Project Showcase – Gladiators
Gladiators Launch Event at Bluewater – Delivered by ARC UK in Partnership with Ann Squared
When The BBC brought back its legendary show – Gladiators – they needed a promotional event that could match the energy and nostalgia of the iconic brand. Working alongside multi-faceted events specialists – Ann Squared, ARC UK was appointed to execute a rapid, full-scale visually impacting installation at Bluewater Shopping Centre – one of the UK’s busiest retail destinations. With just seven days from brief to de-rig, the project demanded a seamless, high-impact delivery, which is exactly what the ARC UK team delivered.
The Brief: A Bold Brand Takeover, Delivered at Speed
Ann Squared, the immediate client and lead production partner on the BBC Gladiators event, enlisted ARC UK to transform Bluewater into a branded Gladiators arena. The goal? To create a striking, immersive experience that would engage the public, encourage social sharing, and reflect the power and prestige of the Gladiators reboot – all within an incredibly tight timescale.
The Challenge: Tight Timeline, Complex Scope, Sustainability-First
Key Project Constraints Included
1-Week Turnaround
Just 7 days to complete site survey, artwork finalisation, full-scale print, installation, and de-rig.
Multi-Zone Branding
Coverage included external mall entrances, internal walkways, anchor store pillars, and a custom marquee.
Sustainability Mandate
Materials had to be PVC-free wherever possible, aligning with the BBC and Bluewater’s environmental commitments.
Public Safety & Aesthetic Standards
Installations had to be visually premium, structurally sound, and compliant with high-footfall retail safety regulations.
ARC UK’s Full-Service Delivery Model in Action
Working closely with Ann Squared’s production team, ARC UK leveraged its end-to-end capabilities – from concept refinement to post-event clearance – to deliver a flawless branding experience.
1. On-Site Survey & Design Liaison
On Day 1, ARC UK conducted a rapid-response site survey and collaborated directly with Ann Squared and the BBC’s creative stakeholders. Every asset was reviewed for fit, visibility, flow, and alignment with the Gladiators brand.
3. Installation & De-Rig
ARC UK’s install team deployed the entire set of graphics across internal and external zones in just one day (Day 6). The following day, the team returned for a sustainable de-rig, removing, reusing, or responsibly disposing of materials in accordance with both client and venue standards.
Timeline: One Week from Inception to Completion
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Site Survey & Final Brief (with Ann Squared) |
| Day 2 | Artwork Approval & Print Prep |
| Day 3–4 | High-Volume Digital Print & Fabrication |
| Day 6 | Full Installation of All Graphics |
| Day 6–7 | Event Live + Post-Event De-Rig |
A True Collaboration: ARC UK & Ann Squared
This project showcased not only ARC UK’s full-service capability, but also the power of strategic collaboration. By working closely with Ann Squared – a trusted creative production partner – we ensured every detail, deadline, and deliverable was met with precision and professionalism. Together, we created an event experience that brought the Gladiators brand to life at scale and speed.
Cross-Industry Impact
While this was a retail event activation, the project demonstrates ARC UK’s relevance across retail, corporate, events, education, construction, and public services. Whether it’s wayfinding, branding, or immersive environments, ARC UK adapts fast, executes flawlessly, and delivers with sustainability front and centre.
The ARC UK Advantage
End-to-End Delivery | Survey, design, print, install, and de-rig… all in-house
Sustainability-Led | PVC-free materials, reusable hardware, and eco-conscious disposal
Fast Turnaround, Zero Compromise | Speed meets quality, every time
One Supplier, All Sectors | Retail, events, education, commercial spaces, and more
