News We Time-lapse Concert by Pink

On 27th June 2010, Pink performed a major outdoor concert at the Alton Towers Resort. To capture the scale and complexity of the event, we documented the entire process through time-lapse photography. This included the construction of the stage, the concert itself, and the de-rigging that followed. The resulting footage provided a comprehensive overview of the effort that went into the production of this large-scale event.

Planning the Time-Lapse

The primary objective was to capture the process from start to finish without interruptions while ensuring all key elements were visible. We conducted a site survey to determine the best camera positions and our team carried out a series of method statements and risk assessments. The stage area, surrounding infrastructure, and audience space were all considered. We chose elevated vantage points to achieve a broad field of view, minimising obstructions from vehicles, crew, or equipment.

Capturing the Stage Construction

The stage construction began days before the concert. Early footage captured the arrival of lorries carrying stage components, lighting rigs, and sound equipment. The initial focus was on the assembly of the stage’s steel framework. Cranes and cherry pickers moved into position as workers secured beams and platforms. Over the course of two days, the structure grew steadily, with smaller details like lighting trusses and video screens being added later.

To ensure consistency in the time-lapse, we monitored camera settings and battery levels regularly. This required careful coordination with the construction crew to avoid interfering with their work. The resulting footage showed the stage taking shape step by step, highlighting the logistical effort involved.

Documenting the Concert

On the day of the performance, the focus shifted to the transformation of the site into a live music venue. Crowd barriers, merchandise stalls, and food vendors were set up in the hours leading up to the concert. As the audience arrived, the atmosphere began to build. The cameras captured the movement of thousands of fans entering the venue, filling the space in front of the stage.

Pink’s performance was the centrepiece of the event. For this portion, we adjusted our camera intervals slightly to capture key moments of the show in greater detail. From the dynamic lighting displays to the aerial acrobatics for which Pink is known, the cameras documented every aspect of the concert. By combining wide shots of the crowd with close-ups of the stage, we ensured that the energy and scale of the event were fully conveyed in the final edit.

Capturing the De-rigging Process

Once the concert concluded, the de-rigging process began almost immediately. The footage showed the rapid dismantling of the stage and the removal of equipment. In contrast to the gradual build-up during construction, the de-rigging unfolded at a much faster pace. Crews worked through the night to ensure the site was cleared within the allocated timeframe. Trucks were loaded with dismantled components, and the site was gradually returned to its original state.

The time-lapse footage from this phase illustrated the efficiency of the de-rigging operation. It also emphasised the scale of the task, as hundreds of workers coordinated their efforts to disassemble and transport the equipment.

Our time-lapse of Pink’s concert at Alton Towers provided a unique perspective on the event. It showcased the scale of the production, from the intricate stage construction to the energy of the performance and the swift de-rigging operation. By capturing the entire process, we were able to highlight the behind-the-scenes efforts that made the concert possible. This documentation serves as a valuable resource for event organisers, offering insight into the logistics of staging a large-scale outdoor performance.