Aberdeen Beach was buzzing with energy last weekend as the Cultivate electronic music festival drew in thousands of attendees for an unforgettable weekend of beats, lights, and innovative stage design.
This year, Greenwell Equipment, a leading supplier of shipping containers in the North-east of Scotland, played a pivotal role in expanding the festival’s capacity by providing containers for a second stage. These containers were creatively transformed into an industrial-style performance platform, which not only helped accommodate the festival's growing audience but also enhanced the visual and acoustic dynamics of the event.
The second stage, made entirely from shipping containers, was introduced as a solution to ease the capacity pressures of the main stage, providing festivalgoers with more space to enjoy the performances. In addition to serving as a performance platform, the containers acted as a practical acoustic barrier, helping to control sound between the festival’s three stages and ensuring that each area had its own distinct atmosphere without interference.
Scott Brown, Sales Director at Greenwell Equipment, expressed his excitement about the project. "We were thrilled to be part of Cultivate this year. When the organisers suggested using containers for the second stage, we saw it as an opportunity to showcase the versatility of our products. Our containers are built for strength and flexibility, so using them in this way really highlights what they can do. Seeing them transformed into a festival stage at the beach was fantastic—this project shows that with a little creativity, you can take something industrial and make it an essential part of an event like this."
The containers provided a sturdy foundation for the lighting rigs, sound equipment, and other essential festival infrastructure, allowing Cultivate to create an atmosphere that wowed festivalgoers from the moment they arrived. The rugged, industrial look of the containers complemented the festival's underground music scene, adding an urban flair to the coastal setting. The containers also served as a vital acoustic barrier, helping to separate the sound between the stages and prevent sound bleed, which was crucial for maintaining the integrity of each performance area.
"We’re always looking for ways to support local events and show the many ways our containers can be used. Whether it's for storage, office spaces, or something as unconventional as a festival stage, our products can be adapted to meet almost any need. This partnership with Cultivate is a great example of how repurposed materials can bring something new to life,” Scott added.
The containers also provided practical benefits behind the scenes. With ample space inside, they served as secure storage for valuable equipment during the festival, proving their versatility beyond just the visual impact on the stage design. The industrial yet artistic design of the stage captured the raw energy of the festival, while the practical benefits of the container setup ensured that everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
While Greenwell is traditionally known for providing storage and office solutions through their range of shipping containers and modular buildings, this collaboration shows the company’s ability to adapt to new, more creative challenges.
"Collaborating with local events like Cultivate is something we’re passionate about," Scott continued. "We love being able to support the community in unique ways. It’s not just about supplying containers; it’s about finding new applications and helping to make these exciting projects come to life."
The collaboration between Greenwell Equipment and Cultivate showcases the power of local businesses coming together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s a reminder that with a bit of innovation, even something as utilitarian as a shipping container can be transformed into a centrepiece of creativity, fun, and community.
You can read more about Greenwell’s containers in the following link: https://www.greenwell.co.uk/shipping-storage-containers/