“Stunning”, “atmospheric” and “deeply moving,” were just some of the words used to describe the most recent instalment of the live BBC Radio 2 show; Friday Night Is Music Night. A tribute to the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters, the programme paid homage to the heroic soldiers whose bravery and courageousness changed the course of The Second World War in 1943.

In association with TBI Media, this special instalment of the flagship orchestral programme took place in an aircraft hangar at Biggin Hill Airport in Kent, with an audience of over two and a half thousand people alongside the BBC Radio 2 listeners tuning in around the world. Presented by Dermot O’Leary and Jeremy Vine, alongside a host of special guest appearances and messages from veterans themselves, the evening told the dramatic story of triumph and tragedy of which Sound By Design were proud to be involved.

The commemorative day got underway during the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show. The programme was broadcast live from RAF Scampton – the very airfield where the Dambusters embarked on their heroic journey 70 years ago. Britain’s favourite morning DJ; Chris Evans, was then flown to Biggin Hill Airport in one of just 2 remaining airworthy Lancaster Bombers. Upon landing at Biggin Hill – after sitting in Dambuster Wing Commander; Guy Gibson’s seat, a rather relieved looking Chris Evans stepped out of the aircraft and passed the mantle onto presenter Jeremy Vine, whose lunchtime show was broadcast live from Biggin Hill Airport. Onlookers were then treated to an impressive display by the Lancaster Bomber, which, before flying back to RAF Scampton, performed a series of astonishing manoeuvres illustrating the aircrafts extensive abilities more than 70 years on.

The main event got underway in the evening and comprised of a selection of beautiful performances by the BBC Concert Orchestra and The Central Band of the RAF who performed both individually and in union. Presenting the show to rousing wartime music which included songs such as ‘In The Mood’, Dermot O’Leary and Jeremy Vine re-told the iconic and captivating story of Barnes Wallis and his remarkable journey towards designing and creating the ‘Bouncing Bomb’. The ‘Bouncing Bomb’ would eventually be dropped on the dams of the Ruhr Valley, cutting off power to the heart of the Nazi war-machine. Also helping to bring the story to life were five actors who leant their voices to recite the dramatic eye-witness accounts of the valiant RAF 617 Squadron, now immortalised as the Dambusters, which ensured there wasn’t a dry eye left amongst audiences and listeners alike.

Adding a further layer to this wonderfully heartfelt memorial, were a host of special guest performances. These included a delicate rendition of Kate Rusby’s song ‘Underneath The Stars’ by singer/songwriter; Gabrielle Aplin, and as a current reminder of the sadness and tragedy of war, The Military Wives Choir performed ‘Wherever You Are’. Further special guests included acclaimed English Jazz singer; Jacqui Dankworth, who sang ‘A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square’ accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra.

The concert provided an interesting challenge for Sound By Design. In terms of audio, the very nature of the show was tricky as it involved the layering of narration (both live and pre-recorded) with a live orchestra and big band. Secondly, ensuring clear and even sound coverage in an aircraft hangar also presents a variety of obstacles, due to its high ceilings and reflective surfaces. To overcome this, the Sound By Design team elected to use the EM Acoustics HALO-C loudspeaker for the main PA. Having used this PA for numerous classical shows before, including the screenings of Fantasia and Singin’ In The Rain at The Royal Albert Hall, the Sound By Design engineers were confident of the loudspeaker’s abilities, particularly in terms of its transparency. As such, 16 HALO-C speakers were flown in a line array either side of the stage, underpinned by 3 MSE-218 subs placed underneath. Sound By Design also supplied 2 DiGiCo SD5 mixing consoles and SD racks for monitors and FOH sound. In terms of the live broadcast, The BBC took digital MADI sound splits which were mixed down in the outside broadcast truck before being transmitted live to listeners around the globe.

To top off the evening, the finale involved an unforgettably emotive and poignant rendition of ‘The Dambusters Theme,’ performed in unison by the RAF Band and BBC Concert Orchestra which tugged at the heartstrings of all those present. The evening illustrated the extent to which those remarkable events 70 years ago deserve to be remembered and reflected on by a new generation. Sound By Design were immensely proud and privileged to be a part of this venerable concert and look forward to future Friday Night Is Music Night productions.