Trafalgar 200 – Dynamic Displays

Building on the success of the shows staged as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations for HM The Queen – 2 'Dynamic Displays' were incorporated into the 4 day Festival of the Sea 'Trafalgar 200' event in Portsmouth. The daily Air Sea Display took place in Portsmouth Harbour and involved the portraying of a dramatic story using the latest military equipment, live action, fixed and rotary wing aircraft, ships and craft of all sorts. The Combat display took place 4 times a day in a purpose built 'film set' arena in front of an audience of circa 4000 people seated on a huge temporary grandstand. Using the language of Reality TV and Video Diaries the story was told of a group of young recruits who, fresh from training, found themselves on a military operation together. With rebel troops swarming into the arena being engaged by Royal Marine Commandos supported by armoured vehicles and tanks with guns blazing – the story unfurled to demonstrate just how adaptable, professional, highly skilled and motivated are the UK armed forces. Production supervision and event management of the major 'Combat' dynamic display was a complex and demanding undertaking.