RPM helps Ashes fans get fired up

RPM, a marketing communications agency working on behalf of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), designed and produced the opening ceremony for this year’s first Investec Ashes Test match at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge today. RPM’s brief was to create on-pitch activation that captured the sense of occasion around player line-ups during the Series opening. To create an intense and memorable experience, RPM worked with the ECB to round-off the event with an exhilarating fly-by from the world famous Royal Air Force aerobatic team, the Red Arrows.

This climax was preceded by a spectacular pyrotechnics show along with a guard of honour, featuring the Coldstream Guards military band and opera singer Lesley Garrett leading the national anthems. In keeping with the ceremony’s patriotic theme, the pitch was dressed with a giant England flag and the St George’s cross was recreated through red carpets for player line-ups.

RPM is also directly engaging with cricket fans via TwelfthMan.  “TwelfthMan Live Roadshow” follows England’s home international fixtures throughout the summer and is tasked with recruiting new TwelfthMan members and reward existing ones.

Steve Elworthy, MD of Global Events and Marketing, said: “RPM has done a fantastic job of using the TwelfthMan roadshow to engage with fans at international matches. We have no doubt they will be able to capture this immense sense of anticipation – and more – throughout the international summer.’

Dom Robertson, managing director at RPM, said: “The Investec Ashes is one of the biggest sporting events of the year and so it’s crucial that our opening ceremony came alive in spectacular fashion. It is a real honour for us to be involved in a series which will captivate the nation.”