I asked Jack from Lightrics to help us with this event as I hadn't enough lights - the video shows a few clips from both days. I was using an old programmable lighting desk borrowed from a local primary school and a micro-computer running QLC+. These were merged. I was alone on the desks on the Saturday and after a series of forced re-boots on the old desk I replaced it with a Transcension desk that I had in reserve. (I don't like working with equipment that I am not totally comfortable with). Jack ran the Sunday while I got on with filming.

We mounted a Zoom HD video camera to the front of the control tent and recorded all of the performance on the Saturday. Unfortunately that camera wasn't going to play ball on the Sunday (I think it got wet) so i took a GoPro on a monopod nearer to the stage. Much of the edited videos suffer from too much digital zoom and the consequences of appalling weather.

The weekend was a valuable learning experience.

Mid July - I had been asked by The Dylan Band to video their performance at Knockstock. During late discussions with the organisers I was asked if I could "rig up a few lights" as well. Somehow I achieved both but it soon became obvious that as soon as it starts getting dark and the lights need manual operation then the audience has to come first and operating a video camera is no longer possible without help.

I used a Sony DSL camera on a body frame to film the event and later mixed it using Apple's Final Cut Pro.

End July - This was a professional gig run by Torch Entertainment over three evenings. We had a couple of days to set up then three days of technical tweaking in the mornings, rehearsals in the afternoon followed by performances each evening. I was given prior warning of the fixtures I would have at my disposal and had already determined that it wouldn't be enough to illuminate the stage - so I took some of my own. I hadn't had experience of the hired fixtures before; or the poor state they would arrive in; nor were any of us prepared for the mains power generator failing twice; or the fact that no-one had thought about lighting any of the off-stage areas.

But we did what we do best and the audience got three excellent shows.

The video linked here is an official promo video, also available on the Torch' web-site.

End November - I was asked to provide technical support and house lighting for an event housed in a large marquee. The main lights you see on the video were not mine but the lights you see when the video pans around the audience were. I rigged a GoPro video camera above the control area to record the entire event, plus I used an iPhone on a gimbal to get more dynamic shots. I also incorporated footage from other people into the final video which was edited using Blackmagic's DaVinci Resolve.

IIn 2017 I was invited to record multitrack audio and generally help out but once involved I was hooked. Since then I have provided lighting and in some cases I recorded for promo and technical feedback purposes. In 2025 we moved to a larger venue with a 'proper' stage so it is time to hand over lighting to someone younger, closer to the venue, and more directly involved with the technical side of the show.

19 November - This was professionally video'd but we do not have access to the footage. We provided a single follow-spot to highlight the singer, but other than that we relied on fairly static stage lights provided by the venue.

I will be producing a short video that summarises our experience at this very hot and sunny event…..

Watch out of future updates……