Event security contractor Showsec secured the Brit Awards 2009 with MasterCard at Earls Court on February 18. Meanwhile, they played a part of the War Child Benefit gig at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, with some artists appearing at both venues.
The BRITs is the pinnacle of recognition within the UK music industry, which comes together to celebrate home-grown British talent. Hosted by Kylie Minogue with Gavin and Stacey’s James Cordon and Matthew Horn, there were stunning performances from Cold Play, Girls Aloud, U2, The Pet Shop Boys and soul singer Duffy, who picked up three awards.
Showsec’s Operations Director Simon Battersby managed the project, liaising with organisers from the BPI and production management MJK and Earls Court. He said: “This is the second year that we have worked at the BRITs and the smooth, assured manner in which we undertook such a complex operation underlines the professionalism and capabilities that are present at all levels within our team.”
Behind the scenes
Showsec’s booking department in advance of the operation attended to detail in allocating the appropriate staff for the event. From across Showsec’s nine UK offices they filtered staff keen to work on the event so their passion shone through, selecting people with the relevant experience, qualifications and licenses.
With a VIP audience from the cream of the UK music industry the BRITs’ audience has high expectations which place the whole of the production team under scrutiny, alongside the ever-present media glare. Some 250 Showsec staff ensured the safety and enjoyment of guests, from the fans who lined the red carpet as stars arrived to seating the VIP audience inside Earls Court.
Maggie Crow, Event Director for The BRIT Awards 2009 with MasterCard said: “Showsec provided the most exemplary security at this years’ BRITs. My feedback has been every guest – and there are over 12,000 of them who are all treated as VIPs – were welcomed and directed to their designated area to watch the show. This in itself is no easy task as we have over 5 levels of ticket entry not to mention escorting celebrities who may not wish to walk along our red carpet media arrivals. What Showsec prove is that you can provide a service that works smoothly and efficiently at such a high-profiled event. The BRITs look forward to working with them in the future.”
Concurrently, the War Child benefit was an intimate gig of 2,000 people which celebrated the 15th anniversary of the charity which raises money to protect children in war zones. The evening was presented by DJ Steve Lamacq and headlined by The Killers and Coldplay, who were among the artists travelling between venues on the night, performing at or supporting both events.
