Navy Week Reception: A Night of Prestige at ADFA

Image taken by Sidestage

As part of Navy Week 2025, Sidestage provided technical production for the Chief of Navy’s Reception at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.

Hosted at the Academy Cadets Mess and parade ground, the event called for a clean, sophisticated visual setup with maximum impact and minimum clutter.

The brief required projecting the Navy's Ceremonial Badge onto the parade ground and surrounding buildings - with the distances involved we knew that fitting custom gobos into our Ayrton Ghibli fixtures was the only way to guarantee a bright, sharp image.

Image taken by Sidestage

Lighting across the parade area was delivered using FusionWash QXLVIII LED units, offering wireless IP-rated RGBW coverage.

Walkways and stairs were illuminated with Astera FP1 Titan Tubes and Fusion PAR fixtures to maintain visibility and aesthetics without sacrificing safety.

The staging inside the mess hall was built using modular Global Truss Stage platforms, skirted in black velvet for a clean finish. For roof rigging and uplighting tasks, we supplied F34 Box Truss and Steel Base Plates.

Architectural and environmental accents included MAC Quantum Washes and FusionPAR units, used to uplight the Tree of Knowledge and key façade points. All lighting elements were controlled from a central MA2 OnPC Command Wing, powered via Wireless DMX for seamless operation.

A full team handled bump in, show operation, and bump out, with built-in safety protocols, encrypted comms kits, and onsite logistics managed by our crew.

Equipment transport, setup, and takedown were completed efficiently and in alignment with Defence site protocols.

This was another example of Sidestage creating atmosphere and clarity in a space of significance.

We’re proud to support events that honour service, community, and connection.