HK Audio systems have been installed in the iconic, grade II-listed Winter Gardens, in Blackpool, to modernise a venue that dates back to 1878. Winter Gardens needed a flexible sound system as it hosts a diverse range of events in its various spaces, including theatre productions, conferences, exhibitions, weddings, dance competitions, and international matchplay darts. The vibrant, multi-faceted Spanish Hall at Winter Gardens Blackpool is one of the spaces benefiting from the new systems.
The venue has invested in a LINEAR 5 MK II Big Venue Pack and a LINEAR 3 Compact Venue Pack. The former is an active system comprising 2 x LINEAR 5 MK II 115 FA mid/high units and 4 x MK II 118 Sub A subwoofers. The latter, a compact system, includes 2 x LINEAR 3 112 FA mid/highs and 2 x SUB 1500 A subwoofers.
Allen Hendley, venue technician, explained: “We needed replacements for systems that were no longer meeting our needs. The new systems had to deliver high-quality audio and be powerful and portable enough to suit various spaces within the complex, catering to different events. These range from live bands to speeches at charity dinners or background music for conference presentations. While affordability was key, we also sought robust, long-term solutions.”
He added: “The heritage nature of the venue limits fixed installations in many rooms. Additionally, their use in various configurations means portability and modularity are essential to maintain flexibility. The Spanish Hall, for instance, can host up to 600 attendees for events ranging from business conferences to private functions with live performances. The LINEAR 5 Big Venue Pack handles these with ease.”
He continued: “The compact LINEAR 3 system’s versatility allows us to use it as a delay system, or a standalone system in smaller rooms. Depending on the event’s scale, the LINEAR 5 units can also be adapted to a smaller setup, using just one sub per side or sometimes only the tops for small-scale presentations.”
The Winter Gardens Blackpool team installed the system in consultation with their trusted supplier ArranPaul
Hendley said the venue had invested in HK Audio line array for the ballroom a few years and were impressed by the sound quality and build. “That system has served us well. Following discussions with ArranPaul and Stuart Russell from HK’s UK distributor, POLAR, we opted for two HK Audio Venue Packs, which have proven to be very sound investments,” he concluded.
