a ProPlex node (8 or 16 way), GBS 10 Port Switch, 6x 2×8 DMX Buffer and fully backed up with a UPS.

The lighting system, controlled by two full size grandMA3’s. Paired with a series of both Medium & Large PU’s. Provided additional distributed data processing. As well as being configured with full redundancy through the entire network. Reducing any opportunity for single point failures.

In October, we were delighted to work with the events team at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Supplying Lighting & Rigging to The Japan Festival. A celebration of the country’s breath-taking plants, art and culture. All within Kew’s Temperate House. At the heart of the festival is a large-scale artistic installation by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota. Titled One Thousand Springs.

Renowned for her vast, room-spanning webs of thread installations. Through which she explores human existence. Shiota’s One Thousand Springs will be suspended from the roof of the Temperate House. Constructed of 5,000 haikus, submitted by members of the public and suspended within a sea of red threads. This breathtaking installation will tell stories of our shared connections with nature and form a magnificent centrepiece to the festival.

As part of the month long installation. A series of evening ‘Japan: After Hours’ events held within the Temperate House offered visitors an opportunity to experience the best of Japan. Each evening, Kew’s Temperate House transformed into an illuminated, Japan themed space. During the After Hours events visitors enjoyed a varied programme. From dance, theatre, and live music performances to traditional flower arranging and sake sipping.

Just a quick message to say thank you to you and all the team for doing such a fantastic job on the lighting for the Japan Festival. You did an incredible job when handed a lot of challenges! The design worked extremely well. Completely transforming the After Hours events. The crew were all super as well. So respectful and a pleasure to work with. I look forward to working with you all again.

Visitor programmes manager, kew

Storm were delighted to provide Sound technical services to Kew Gardens for a special climate event hosted by Chatham House. Featuring guest speaker, U.S Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry. Ahead of the G20 Environment, Climate and Energy Ministerial Meeting, Mr Kerry delivered a major climate policy speech. During his speech, he delivered remarks on the urgency of global climate action. Mr Kerry said meeting the 1.5C limit will be impossible without China taking action. Adding that the US and China had to work together to tackle the issue.

“It’s not a mystery that the US and China have many differences but on climate cooperation, it is the only way to break free from the world’s current mutual suicide pact”, he warned. Mr Kerry urged all large economies to come forward with new plans to cut emissions before the COP26 UN climate talks in Glasgow this November. ‘While it may be unfolding in slow motion to some,’ he said. ‘This test is as acute and as existential as any previous one. Time is running out.’

The special event featured remarks from Dame Amelia Fawcett, Chair of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. As well as Dr Robin Niblett CMG, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House.