Newtown Festival - Vocal Local Village 2007

We co-ordinated and produced staging, structures, décor and theming for the event with a team of local volunteers. Over the month-long project, we created the 100% reclaimed materials stage. This is the only example of such a stage that we know of.

The stage was constructed off a hired 3T curtain sider truck, plus 4 stage sections, which we built from reclaimed demolition wood. The upright structures were built using salvaged ex-theatre props from Shopfront Theatre's 'City of Shadow and Ice' show, which we had worked on earlier in the year. We salvaged the steel and aluminium rigging, giving them extended use after they were due to enter the waste/recovery streams. Décor and drapes were re-sewn and recreated from old theatre backdrops and other reclaimed supplies of our own.

Together we created a covered two-level stage, which was 5m x 5m in total. For the DJ platform we used builders scaffolding and covered it with a custom sewn red and yellow drape, to match the overall 'carnival' theme. A third area on the right was the Kamikaze Couture, a costume truck with a Boudoir facade. We designed and constructed a “T” stage with a catwalk, to extend out from the facade. Again we re-used ex-theatre staging and materials for this section.

The Vocal Local Village played host to workshops, dance, theatre, DJs and live bands. The three spaces were the band stage, the DJ tower and a catwalk extending from the back doors of the Kamikaze Couture costume truck. The area ran non-stop from 9-5, as the three performance areas played tag team. This resulted in continuous performances throughout the day. There were also roving performers bringing a playful vibe to the area.

We supplied all the technical production and crew for the area and (of course!) we powered the whole area from direct renewable energy, utilising our deep cycle battery system. That weekend was a prime example of the reliability of this technology. The batteries had been driven in overnight from Parramatta River Beats Festival where they had been used the previous day. They still covered the power requirements for the whole area (two market stalls, three stages, the musicians amps on stage, PA + sound equipment) for eight hours continuously without a hitch.

On the festival day the Vocal Local Village quickly became known as the place to hang out away from the massive crowds on the main the stage. The festival organisers were thrilled with the first Vocal Local Village and we have been invited back to help create the magical space once again. We are keenly looking forward to the next Newtown Festival!