The breathtaking illumination of the London Eye at midnight when one year passes into the next has become a famous and expected sight not just for Londoners, but for people across the country.

Stage Electrics has been involved with the Marking Midnight project since 2004, commissioned by Jack Morton Worldwide and in partnership with revered lighting designer Durham Marenghi.

This year was no exception, as Stage Electrics started 2011 in style by lighting the London Eye as part of the spectacular Marking Midnight celebrations, broadcast live on BBC 1. An estimated half a million New Year revelers braved freezing conditions in the capital to see in the New Year lighting and fireworks extravaganza on the banks of the River Thames.

No access was allowed during public opening times, so Stage Electrics' crew could only work 20:00 to 02:00, with wireless tests and rehearsals taking place between 28 - 30 December in preparation for the large scale event. Therefore, the importance of installing lighting units into all 32 pods quickly and efficiently was paramount in the successful management of the event. Additional search lights were placed on eight floating pontoons each side of the Eye, which needed to be loaded at a dock downstream before being tugged into position before the event.

Despite the illumination of the London Eye having become an annual event, the stunning, vibrant colours casting out across the Thames never fail to draw gasps from the crowds who flock to enjoy the spectacular.