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WI Creations flies and moves ski lift for Moose Bar XXL

WI Creations used its new WImotion system - motors, tracking and control - to automate five ski lift cable cars for the Moose Bar XXL event at Antwerp, Belgium’s Sportpaleis venue.

The brainchild of organiser Yves Smolders, Moose Bar XXL ran for two nights this year after 2019’s inaugural event, and was attended by 20,000 party-people. A total of five cable cars were involved, sourced from an original ski lift in Tignes in the French Alps, and reconditioned and re-branded as Moose Bar props.

Four cable car gondolas were positioned in each corner of the Sportpaleis and these were flown up and down 6.5 metres into the venue ceiling throughout the evening, filled with guests, offering the opportunity for panoramic views of the event over the crowds. The fifth cable car was in the centre of the room and - in addition to moving up and down - it tracked up to 51 metres along the roof of the space, transporting performers between the multiple stages over 48 m.

The trussing for the tracking gondola was supplied by the production. The WI team, project managed by Jasper Mattijs, rigged their tracks and trolleys (one active, one passive) plus two 500 kg hosts and then picked up and attached the gondola. The other four gondolas were all rigged and flown in the same way - each suspended on two 500 kg WI-hoists attached to trussing in the roof.

Two WI Creations MCA control systems were utilised. The four corner gondolas were each controlled via a WI-Pad tablet running a pre-programmed sequence, with full e-Stop and Dead-Man’s-Handle capability. The operation of the four audience cable cars was overseen by event stewards who received induction and training ahead of the show. They were able to set the lifts in motion holding the Dead-Man’s Handle and activating the relevant motion cues straight from the pre-programmed WI-Pad.

The WI-Pads were supplied with USB WImotion dongle keys preventing any other actions than those designated to make the gondolas move up and down. This entire setup process was supervised by two WI operators. The tracking cable car was controlled via a WI-Desk programmed and operated by Lesly van Rompaey positioned at the side of the stage.

He worked in conjunction with three spotters to ensure everyone’s safety was always paramount as people boarded and alighted this gondola in different places throughout its journeys. WI also designed a consent procedure assisting the promoter’s safety management strategy and protecting members of the public wanting to engage in the cable car ride.

The other production elements - lighting, video, audio and rigging - were supplied by L&L Stage Services. Special effects were from Dewico and the end client was the House of Entertainment.

(Photos: Frank Lambrechts/Picturesk)

www.wicreations.com

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