Symphotech helps create bespoke stage at Newmarket Racecourse

Symphotech teamed up with Serious Stages to design and install a semi-permanent stage, which slotted seamlessly between the two Grade II listed grandstands at Newmarket Racecourse.

Symphotech, who looked after the production and health and safety, and Serious Stages combined forces to provide a bespoke stage to Newmarket Racecourse for the series of which combine music and racing. The Newmarket site saw performances from the likes of Olly Murs, Little Mix, Chase and Status and Jess Glynne.

In contrast to the oblong stage which usually stands in its place, the new stage is in a wedge shape and much wider at the rear than the front. Symphotech and Serious designed the stage to remain in place for the entire racing season and to ensure maximum space and minimal impact on the surrounding historic buildings.

Ground works were undertaken underneath the stage in order to flatten the terrain and build concrete piles into the ground. This allowed for the towers to be bolted straight into the floor, abandoning the need for extra ballast and therefore providing more space underneath the stage to be used for box storage and a band room.

The stage was designed to allow for 180 degree viewing in order to accommodate audience members standing in the grandstands directly to the left and right of the stage.

Julian Spear, Symphotech’s director, said:

“This year we’ve worked closely with the team at Serious Stages to design a brand new bespoke Triton Roof stage for Newmarket Racecourse, to fit in between the Grade II listed grandstand seating. We work with Serious on an on-going basis to oversee their build practices and health and safety, and ensure all construction compiles with the necessary CDM regulations. This year we worked with them to create this custom built stage, which offers brilliant 180 degrees views for the audience, whilst enabling us to maximise the amount of space and offer much more flexibility to the racecourse and incoming band productions.”