White Light Roped in by Macmillan Cancer Support

	Photo: Macmillan Cancer Support/Eamonn McCormack

London-based lighting supply house, White Light recently provided the production support for Macmillan Cancer Support's 29th annual Tug of War. Held on June 2, the event saw the House of Commons take on the House of Lords as a means of raising funds for people affected by cancer. The battle between the Houses was witnessed by hundreds of spectators at Westminster College Gardens, with the House of Commons coming out on top for the sixth year running. A regular feature in the White Light calendar, the complete production solution specialist was proud to once again assist on such a unique event which supports a worthy cause.

The cheering crowds not only received the chance to see the politicians battle it out but also watched rival city firms, industry giants, armed forces, and fire crews flex their pulling power. While the various teams took to the ropes, BBC Radio 5 Live's chief political correspondent John Pienaar compèred and the Tug of War Association adjudicated the matches. This is the third year running in which White Light has provided its services for the event.

It was also the second time in the space of a week in which it supported a charity event, following on from the one-off performance of Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens History at the Criterion Theatre; an event produced by The Make a Difference Trust, one of the UK's largest HIV Charities. Led by White Light's project manager Emily Woolnough, she states: "We were asked by Macmillan to provide the PA system for the event which was used by the compère, as well as rig speakers all across the venue to ensure that everyone in attendance could feel part of the action." Following the recent launch of its dedicated audio department, more clients than ever before are approaching White Light to supply sound equipment for their events. Lee Dennison, head of audio, states: "It's fantastic that we are able to support charities such as Macmillan who we not only have a long-standing relationship with but who are now turning to us for their audio requirements."

As the event took place entirely outdoors, this meant that White Light had to adapt to certain conditions. Woolnough states: "Hosting an event with electrical equipment outside is always going to present some problems. Therefore we decided to set up the day before, ensure that everything was rigged and ready to be put in place for the actual event and then stored the equipment on site overnight. Our main concern was not damaging the garden as we obviously had lots of cable which took up a considerable amount of space!" Rebecca Harfield, special events manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, remarks: "White Light was once again extremely adaptable and its dedication to ensure that everything was in place and prepared for the day ensured that the event was a huge success."

As there are currently 2.5 million people living with cancer in the UK, the funds raised through events like the Tug of War are more vital than ever in helping to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. Simon Phillips, director of fundraising at Macmillan Cancer Support, states: "Macmillan's Parliamentary Tug of War has become a firm favorite in the Westminster social calendar pulling politicians together to put their weight behind a great cause. It's been fantastic -- the competition tough, the laughter loud, and the incredibly generous donations are going to go a long way in helping Macmillan make sure no one faces cancer alone." Woolnough further adds: "It's always a great experience working with Macmillan. Not only do they host unique events which allow us to draw on the full range of our production expertise, but every one of these has such charitable aims which White Light is delighted to support. We are really pleased with how well this year's Tug of War went and hope that this is a relationship which will continue to grow."

For more information on Macmillan Cancer Support, please click here: www.macmillan.org.uk