Taking on Chinese New Year Celebrations, stretching from Trafalgar Square to Soho, was no easy assignment.

Attended by 300,000 people and with a three day install and this was a community event with a difference

Getting an understanding of such a complex and established event meant a lot of pre-event meetings with some experienced heads.

Analysing the merits of each event element, and deciding the right course to take was the first challenge of this event.

Photo: © GLA

Simplifying the most time-consuming parts of the production led us to collaborate with Casablanca Hire to install a new style of tent for the VIP area.

We were confident the new approach would be a more attractive, cost-efficient solution and get Trafalgar Square fully open ten hours earlier than in previous years.

In addition, the introduction of Delightfully Lavish Events to dress the interior of the VIP tent brought a level of decor previously unseen on Trafalgar Square.

With all our events, it's not just about having a water-tight plan. Choosing the right suppliers is vital.

We're lucky to work with some of the best in the business and Chinese New Year was no different in this respect.

Our work with Event Crew Solutions reaped dividends and ensured that the sizeable fencing and lantern installation was a slick, efficient and - most importantly - safe operation.

It's not only Trafalgar Square needing careful attention. The whole site stretches north across Charing Cross Road, Shaftesbury Avenue and Leicester Square.

With an event of this scale and with such high attendances we needed to delegate responsibility to our team of managers.

Dividing each area and allocating managers to take responsibility meant that the satellite operations were under control throughout the showday.

Photo: © GLA

Taking on Chinese New Year Celebrations allowed Wilde Ones to build relationships with the GLA and the Trafalgar Square management team.

Our attention to detail and consideration resulted in the GLA describing Wilde Ones' planning and management as being 'exemplary'.

Wilde Ones' knowledge and strong relationships give us the perfect platform to deliver future events in Trafalgar Square.

Undertaking the Chinese New Year Celebrations has formed a deeper understanding of working on Trafalgar Square.

Each event is a learning experience allowing us to refine how we work and solidify good practice.

Working within the limits set by the Squares team and the GLA were certainly challenging, but the positive de-brief feedback gave us great satisfaction.

Photo: © GLA

• Event Production, Operation & Onsite Management
• Budget Management
• Site & Stage Design
• Event Management Plan
• CAD Design
• Onsite Branding Management
• Scheduling
• Liaison with Westminster City Council & associated agencies
• Client & Content management liaison
• Continuous liaison with infrastructure and AV contractors
• Stage Management
• Screen Content Management
• Contracting local crew, staff and contractors

Photo: © GLA