Wet but Wild - Vodacom's Summer Jam hits Durban

Working in close conjunction with organisers Event World, Barcode meticulously constructed two separate bar systems on Suncoast beach - one capable of efficiently dealing with the estimated 3500 people expected to visit the public arena over the two days, and another to suit the exclusive elegance of the VIP area. This saw the set up of two 6 metre bars with 10 bartenders in the public arena - situated under small Bedouin tents, brightly lit with the Vodacom colours and backed by Vodacom-branded light displays.

Rain on Friday night kept attendance in the public area lower than anticipated, which didn't discourage DJ Fresh, the Nestlé dancing girls and some of Durban's hottest fashion designers from delivering outstanding shows on the outside stage. Saturday, however, saw a classic Durban downpour that unfortunately rained out all chance of a party in the public arena. The VIP tent, on the other hand, just seemed to get hotter.

Barcode's two new white bars stood on either end of the giant VIP Bedouin tent - dramatically lit to complement the 5 metre air cones and bubble water features that formed part of the bar display. Cocktails based on Vodacom's colours were designed by the Barcode mixologists and offered to the special guests on tailor-made menus. Barcode waitresses moved among the crowd that included dancers, jugglers, models, and international football stars like Eric Cantona. As Watershed, Jamali, DJ Coco Loco and Roger Goode kept the party going till early hours of Sunday morning, Barcode's crew of 8 cocktail bartenders worked ceaselessly to keep glasses full and guests smiling.

"It was disappointing that weather kept us from opening the public bars," said Clyde Barendse, founding partner of Barcode, "but we appreciated the opportunity to display what we're capable of in the VIP area. This was a high-profile international event, and it was imperative that we found a balance between professional service and visual flair. And we're satisfied with the results. Our bar displays were dramatic and enhanced the look of the event while maximising exposure of our client's brand, and the positive attitude behind the bar was a winner with the crowd."