We hope that you enjoyed the show last Sunday night when our Black Pine (Pinus nigra) tree was lit up for the Coronation Concert by pedal power!
The tree looked spectacular on the night and the sight of it, plus the team of cyclists powering it, was beamed across the world and seen by millions – but what did it take to get that fantastic effect that everyone enjoyed on the night?
BBC Studios rehearse our part with Windsor from the Outside Broadcast truck
As you may expect, an awful lot of planning and organization went on to put on such a big event. Nearly every team from the Botanic Garden was involved – from Horticulture to Communications, Visitor Services and Curatorial. The planning started weeks in advance (though on a need-to-know basis as the project at the BBC’s request had to be kept secret until the reveal on the night itself), with the BBC and lighting team coming in to find the best location in the Garden and plan logistics.
The cyclists also needed to be recruited – which was a team effort from a number of Cambridge University institutions that have a link to areas of the King’s interest – particularly green energy and conservation.
While it was all alright on the night, in the run up to the event, it seemed like the elements were conspiring against us – with thunder, lightning and hail during the tech rehearsal on the Friday night, and torrential rain and flooding during the dress rehearsal on the Saturday night! Fortunately, the day of the concert itself was lovely and the event was able to take place with no hiccups.
Here are some behind the scenes pictures giving an exclusive peek into what it took to get our tree looking like it did on the night!
(read the captions for the full story)
It all sounds simple – but the reality was quite different!! Here’s a behind the scene glimpse at what when on behind the cameras/what you didn’t see!
photo credits: Martin Bond and Helen Needham
