Supplying network connectivity for live events in a public park often comes with unique challenges. Live event technology experts, RedBox Events, were tasked with providing fast, reliable connectivity for South Facing Festival 2025 (Now Palace Bowl Presents for 2026).
RedBox needed a connectivity solution that could support WiFi for bars and traders, VoIP communications for operational teams and emergency services, and a full CCTV and event control system. At the heart of the site, a central control cabin managed multiple camera feeds and live monitoring, all relying on a stable, high-performance outdoor network.
The site’s layout added an extra layer of complexity, with dense, mature trees creating natural barriers, preventing wireless solutions from being viable. Running conventional fibre across the park required clever thinking, as there was no direct or obvious route, and the network needed to remain safe from public access.
RedBox needed a robust, flexible, and efficient solution that could withstand the festival environment, handle repeated use and unpredictable weather, and remain easy to install, maintain, and re-deploy for future events.
THE SOLUTION
To meet these demands, RedBox turned to Universal Networks. After carefully considering the challenges and working closely with our team, they selected a solution designed specifically for the demands of live event environments. At the core of the network deployment was a 1 kilometre reel of ArmourLux 500 tactical singlemode fibre, fitted with LC-Max metal connectors, designed for demanding live event fibre networks. Unlike traditional armoured fibre, ArmourLux offered the perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and lightweight handling, enabling the team to deploy it creatively and efficiently.
With no line of sight for wireless and no clear ground route, the RedBox team engineered a clever solution: they routed the fibre alongside festoon lighting, daisy chained between poles to create a secure, elevated pathway. This approach navigated obstacles, kept the cable safely out of public reach, and allowed the network to be deployed quickly and confidently.
The 1 kilometre cable length gave the team freedom to adapt the route as needed, while the rugged, weather-resistant connectors ensured the network could withstand outdoor festival conditions. Designed for re-deployment, the solution aligned perfectly with RedBox’s sustainable approach, reducing waste while providing a network they could re-use repeatedly for other events.
THE OUTCOME
The fibre supported WiFi, VoIP, CCTV, and production systems seamlessly, keeping communications steady, security systems running smoothly, and enabling the team to focus on delivering an outstanding festival experience.
For RedBox, ensuring fast, reliable payments was essential. They guarantee that every card tap at bars and traders processes in under three seconds, every time. The ArmourLux 500 fibre solution provided the low-latency, high-performance connectivity required to uphold this promise.
The fibre solution also created long-term value, having become a core part of RedBox’s reusable toolkit, deployed at other festivals and live events across the UK. Its performance at South Facing Festival 2025 supported Redbox in securing the Palace Bowl Presents 2026 event, reinforcing trust in both the solution and the partnership behind it.
“Universal Networks are simply the best at what they do. You get what you pay for, high-quality products that deliver high-quality results. The ArmourLux fibre was the perfect solution for us: incredibly durable, easy to deploy, and it worked exactly as we needed. The team are friendly, highly communicative, always available on the phone when needed, offering honest, practical advice and helping us choose the right solutions for our events. We’ve built a strong relationship with them, having experienced the quality and reliability first-hand, we wouldn’t go anywhere else, they are our trusted supplier, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them.”
Director, RedBox Events
THE CLIENT
RedBox Events are a UK-based live event technology specialist, delivering connectivity and technical infrastructure for festivals, concerts, and large-scale outdoor events. Their services include WiFi, VoIP, CCTV, event control, and production networking, all designed to keep complex live environments running reliably. Having worked on some of the UK’s most recognised events, they’ve built a strong reputation for scalable, behind-the-scenes solutions.
Beyond connectivity, RedBox delivers integrated systems that support real-time monitoring, security, cashless payments, and production communications. With a focus on sustainability, they invest in high-quality, reusable tech, combining technical expertise with hands-on experience to deliver flexible, high-performance solutions for every event.
Why Choose Universal Networks?
When timing, performance, and reliability matter most, you need fibre as world-class as your live event. With over 30 years’ experience, we support media and live event technology teams deliver seamless, high-impact experiences every time.
Ready to ensure your next live event runs smoothly? Our friendly team is ready to help, just get in contact!