Auto Trader partnered with SpudBros to create a ticketed influencer event in Manchester designed to promote its vehicle valuation service to a younger audience.
The concept transformed a warehouse space into an immersive drive-through experience, guiding guests through a series of visually striking installations before ending with a live vehicle valuation demonstration. Designed to feel highly interactive and visually impactful, the experience focused on creating memorable moments throughout the journey.
Creating an Immersive Experience
Working alongside a returning agency partner, we were brought in to deliver the lighting design and help shape the visual identity of the activation.
Using a combination of immersive lighting, atmospheric effects, and custom-designed zones, the goal was to create an environment that felt cinematic, engaging, and cohesive from start to finish. Pre-production visuals and studio mock-ups helped the client fully visualise the concept ahead of the live build.
Despite tight timelines and budget adjustments during the planning process, the final event delivered exactly what the client wanted — a standout influencer experience that transformed the warehouse into a fully immersive environment for guests and content creators alike.
“You certainly delivered today in Manchester. Auto Trader is super pleased and over the moon with how everything looked, so a big thank you.”
Technical Delivery & Live Production
The technical setup centred around flexibility and speed of installation. Battery-powered Astera lighting fixtures were used throughout the track, allowing creative fixture placement without the limitations of cabling.
Lighting was programmed via GrandMA3 and triggered through CueCore playback systems, synchronising lighting and audio cues across the experience. The setup also included RCF audio systems, atmospheric haze, lasers, and truss structures to fully transform the warehouse environment.
One of the biggest challenges was the installation schedule, with the team given just eight hours to complete the build before the first vehicles arrived. To keep the project running smoothly, separate crews were assigned to the overnight installation and the live event operation, ensuring both teams stayed efficient throughout the long production schedule. Once the event finished, both crews came together to complete the get-out within a tight turnaround, helping deliver the project seamlessly from build through to breakdown.
The final result was a fully immersive activation where lighting tied every installation together, creating a visually impactful experience from start to finish.
To find out more about what we can deliver at YES, explore our Agency Production support here!
Watch the full behind-the-scenes build video below:
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