SWOT Fashion Show 2025, Queens University Belfast
When the medical students of Queen’s University Belfast prepared for their annual SWOT Fashion Show, they knew they needed more than just great designs and confident models. They needed atmosphere, clarity, and impact, which were all brought to life through sound, lighting, and visuals. That’s where AXL Audiovisual Ltd stepped in.
About the Event
The SWOT Fashion Show is one of Queen’s University’s most anticipated charity events. Organised by students from the university’s medical society, the show combines creativity and compassion, raising funds for important causes through an unforgettable evening of fashion, entertainment, and community.
This year’s event took place in the Whitla hall in Queen’s University Belfast, where students, sponsors, and supporters gathered. With live performances, music, and runway moments planned throughout the night, the event planning team wanted an AV setup that would not only look professional but feel immersive.
The Vision
From the start, the SWOT committee had a clear vision: a high-energy fashion show that felt slick, modern, and vibrant. As a student-led project, the organisers needed an AV partner who could bring technical expertise and reliability without overcomplicating the process. Our reputation for professionalism and attention to detail made us the natural choice.
Our Approach
Our team worked closely with the event organisers from the planning stage, visiting the venue to assess layout, acoustics, and power access. Every show is different, so we tailored our setup to suit the unique characteristics of the Whitla hall.
For the lighting design, we installed a full catwalk rig with adjustable profiles and wash lighting to highlight both the models and the stage set. The lighting cues were programmed to match the show’s music and themes, creating a professional runway experience. All lighting was controlled on Avolites.
For sound, clarity was everything. We deployed a high-performance L-acoustics PA system configured to deliver even coverage throughout the venue, making sure that every word from the presenters and every beat from the soundtrack reached the audience. An experienced AXL engineer managed the live mix throughout the evening, keeping transitions smooth and maintaining volume balance as performances shifted between speeches, music, and walk segments.
We also provided visuals and projection, adding branding and ambient visuals to enhance the mood and showcase sponsors. Behind the scenes, our technical crew managed equipment setup, power distribution, and cable routing to maintain a clean, professional look across the space.
Behind the Scenes
We provided:
A Full stage, matching the height of the in-house stage and catwalk lighting design
Professional PA system with live mixing
Visual projection and content management
Live Stream and support
On-site technical support from setup to pack-down
Our focus was on reliability, flexibility, and professionalism from start to finish. The result was an event that looked as good as it sounded — a true reflection of the students’ passion and hard work.
