EE 5G Launch – Stormzy on the Thames

When: May 2019
Where: London City Airport Cut Berth; King George V Dock; Thames Upper Pool; Tower Bridge
Vessels used: Dixie Queen; Rover; Edwardian; Equity; Lima Lima I

EE officially launched the UK’s first 5G mobile network with a spectacular event on the River Thames which Livett’s played a vital role in.

On a balmy late spring evening, music superstar Stormzy took to a floating stage in front of Tower Bridge as part of a huge promotional event for the next-generation mobile technology. Hundreds of invited guests had front row seats on our largest passenger vessel, with thousands more watching from the banks of the Thames and via the live online stream.

Livett’s marine expertise and extensive fleet ensured this spectacular event went off without a hitch. Here’s how we helped make it happen…

We were tasked by creative agency Smyle – who we previously teamed up with to deliver the Red Bull Music Odyssey – to deliver a show-stopping EE product launch on behalf of M&C Saatchi. The brief comprised of a live music performance on a barge in an iconic London location, and so we provided a perfectly suited barge, location and supporting vessels.

Dixie Queen, London’s largest luxury passenger vessel, was chosen to host over 350 invited guests for the launch. She was the perfect choice due to her size and manoeuvrability, as she had to stay side on in the middle of the Thames in order to get the best view of Stormzy’s gig.

Over the course of the week-long build preceding the event, Dixie Queen’s exterior was specially wrapped in EE colours as part of the vessel’s branding. Inside, both decks were suitably dressed for the occasion, with branded spaces throughout.

Rover was chosen to host Stormzy’s stage, which also included panoramic digital video screens, spotlights and capability for a pyrotechnic show.

On the night, Butler’s Wharf Pier was adorned with EE branding, while Edwardian was on hand to be used as a photocall area and luxury floating green room for Stormzy and his team. Equity and Lima Lima I were utilised as transfer and safety vessels for the event, while Stormzy travelled between the pier to and barge on a RIB.

Ahead of Stormzy’s performance Dixie Queen made the short journey up river to give guests their fabulous view, with Tower Bridge opening up to make way for her. We arranged a river closure around the event for 15 minutes, ensuring no other boats were in shot as thousands enjoyed the show on the banks of the river and via the YouTube live stream. The gig concluded with an explosive firework display, for which we also arranged an exclusion zone.

The after-party aboard Dixie Queen continued long into the night, as guests enjoying fabulous cuisine and entertainment to round off an unforgettable evening on the Thames. Following the event, all vessels returned to London City Airport Cut Berth for the derig, ready for the next job!

This was a spectacular product launch – the first of its kind to promote 5G – which went perfectly to plan. Livett’s were able to provide the client with a client turnkey solution throughout, with every vessel provided and controlled by us and no external suppliers required.

Livett’s Group Director Ed Livett commented: “It was hugely exciting for Livett’s to be alongside EE at the forefront of this game-changing technology. We constantly strive to up the ante and showcase what can be achieved on the River Thames for every event we help enable, and a floating gig starring one of British music’s biggest names was a fantastic example of this. It certainly was an eye-catching launch that fully delivered on the client’s brief, executed brilliantly by our superb team.”