Butlin’s

Butlin’s, a popular holiday destination in the UK, has partnered with Sound of Music, a top-tier technical production and AV hire company, to introduce industry reference Sennheiser Digital 6000 wireless microphone systems across all three resorts.

The aim was to provide exceptional audio quality and rider-friendly equipment for use in all four entertainment venues at each resort.

The use of Sennheiser Digital 6000 has enabled Butlin’s to put on the best shows for their guests, no matter what type of break they are on, whether it’s a family break or a Big Weekender, or for delegates attending a corporate conference.

Investing in a reliable and high-end audio system has the added benefit of alleviating concerns about accommodating visiting artists and bands.

By working with some of the best equipment manufacturers in the business as well as with continuous support from the Sound of Music team, Butlin’s is shifting the perception of the brand, showcasing the Butlin’s of today. From an industry perspective, Butlin’s is investing to ensure they are market-leading when it comes to the level of production and audio, video, and lighting equipment used in their venues.

Butlin’s was struggling with interference issues with their older audio equipment, which was becoming increasingly unreliable and hindering the successful hosting of visiting artists and bands. The interference caused by the older system not only affected the sound quality of performances but also threatened to compromise the overall experience of Butlin’s guests.

The team at Butlin’s took the issue very seriously and recognised the urgent need for a new system that could provide better reliability and versatility to support the various types of performances that take place at each of their resorts.

By upgrading to a more modern and capable system, Butlin’s hoped to not only address the interference issues but also improve the overall quality of their entertainment offerings, enhancing the guest experience for all who visit their resorts.

Andrew Sugg, Technical Entertainments Manager at Butlin’s, was first introduced to Sennheiser’s Digital 6000 system just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Kevin Gwyther-Brown, Sennheiser UK’s Business Development Manager, visited Butlin’s Minehead in Somerset, to perform a demo.

The system’s flexibility in terms of RF was immediately apparent, and positive feedback was received from the internal teams operating the equipment in the Centre Stage venue. With Studio 36, a new entertainment venue opening at all three resorts, this convinced Sugg to go with Sennheiser Digital 6000 wireless microphone systems across all Butlin’s resorts.

With the implementation of Digital 6000 systems, the issue of wireless interference was resolved. The Butlin’s team has received positive feedback, and the systems have been highly reliable. The system’s flexibility has provided scope to grow and is versatile, making it possible to host events of varying sizes.

The rider-friendly Digital 6000 ensures a smooth transition for visiting artists and bands, reducing change-over times, and eliminating the need for the artists’ technical teams to bring unnecessary audio equipment with them. The quality of AV equipment at Butlin’s resorts has completely changed rental companies’ mindset and their professional approach to Butlin’s.

This project, which introduced the Sennheiser Digital 6000 wireless microphone system across all three Butlin’s resorts in the UK, ensured the new systems in place reflect the high level of entertainment on offer.

Digital 6000 was chosen due to its unparalleled flexibility and versatility for hosting events of varying sizes and resolving interference issues at Butlin’s venues. Standardising the audio equipment across the three sites provided consistency in all entertainment venues, allowing for a rider-friendly experience for visiting artists and bands.

The project has impressed people in the industry and changed their perceptions of Butlin’s. With the high calibre of performances and events, this investment is necessary to put on the best shows for guests, no matter what break they are on.

The Digital 6000 ensures a smooth transition for visiting artists and bands, reducing change-over times and eliminating the need for the artists’ technical teams to bring unnecessary audio equipment with them. Additionally, the duty cycle of the Digital 6000 was crucial, as Butlin’s can run the shows for up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week.

The project also stands out as a prime example of how collaboration between the end user, dealer, installer, and manufacturer can lead to a highly efficient and productive workforce, resulting in mutual benefits. Sound of Music went above and beyond, not only delivering and installing the microphones but also seamlessly integrating them with the venues’ existing AV systems, delivering everything on time with a high level of professionalism.

Moreover, the partnership between Butlin’s and Sennheiser is set to provide training to Butlin’s expanding technical team, which includes those that are new to the industry, providing them with an exceptional training ground.

“This will be incredibly valuable for our expanding team,” Sugg said. “Many of the team members we hire are starting their careers with Butlin’s, and it’s fantastic that we can provide them with top-of-the-line equipment. Understanding the equipment and the manufacturers behind them is crucial and by working at Butlin’s you’re exposed to the best the AV industry has to offer.”