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Photography by Mark Cunningham
“We are still the only stage builder in the Netherlands able to supply multiple structures at the same time, that are big and stable, with a large loadbearing capacity.”
concept has been running for more than 10 years, we are on call when international stars’ tours come into Holland. This year, for instance, we provided stages for U2’s Joshua Tree tour, The Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, Andre Rieu, Lady Antebellum, John Legend and Volbeat, amongst others. “Of course, it’s the outdoor EDM festivals that command the most profound attention in terms of size, design and crew numbers. Although Sensation had its last edition this summer, I’m still not sure that this genre has peaked just yet in Europe because the massive Defqon.1 weekender, Mysteryland, Tomorrowland, Decibel, Parookaville and the Amsterdam Dance Event continue to do excellent business, and the stage sets are more outrageous every year.” As Slotboom observes, while the festival season represents the busiest and most important period of each year, competition between suppliers has become fierce. “Once upon a time we only had one serious rival; now there are five or maybe six, but it remains true that we are still the only stage builder in the Netherlands that can supply multiple AUTUMN 2017
structures at the same time, that are big and stable, with a large load-bearing capacity. “Obviously, we want to provide our clients with our industry-leading standard of service every time, so the challenge is always to ensure we have all the vital crew and equipment available, regardless of how many events are happening simultaneously. It’s quite a skill to juggle all these parts! “We are fortunate to have a lot of loyalty from our clients and a fantastic international reputation but, of course, it’s something you have to constantly work hard at to maintain. Along with all our varied permutations of staging and roof systems that are identical to those available throughout our international network, we have constant back-up from the Tildonk head office and other branches whenever that is required, and at the end of the day there is always Hedwig [left], who not only started everything but remains the ultimate calming influence.” Despite a little rain, Stageco Nederland’s anniversary party (see opposite) was a deemed a huge success. Here’s to the next 25 years! STAGECO INTERNATIONAL NEWS