Live TV Abseil With BBC Morning Live For Children In Need!

Big Bang Experiences had an exciting role in live TV ahead of the BBC's annual Children In Need appeal! For their BBC Morning Live broadcast, we were asked to supply an abseil setup down the side of their studios.

The 2024 fundraiser officially took place on November 15th, but featured various lead-up events, including Paddy McGuinness's 300-mile cycle from Wrexham to Glasgow, and of course, Rebecca Wilcox tackling a 100ft abseil down the Morning Live studios in Manchester!

Our team arrived a day early at the ABC Building to assemble the truss structure, certified to hold over 4.5 tonnes—more than enough to handle Rebecca's weight concerns! On the morning of the show, we arrived at bright and early 6am, a few hours before the show was due to air, to allow enough time to test all the equipment, ensuring everything was running smoothly ahead of the live segment.

During rehearsals, one team member stood in for Rebecca, wearing microphones, cameras, and an earpiece while presenters Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley practiced their lines. We conducted two test abseils before fitting Rebecca with her harness, overcoming challenges like securing multiple cameras and wires.

The live segment was a success! Despite visible nerves, Rebecca completed the abseil with a unique straddling technique, even surprising building occupants as she greeted them mid-descent! Safely landed by our crew, she received applause from her co-hosts before they resumed the show.

We were thrilled to contribute to such an impactful fundraiser with this Children In Need abseil, and thoroughly enjoyed dipping our toes into the world of live TV!

Watch the episode here! The abseil begins around the 33 minute mark!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0024xzx/morning-live-series-6-13112024