Issue 62

EVENTS
Access and build time also posed
challenges. Loz noted the massive
concrete ballast blocks used, adding
that they require meticulous planning
and coordination due to their significant
weight. Will said the impact of bad weather
on build time, highlighting the efforts of
the production and operation teams in
preserving the park’s grounds while dealing
with adverse conditions.
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Junction 2’s success is a testament to
its collaborative partnerships. Will and
Loz commended their long-standing
relationships with suppliers, some of which
have lasted over a decade.
The festival’s technical teams, including
Wolf Lighting and Video Illusions, are
pivotal in delivering the visual and lighting
experiences that make Junction 2 unique.
Video operators Bertie Sampson and
Johnny Godmark and lighting operators Pat
Murphy and Andy Emerson ensure that the
technical production aligns seamlessly with
the creative vision.
Additionally, the festival founders praised
their team’s friendly and supportive nature,
highlighting the importance of maintaining
The Blackout Stage
a positive atmosphere during the design
and build process. This harmonious working
environment translates into the festival’s
vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, which
extends to the security and bar staff and,
ultimately, the festival-goers themselves.
EVOLVING AND IMPROVING
As Junction 2 evolves, it will address
specific design aspects. The Lower Meadow,
home to the Quad Stage, will be a focal
point for improvements. With plans to
refine the stage experience and make it
more memorable for attendees. The festival
is also considering adding new stages,
further diversifying the musical offering and
expanding the event’s footprint within the
park.
Junction 2 is passionate about providing
a rich experience for festival-goers. They
emphasise the importance of refining
their stages and the overall event. The
festival thrives on a culture of constant
improvement, constantly pushing the
boundaries of what’s possible in the world
of stage design and music experiences.
DAISY DENHAM
DOUG JOHN MILLER
The Blackout Stage
THE FUTURE OF MUSIC FESTIVALS
The story of Junction 2 is not just about a
music festival but a testament to the power
of creativity, innovation, and passionate
collaboration. As the festival continues to
grow and evolve, it serves as an inspiration
for the future of music festivals and live
events.
One key takeaway from Junction
2’s journey is the importance of close
collaboration between festival organisers
and production designers. The festival’s
founders share a deep creative synergy that
has been the driving force behind its
unique stage designs.
The event’s approach to stage
design highlights the significance of
embracing the existing environment
and structural elements. Rather than
trying to reinvent the wheel, the festival
leverages what the park has to offer, using
it as a canvas to create immersive and
captivating experiences.
Sustainability is also a core value,
reflected in the commitment to modular
sets and a reduced environmental
footprint. The event’s conscious effort to
minimise waste and repurpose materials
sets a positive example for the live
events industry, which often faces waste
management and sustainability challenges.
Junction 2’s journey is a testament to
the transformative power of design and
creativity in the world of music festivals.
It underscores the notion that these
events are not just about the artists on
stage but also the stages themselves, the
immersive experiences they create, and the
communities they bring together. It’s about
pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,
constantly evolving, and delivering unique
and unforgettable moments to music
enthusiasts.
JAKE DAVIS KHROMA COLLECTIVE
64 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM