CONCERT FOR UKRAINE All images © Getty Images
Concert of hope
Concert for Ukraine served as a reminder of how music can unite us even in the most uncertain and troublesome of times. Here, we take a closer look at how the concert came about, the challenges involved to get Resorts World Arena turned around in record time, and the incredible results achieved
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d Sheeran, Camila Cabello, Paloma Faith, Gregory Porter, Emeli Sandé, Nile Rodgers and Chic were among those performing at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena on March 29. Wind back the clock to the beginning of that month when the idea behind Concert for Ukraine surfaced. The idea was simple; to bring together names from the world of music for a unique event spreading a message of hope and support, and most importantly, to raise funds for the ongoing DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Whilst there was a clear vision to bring to life, organisers were hopeful of staging the televised concert somewhere in the second half of March, so there was an immediate sense of urgency to get the message out there and bring the right partners on board. Securing a venue and a team accustomed to delivering major live TV events at such short notice was, therefore, a priority. With great road, rail and air links, Resorts World Arena was a natural choice for the concert. Situated on the NEC Campus just outside Birmingham city centre, its central location and proximity to facilities and production companies met the event’s needs. A large, televised event needed to be turned around in such a short period of time.
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That’s what initiated a call – the first of many – between Livewire Pictures and the NEC Group. It was on Friday, March 4 – just 25 days before the concert took place – when Guy Freeman, managing director of Livewire Pictures, made initial contact and presented the idea to Ben Sharman, venue sales manager of ticketing and arenas at NEC Group. Resorts World Arena was chosen and confirmed just 19 days before the big date. An impressive feat given the usual time it takes to prepare for a show. It was from this very moment when the wheels were firmly set in motion. A site visit followed on March 17, bringing together the many different production teams required to plan, create, and host the event. Everything from security, production, TV, catering, cleaning, rigging, lighting, special effects, front of house, artists dressing rooms and furniture, medical and IT were discussed. Key suppliers and contractors included: OCS Group UK, Neon Arena Services, Medical Solutions, CBRE, Amadeus, National Merchandise and Off to Work. Plus, All Access Staging, Neg Earth, Plus 4 Audio, Power Logistics, SES Group, Skan PA Hire, Radiotek, Inspire Furniture Hire, and Creative Technology all provided kit and services to the televised fundraiser.
