From Stage to Stage – CT Delivers Technology to Major Festivals
This summer, Creative Technology is responsible for sound, lighting, and video technology across several key stages at Finland’s biggest festivals.
CT is the technical partner for Tuska Festival. “At Tuska, we handle the technology for three stages,” says Tuomas Hollmerus, Head of Audio at Creative Technology. “At Ilosaarirock, we’re in charge of three stages, and in Ruisrock, we’re responsible for the Beach Stage.”
Creative Technology is also a long-time production partner for the Flow Festival.
“Flow is a special event from a lighting perspective,” says Klaus Eklund, Head of Light at Creative Technology. “For example, the Silver Arena is inside a tent, which allows the lighting design to truly shine.”
Evolving Technology: New Solutions for Urban Festivals
Creative Technology continuously develops its technical solutions for festivals.
This summer, the latest in audio technology is being used at events that require modern, customized setups. Blockfest is one example: its stages are located in the city center, which has led to recurring noise issues.
“There have been noise challenges at Blockfest’s second stage for years,” Hollmerus explains. “We proposed a solution using a distributed system with more delay lines and a more focused audio area.”
This approach aims to resolve a long-standing issue that the organizers have been eager to address.
“We’ve used similar solutions at Allas Pool, which is also located in an urban environment.”
CT’s lighting equipment has also been updated for the summer season. “We’ve added new stage lights to our inventory. This summer, we’re also using new fixtures,” Eklund notes. “The overall setup always depends on what each artist brings. Many have their own lighting designers.”
Festival Conditions Require Careful Preparation
Festival weather is always unpredictable.
“You’re really at the mercy of the weather at festivals,” Hollmerus admits. “But we try to be prepared for any scenario.”
Weather also affects how lighting and other show elements appear on stage.
“Our new lights are weather-resistant,” Eklund explains. “But if it’s very windy, smoke doesn’t settle, and effects like light beams may not be as visible to the audience.”
Fortunately, a skilled technical team knows how to adapt to ensure the audience gets the best experience possible.
Successful Festivals From Setup to Takedown
The success of technical production is usually invisible to the audience. Sound, lighting, and visuals are so seamlessly integrated that the focus stays on the performers. But sometimes the stage technology is so striking it creates a wow moment on its own.
So how do the teams backstage know everything went smoothly?
“Often we get feedback from performers during the festival – ‘Thanks, that went great,’” Eklund shares. Success also shows in practice: “It means we stay on schedule, teardown goes smoothly, and no one gets hurt, and no equipment is damaged.”
“When the clients leave happy, we know we’ve succeeded,” Hollmerus says. “That’s the shared goal – for everyone to enjoy the festival and for everything to run safely from start to finish.”
From their elevated position, the tech team sees everything and nothing escapes their attention. But do they ever worry the audience might notice sound issues?
“Not at our gigs,” Hollmerus laughs.
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Picture: Petri Anttila
